Navy Rescues 128 From a Raft In Mediterranean

MEDITERRANEAN SEA The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17)  U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker

 Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) rescued 128 persons in distress at sea in the central Mediterranean Oct. 16.

Our naval forces demonstrated their readiness capability today when they answered a distress call at the request of the Maltese government.

Navy sources indicate that the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio "rendered assistance...to persons in distress at sea in the central Mediterranean.

Reportedly:

"...Winds and seas were rocking the raft when it was spotted by a Maltese patrol aircraft. Shortly thereafter, the Maltese government contacted several ships in the area, as well as U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, and requested assistance in rescuing the distressed persons..."

A Navy statement says the San Antonio was about 60 nautical miles away when she was directed to assist, arriving on the scene at 6 p.m. local time, and went to work transferring 128 men between the ages of 20 and 30 from a raft, using two 11-man rigid hull inflatable boats.

 Vanguard of Freedom: More Red Clix HEADLINERS...