US Navy destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) rescued three crewmembers from a burning civilian vessel in the Sea of Marmara on March 3.
The crew of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer carried out the search-and-rescue operation while the ship was conducting her southbound transit from the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.
Late Tuesday morning, lookouts onboard USS Ross spotted smoke plumes rising from a small vessel in the Sea of Marmara. Ross quickly deployed her small boat, outfitted with two search-and-rescue swimmers and one corpsman, to rescue distressed crewmembers and render assistance. US sailors were able to rescue three mariners. Additionally, Ross crew members recovered two deceased mariners.
The crewmembers were brought aboard and provided immediate medical attention. Ross coordinated with the Turkish Coast Guard to transfer the crewmembers ashore. A fleet of Turkish patrol craft guarded Ross from the surrounding traffic as Ross lowered all crewmembers onto a Turkish search-and-rescue craft to return them ashore for further medical attention.
“In accordance with international law of the sea and maritime custom, the US Navy assists mariners in distress, just as any other as any other mariner would,” said Cmdr. J. D. John, commanding officer of USS Ross.
