OPERATION SOUTHERN BREEZE
(7 January - 17 Juni 1991)
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Rescue in the Gulf of Aden (10 February 1991) |
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While patrolling the South Bab-EL-Mandeb area, the F910 receives an S.O.S on VHF channel 16. |
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Collision of Turkish ore tanker "EREGLI" with oil tanker "MENDANA SPIRIT" of the Bahamas. |
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The Wielingen --powered by gas turbine-- sails towards the crash location in the Gulf of Aden, along the |
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coasts of Yemen. |
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Alongside the "Mendana Spirit", which does not need assistance. |
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It has a prow starboard tear, not too serious. |
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The Wielingen sets course toward the "EREGLI". |
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The "EREGLI’s” bow is underwater. It is completely disabled and unsteerable. |
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VHF connection between our Commander and the Turkish Captain. |
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Two zodiacs are launched to rescue the shipwrecked men swimming in oiled water. |
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| We embark 20 shipwrecked men, who are directed towards the infirmary and the cafeteria. | |||||
Our Commander begs the last crew members still aboard to abandon ship. |
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Sad end for the "EREGLI," which has sunk to a depth of 32 meters. |
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| The zodiacs bring back 5 other shipwrecked men. | |||||
| Shipwreck statistics : 25 saved lives and 1 missing person, the Captain of the "EREGLI". It was the last | |||||
voyage of his career and --on this occasion-- he had asked his wife to accompany him. |
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| The "EREGLI" has sunk in Yemeni territorial waters (Yemen supports Saddam Hussein) and a fast partrol | |||||
| boat, type "OSA II" (Soviet model), of the Yemeni Navy comes to meet us. | |||||
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| On our way to Djibouti. | |||||
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| Arrival at Djibouti and disembarkation of the 25 shipwrecked men, who are then looked after by | |||||
the French Navy. |
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| Djibouti departure to return to our South Bab-EL-Mandeb patrol area. | |||||
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Photos © wielingen1991.org Source documents : Cruise log "OPERATION SOUTHERN BREEZE, F910 WIELINGEN" by Chief petty officer VAN OVERSTRAETEN J-Fr. |
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