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Eight Iranian fishermen rescued by an American aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea have been transferred to an Iranian ship.
The USS Harry S Truman spotted their burning vessel and found the Iranians floating in a raft nearby. The carrier dispatched two helicopters to rescue the men, brought them on board and gave them medical attention and dry clothing.
Lieutenant Walter Matthews, a spokesman for the Bahrain-based Fifth Fleet, says the fishermen were in 'good condition' and were transferred to the AKL Chiroo, an Iranian Navy Delvar class ship.
Speaking through a translator assigned to the Truman, the fishermen expressed their gratitude for the treatment they received while aboard the aircraft carrier. The translator also conveyed that the fisherman prayed for and blessed the pilots and medical team who had helped them.
"We were fortunate to be in a position where we were able to help our fellow mariners," said Rear Admiral Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Strike Group 10. "We are glad that we were able to help and deliver them safely to the Chiroo so that they can be reunited with their families and loved ones."
"One of our aircraft reported seeing a fire on the water," said Capt Steven Wieman, Truman's operations officer. "He proceeded inbound to check out the scene and confirm that it was a small vessel that was ablaze."
Two SH-60 helicopters were dispatched to offer assistance, and search and rescue swimmers dived into the water to rescue all of the vessel's crew members from their life-raft.
