The USNS Cesar Chavez conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the amphibious assault ship USS Essex in the Gulf of Oman in November 2021. (John McGovern/U.S. Navy)
A U.S. Navy cargo ship rang in the new year by rescuing three stranded fishermen from a disabled vessel in the South China Sea.
The dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez saved the three, later identified as citizens of the Philippines, after spotting them adrift aboard their fishing boat, the U.S. 7th Fleet said Friday in a news release.
The fishermen left an unspecified port on Dec. 27, but the following day they were left adrift after heavy seas flooded their engine. They survived the next four days on rationed food and water before the Cesar Chavez spotted them, according to the release.
A medical checkup on board the Cesar Chavez found the three in good health., according to 7th Fleet.
The United States ultimately coordinated with Philippine officials to return the fishermen.
“Professional and vigilant watch standing procedures enabled the crew to locate and recover the distressed fishermen quickly and safely. Cesar Chavez conducts routine logistics and resupply missions in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet,” the release stated.
A spokesperson for the U.S. 7th Fleet did not immediately respond to phone and email requests for comment.
The 689-foot Cesar Chavez, launched in May 2012, delivers ammunition, food, repair parts, stores and small quantities of fuel to customers at sea, according to the Navy.
