[chris]

USCGC Oliver Henry (WPC 1140) is towing the motor yacht Black Pearl 1 after a distress call about 200 nautical miles west of the Republic of Palau on July 21, 2024.

The 11-person yacht crew reported a locked rudder and flooding in the bilge. Oliver Henry put a rescue and assistance team aboard to help with dewatering and damage control, and the tow is headed toward Palau with an estimated arrival time of 33 hours. Weather on scene was reported as 25 mph winds and 4 to 6-foot seas.

The Black Pearl 1 is a 154-foot, 497-ton, Belize-flagged luxury yacht designed for dive excursions. It was reportedly en route to Cebu, Philippines, for maintenance.

JRSC Guam received an Inmarsat C distress alert at 3:37 p.m. on July 20, relayed by JRCC Australia. Initial information did not include the nature of distress or a position, but watchstanders received an AIS position and diverted Oliver Henry, which was on a routine Operation Rematau patrol.

JRSC Guam also requested help from the U.S.-flagged general cargo vessel SLNC York through AMVER. SLNC York was 135 nautical miles away, diverted, and arrived at 12:30 a.m. on July 21. It made first contact with the yacht crew and reported to Oliver Henry that the yacht had a steering issue but was not requesting assistance while attempting repairs. All persons aboard were in good health, and the yacht had power.

Oliver Henry arrived at 6:12 a.m. on July 21 and found the rudder locked at 10 degrees, with the vessel taking on water. At 6:53 a.m., the cutter placed the assistance team aboard. JRSC Guam is coordinating with the vessel's management company in China and the Palau search and rescue liaison officer for additional support from Palau Maritime.