8 rescued from distressed vessel near Saipan

The Department of Public Safety has confirmed the successful rescue of eight individuals aboard a distress vessel, identified as Rose 1, after it encountered mechanical issues approximately 27 miles northwest of Saipan. The incident unfolded last Tuesday, Sept. 3.

According to a press release from DPS, the U.S. Coast Guard in Guam received a distress signal from the vessel at about 4:11 PM. Responding to the call, the DPS Marine Patrol Section quickly launched its Impact vessel and made contact with the stranded boat at around 6:45pm.

According to the report, the group, who had initially launched from Smiling Cove Marina at 1am on Monday, Sept. 2, had reached Anatahan Island by 6:30am, where they spent the day fishing. However, on their return journey to Saipan, which began around 9:30am the following day, the vessel started experiencing mechanical problems. The situation escalated, prompting the captain to activate the radio distress signal at about 1pm.

MPS towed the vessel back to Smiling Cove Marina, where they safely arrived at 10:24pm. Fortunately, none of the eight occupants required medical attention.

Upon inspection, DPS officers found the vessel to be in full compliance with all boating laws and regulations.

DPS pix