USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. Heroes Save Seven Stranded Mariners

In a commendable display of maritime rescue, Coastguardsmen responded to a distress signal from mariners in peril. Deploying a rigid-hull inflatable boat, they swiftly moved to assist the struggling vessel. Upon assessment, the team determined the boat was no longer seaworthy. Consequently, the mariners were safely transferred back to the Coastguardsmen’s ship. The operation received support from the vessel Devastator.

Thankfully, no mariners sustained injuries during the ordeal. “Providing assistance at sea to mariners in distress is a core Coast Guard mission,” stated Lt. Michael O’Dell, the commanding officer of the Clarence Sutphin, Jr. He emphasized the crew’s readiness and courage in handling the situation. “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this team,” he added.

Stationed at the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations, the Clarence Sutphin, Jr. conducts operations alongside the Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship Devastator. Together, they play a vital role in maintaining maritime security and stability across the Middle East.

The U.S. 5th Fleet’s jurisdiction spans approximately 2.5 million square miles of water, covering the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, and sections of the Indian Ocean. This vast region comprises 20 countries and includes strategic maritime passageways like the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal, and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb near Yemen.