The USCGC Oliver Henry crew is currently towing the motor yacht Black Pearl 1, located approximately 200 nautical miles west of the Republic of Palau this past Liberation weekend after responding to a distress call.

"Our primary concern is the safety of everyone aboard the Black Pearl 1. The swift response and ongoing efforts by the crew of USCGC Oliver Henry exemplify our commitment to safeguarding lives at sea. We will continue to provide all necessary support to ensure the vessel and its crew reach safety," said Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the U.S. Coast Guard search and rescue mission coordinator for the case.

The 11-person yacht crew, who reported a locked rudder and flooding in the bilge, was assisted by Oliver Henry's crew with dewatering and damage control as they headed toward Palau. 

Their estimated time of arrival is around 33 hours. 

The cutter crew was on a routine patrol for Operation Rematau when they received the distress signal and immediately responded. The vessel is a 154-foot 497-ton Belize-flagged luxury yacht designed for dive excursions. 

They were reportedly en route to Cebu, Philippines, for maintenance.

They also identified the U.S.-flagged general cargo vessel SLNC York, 135 nautical miles away, and requested their assistance through the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue program. 

They diverted from their voyage and arrived on the scene at 12:30 a.m. on July 21. They made first contact with the yacht crew and relayed to Oliver Henry that the vessel had a steering issue but was not requesting assistance, attempting their repairs. All persons aboard were in good health, and the vessel had power.

"Search and rescue is the Coast Guard's no-fail mission, and our commitment to this responsibility is unwavering. Fast response cutters, like the USCGC Oliver Henry, are crucial in our ability to respond effectively to emergencies across this vast region. The AMVER system is another critical tool in our mission. Sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, AMVER is a global ship-reporting system that allows us to identify and divert participating ships to assist those in distress at sea without imposing additional obligations beyond international law. In an emergency like this, we are all partners," said Capt. Robert Kistner, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia.

U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia personnel, responsible for a 1.9 million square nautical miles search and rescue zone, continue to monitor the situation, ensuring the safety of life at sea for all. 

This incident underscores the Coast Guard's commitment to safeguarding maritime interests and security across the Blue Pacific, steadfastly dedicated to serving the nation and its partners.