U.S. Warship Rescues Somalis

“USS Russell (DDG 59) responded to a vessel in distress between Bossasso, Somalia and the Yemeni coast in the Gulf of Aden June 8,” the Navy reports. Russell hosts the kickass The Destroyermen blog:

A Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 air asset notified Russell of the small boat’s distress call. Russell, operating nearby, proceeded at maximum speed and arrived on-scene to assist the vessel. (Earlier rescue pictured.)
The 45-foot small boat experienced serious engine problems leaving it unable to operate at sea and had been adrift for two days.
There were approximately 70 personnel on board the vessel, some of whom were in need of immediate medical attention. Seven personnel were transferred to Russell and treated for severe dehydration and malnutrition. The vessel was also re-provisioned for the night and Russell is towing it towards Somalia where the small boat and patients will be turned over to Somali authorities.

“Somali authorities”? That’s the only funny part of this incident — the idea that Russell is going to drop anchor off Somali and wait for someone representing the Somali government to show up. Guess nobody told Russell that there is no real Somali government.
(Photo: U.S. Navy)