U.S. Coast Guard Assists in Bahrain Search and Rescue

The crew of the 110-ft. Coast Guard Cutter Wrangell is supporting rescue efforts of a vessel that capsized off the coast here. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet crews responded immediately on Thursday after learning that a vessel capsized in a Bahraini harbor, approximately one mile east of the Fifth Fleet's headquarters in Bahrain. Navy and Coast Guard vessels got underway from the Bahrain port to support Bahrain's rescue efforts. A Navy helicopter was launched, and another is standing by to assist the Government of Bahrain who has the lead on search and rescue efforts. In addition, 16 Navy divers were standing by. It is undetermined how the vessel capsized and how many passengers were on board at the time of the accident. The Wrangell is serving as part of the Coast Guard's Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. During Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom, the Coast Guard has participated in maritime interception operations, port security and defense operations, and coastal security patrols along with Navy and coalition naval forces, enforcing U.N. sanctions prior to hostilities, and preventing movement of Iraqi military forces and equipment during and following hostilities. Coast Guard forces continue to support both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.