The US Navy informed that one of its patrols rescued three fishermen on February 20, who were onboard a vessel which was adrift in the South Pacific for eight days.
The 19-foot skiff was first reported missing on February 12. The boat was carrying food and water, but no safety equipment or radios. The US Coast Guard Sector Guam searched for the vessel for several days before requesting assistance from the US Navy.
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The “Fighting Tigers” aircrew and maintenance team conducted a search and rescue (SAR) operation. The vessel was located after three hours and the aircrew deployed a UNI-PAC II Search and Rescue kit.
SAR kits are deployed at approximately 500 feet with a 150-yard trailing lanyard to deliver equipment to survivors in the water. Kits include medical supplies, food, water, communications and signaling equipment, but can include additional supplies depending on the mission type.
The three survivors were picked up by a nearby police vessel a few hours after being located by VP-8.
