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| Iraq |
| Coast Guard Aids Iranian Fisherman |
| 2007-09-14 |
| 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 Iraq’s 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. Wrangell’s 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, Wrangell’s crew instructed the dhow’s 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. “It’s 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 |
| #3 I think it is fascinating. It seems to make clear that internal propaganda is not making itself 100% down to the blue collar, fisherman level ... and if people in the trenches like that think we can be counted on to do the right thing ... |
| Posted by: Beau 2007-09-14 23:06 |
| #2 Fascinating. |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2007-09-14 14:27 |
| #1 provided medical assistance to an ill Iranian fisherman the North Arabian Gulf According to my map, this took place in the northern part of the Gulf of Rumsfeld. Kinda far from home for the Coasties,eh? |
| Posted by: SteveS 2007-09-14 13:51 |