The Tribune

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force rescued four crew members from a sinking vessel in waters off the north coast of the capital on Wednesday night.

Shortly after receiving a distress call, the RBDF Harbour Patrol Unit's Safe Response Boat, coxswained by leading seaman Omara Miah discovered the disabled vessel at 8.40pm approximately two nautical miles northwest of Sandal's Cay. The four men were found on the stern of the partially submerged 70-foot catamaran.

Apart from being a little exhausted, the men - two Bahamians and two Americans - were in fair health and subsequently taken to the Harbour Patrol Unit where they were provided medical care. After conducting an initial investigation, the men were released.

During an official ceremony two weeks ago, a Safe Response Boat was handed over to the RBDF by the United States government.

This craft complemented the RBDF's existing fleet perfectly suited for harbour security, as well as inter-harbour and coastal patrol missions.