By Pishtaz | 2025-02-20

US Navy and Coast Guard personnel rescued seven mariners in distress -- including five Iranians -- who had been forced to abandon their sinking vessel in Gulf waters, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on X February 18.

The merchant vessel Shayesteh was flying a Qatari flag, which is customary when in territorial waters, CENTCOM said. It had a seven-member crew comprised of Iranian and Indian nationals.

According to the CENTCOM press release the vessel issued a mayday call for help.

US Navy ship USS Devastator and US Coast Guard Cutter Clarence Sutphin Jr. came to the aid of the commercial vessel, rescuing its crew.

"The five Iranian and two Indian mariners are safely onboard USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. and are receiving follow on medical care," CENTCOM said.

The M/V Shayesteh has since sunk.

It is not the first time US forces have saved the lives of Iranian mariners.

On November 27, 2021, the US Navy rescued two Iranian seamen who had been adrift for eight days on a fishing boat in the Gulf of Oman.

USNS Charles Drew provided food, water and medical care to the crew and transported them to an Omani coast guard vessel sailing near Muscat.

"This is what we are trained and ready to do," US Navy Vice Adm. Brad Cooper said at the time. "As professional mariners, we have a responsibility to help people in need at sea."

The incident raised questions as to whereabouts of the Iranian navy.

Rescue at sea

The US Navy has rescued Iranian mariners in distress on numerous occasions.

On December 15, 2021, US Navy personnel rescued five injured Iranian mariners in the Gulf of Oman after an explosion erupted on their vessel.

The crew of patrol craft USS Sirocco observed the mariners in distress and "immediately rendered assistance while conducting a counter-narcotics patrol."

After rescuing the five-member crew, who had been injured in the explosion, US personnel seized the ship's cargo of illegal drugs.

On November 18, 2016, the USS Nitze came to the rescue of three Iranian fishermen, whose small vessel was stranded because of a dead battery. It supplied the fishermen with a new battery and a case of water.

And on November 29, 2016, two US warships deployed in support of maritime security operations came to the aid of six Iranian mariners in distress.

USS Monterey dispatched its helicopter to locate the vessel after receiving a distress call, while the USS Hopper sailors boarded the vessel.

On board, they found the six mariners were ill, provided the Iranian crew with medicine and departed after ensuring the crew was safe.