By Abdul Rahman Kamara
Five Sierra Leonean Local Fishermen were on 4th August 2026 Rescued by a Distant Water Fishing Vessel YUANYU 708 belonging to Ok Global Fisheries Company after their Dugout Canoe submerged into the Atlantic Ocean Open Waters. The Five Local Fishermen took off from Portie Wharf when they experienced Maritime danger in the Open Ocean of the Atlantic.
Captain Wang Pingchao of Yuanyu 708, strictly implemented the Twenty 24 Hour Lookout Duty System, during routine Sea Patrols, when he noticed a Local Small Fishing Boat continuously shaking its clothes as a clear distress signal. Highly alert to the unusual gesture, Captain Wang immediately decided to alter Course and Head towards the distressed vessel.
Upon approaching the scene at 9:00 am, the Captain confirmed that the Local Fishing Boat was almost entirely submerged and in imminent danger of capsizing completely. Five Local Fishermen were trapped on the half submerged vessel in an extremely critical situation exposed to low Temperature Seawater and continuous violent waves. The Survivors suffered rapid physical exhaustion.
Without effective Lifesaving equipment, they faced fatal risks of drowning and hypothermia, with their lives in severe danger.
Captain Wang immediately ordered a work stoppage, activated the Man Overboard emergency rescue plan and sounded the vessels emergency alarm. He promptly reported the emergency to the superior Maritime Command Center and the Sierra Leone Representative Office.
Zhang Ermin Representative of the Sierra Leone Representative Office issued an immediate Instruction to make every effort to rescue the Local Fishermen and fully guarantee their personal safety. Upon receiving the order all Crew Members quickly took up their Posts, divided tasks in an orderly manner and advanced search and rescue work in strict accordance with emergency response procedures.
However, the vessel maintained full Sea Lookout Broadcast real time rescue information via VHF Radio, monitored surrounding Maritime conditions and continuously updated the Representative Office on rescue progress to ensure standardized safe and efficient operations.
After the Five Survivors were safely brought on Board, the Crew immediately provided comprehensive First Aid and proper accommodation. They helped the Survivors wipe off Sea Water, offered Warm Clothing, Drinking Water and Food, and effectively relieved symptoms of hypothemia and physical exhaustion.
During the rescue Operation the Sierra Leone Representative Office made overall arrangement and coordinated the Port Transport Vessel, Changrong 3, to sail out with Medical Staff for on-site support, with fleet doctors and conducted a comprehensive preliminary Physical Examination for the rescued Local Fishermen and confirmed that all Five were in stable physical condition with no major injuries.
NOTE; HEADLINE- CROSS BORDER LIFE RESCUE ON THE OPEN OCEAN OK GLOBAL FISHERIES COMPANY VESSEL RESCUES FIVE LOCAL FISHERMEN FROM A SINKING FISHING BOAT