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Coast Guard Aids Iranian Fisherman
NORTH ARABIAN GULF U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Wrangell (WPB 1332) provided medical assistance to an ill Iranian fisherman the North Arabian Gulf Aug. 24 while conducting Maritime Security Operations (MSO) as part of Combined Task Force 158. The task force is responsible for protecting Iraqs two oil terminals and training Iraqi naval forces to take over the mission in the future.The six-person crew of an Iranian-flagged fishing dhow indicated they needed help by approaching the Wrangell as the ship patrolled around the Khawar Al Amaya oil terminal. That should have made both parties quite nervous - the Wrangell crew out of concern this was another Cole incident and the Iranians out of concern they would be mistaken for another Cole incident (if they ever heard of it.) A crew member aboard the dhow was lying unconscious on the deck. Wrangells medic immediately administered first-aid by pumping oxygen into his lungs via a bag-valve mask and placing ice packs to cool his body. After providing as much assistance as possible, Wrangells crew instructed the dhows master to return to port as soon as possible for further medical attention. This is a great example of how the Iranian fisherman chose to seek help from the Coalition. I believe our presence is definitely appreciated out here, said, Capt. Paul Severs, commander of Combined Task Group 158.1. Its being recognized by local fisherman, regardless of nationality, that Coalition forces are here to not only provide maritime security in the region, but assist mariners in distress. Posted by: Glenmore 2007-09-14 |
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