Seven mariners rescued in the Persian Gulf

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Seven United Arab Emirates seafarers spent two days adrift in a raft in rough Persian Gulf seas before being rescued by U.S. Navy ships.

Crewmembers from the carrier USS Harry S. Truman and the fast combat support ship Arctic recovered four Pakistani and three Indian mariners Sunday, The (Norfolk, Va.) Virginian-Pilot reported.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Bobby Northnagle, a Navy spokesman aboard the Truman, said the Arctic performed the rescue using two MH-60S helicopters. Once taken up to the helicopter, the mariners were flown to the Truman for medical treatment and given food and water.

"All are currently in good condition and awaiting transfer back to the United Arab Emirates," Northnagle said.

He said the vessel they had been aboard was carrying cargo from Dubai when it encountered rough seas and its keel broke.

"When the vessel started taking on too much water to remain afloat, the mariners abandoned ship into a life raft, where they remained for two days," Northnagle told the Virginian Pilot.