US NAvy MH-60S File photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary DiPadova
APRA HARBOR, GUAM – Five Tinian hunters are home safe after being rescued in a joint effort by the Coast Guard and Navy, Monday.
Coast Guard Sector Guam Command Center received notification from The Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands Homeland Security, 9 a.m. local Guam time, requesting assistance in retrieving the stranded hunters off Goat Island, Tinian.
“This case illustrates the importance of our partnership with the Navy and the value of hoist capable helicopters to conduct missions in our operational area”, said Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Guerrero, command duty officer, Coast Guard Sector Guam Command Center. “The Coast Guard is always ready to serve and help our communities of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands.”
Sector Guam watchstanders coordinated with the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron-25, stationed at Anderson Air Force Base, Yigo, Guam, to conduct the rescue.
A Navy MH-60S helicopter air crew from HSC-25 arrived on scene at 11:45 a.m. and safely hoisted all five hunters and transported them to the Tinian Airport. No injuries were reported.
The five hunters were reportedly dropped off on Goat Island by boat August 25, and intended staying until August 27. Due to inclement weather and small craft advisory, a small-boat recovery was not possible.
