A total of 19 personnel fell overboard, when the small boat that they were in, became unbalanced and tipped as it was lifted to the hospital ship USNS Comfort, on December 12.
As a result, two sailors were injured, who were later treated aboard the hospital ship and have made full recoveries.
According to 4th Fleet spokesperson, Lewis Preddy, swells had reached a dangerous point, making transfer to Comfort difficult.
Therefore, lifting personnel on a small boat via crane was an adaptive measure used to adjust for the sea state. However, the small boat lost its balanced, throwing the people inside into the sea.
All of the individuals from the boat were recovered and returned to USNS Comfort. In addition, USNS Comfort paused the ship-to-shore operations, while determining a safe alternative to transfer personnel to Wharf de Jeremie.
As part its mission, USNS Comfort personnel planned to provide medical services, such as adult and pediatric care, dental practices and optometry.
The stop in Haiti was the final stop, and the overboard incident is being investigated aboard USNS Comfort.
