Lucky Harvest vessel located; two mariners rescued

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

The 47-foot vessel Lucky Harvest, carrying two mariners, has been rescued after being reported missing since departing Alamagan Island on May 12 en route to Saipan.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the vessel was found disabled and adrift west-southwest of Guam after the mariners activated their emergency beacon on May 16.

At approximately 6:30 a.m. on May 16, the Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam received a distress signal from the Lucky Harvest’s emergency beacon, pinpointing its location.

A U.S. Navy MH-60 Knighthawk helicopter crew from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25) arrived on scene around 9:30 a.m. and successfully hoisted one of the two mariners to safety.

A U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Barbers Point, Hawai’i, is currently overhead, monitoring the vessel and the remaining mariner.

The USCGC Myrtle Hazard (WPC 1139) is en route to the vessel’s location, with plans to bring the second mariner aboard and tow the Lucky Harvest to a safe harbor. The cause of the vessel’s disablement and its drift to this location remain under review, and U.S. Coast Guard personnel will discuss with the mariners to gather more details.

“We are relieved to have located the Lucky Harvest and to have one mariner safely rescued,” said Cmdr. Patton Epperson, search and rescue mission coordinator.

“Our focus now is on ensuring the safety of the second mariner and securing the vessel, and we’re deeply grateful for the swift response of our Navy partners and the ongoing support from all involved," he added.