Twelve Saved from Sinking Freighter in Cuban Waters

By Eric Haun December 29, 2015

A helicopter rescues one of 12 crewmembers who abandoned ship in Cuban territorial seas December 26. Two USCG helicopter crews responded and subsequently rescued all 12 crewmembers from the sinking 120-foot coastal freighter. (Screenshot from USCG video)

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) rescued 12 people from a freighter vessel taking on water in Cuban territorial seas Saturday.

The rescue, performed by two USCG helicopter crews, saved one Jamaican, two Nicaraguan, one U.S., and eight Haitian crewmembers.

On Saturday, Coast Guard watchstanders were notified that the Haitian Flagged, 120-ft coastal freighter Granam ST Anne was taking on water in Cuban territorial seas, and ordered the launch of two helicopters.

Upon the Coast Guard’s arrival on scene, the freighter’s crew had already abandoned ship into a life raft. One helicopter crew hoisted nine of the crewmembers, and the other helicopter crew hoisted the remaining three. All 12 crew were transferred to Great Inagua, Bahamas with no reported medical concerns.