Coast Guard Locates Two Mariners After Over Four Days at Sea

The U.S. Coast Guard has wrapped up a four-day search and rescue operation, successfully locating a small boat named Lucky Harvest over 100 miles southwest of Guam. This mission kicked off when the vessel was reported overdue while en route from Alamagan Island too Saipan.

On May 13, local authorities in the northern Mariana Islands raised the alarm after Lucky Harvest failed to reach it’s destination on time.They quickly called in the USCG for assistance.

The cutter USCG Myrtle Hazard, already patrolling nearby waters, was redirected to an area about 38 miles northwest of Rota—thought to be where the boat last communicated. Initial reports hinted at some sporadic contact with Lucky Harvest, but as no signs emerged, search efforts ramped up substantially.

By Wednesday,additional support arrived in the form of a U.S. Navy Knighthawk helicopter and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft. These joined forces with USCG assets and local vessels from Saipan’s Department of Public Safety and also Lucky Harvest’s sister ship. A buoy was deployed to monitor ocean currents while attempts to reach out via radio and cellphone were unsuccessful.

The weather conditions included winds at around 15 knots and waves measuring between 5 to 7 feet—definitely not ideal for small craft navigation!

On Friday morning, May 16th, things took a turn when Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam picked up an emergency signal from Lucky Harvest’s beacon. The timing of when this distress call was activated remains unclear; however, it was noted that electrical issues plagued the vessel.

A mere three hours post-signal detection saw Navy helicopter crews spot the drifting boat—where two mariners had cleverly scrawled “SOS” on its roof for visibility.

The helicopter managed to hoist one mariner aboard safely while keeping an eye on their companion until Myrtle Hazard arrived on scene. The cutter then took both individuals aboard along with their disabled vessel back toward port.

Lucky for them! Both mariners are reported healthy after being rescued and are now sharing their experience with Coast Guard teams who are eager for more details about what transpired during those tense days at sea.