The FSM government requested the United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue assistance in Pohnpei State for a local citizen reported missing on July 11 while fishing. The U.S. Coast Guard immediately responded on July 12, deploying a C-130 aircraft from Barbers Point, Oahu, Hawaii to assist in the SAR. In addition, the U.S. Coast Guard in Guam provided potential search patterns as a tool to assist the local authorities with the search.
The U.S. Coast Guard C-130 aircrew was housed overnight July 13 at Pohnpei State’s Medical Monitoring Area (MMA) in Dekehtik, near the airport. The C-130 conducted full potential aerial searches on July 13; however, due to the FSM government’s requirements, the C-130 conducted shorter aerial searches July 14 before flying to Guam.
The U.S. Government provided SAR assistance alongside the FSM Maritime Police, Pohnpei State Government, the Pohnpei Fishing Club, and the individual’s friends and family members. Under the obligations of the Compact of Free Association between the U.S. and the FSM, the U.S. Coast Guard responds to FSM’s requests for emergency assistance, such as a search and rescue operation.
For more information and photos, please see Pohnpei State’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PohnpeiStateGov/