"Seeing Our Chinese Navy Gives Us Hope!" — The Navy's Yangzhou Ship Successfully Rescues All 10 Fishermen from the Stricken Fishing Boat in 30 Minutes

On the evening of March 12, the Navy's Yangzhou ship returned home after completing its mission. Suddenly, a frantic distress call came through the very high frequency: “Zhepu Fishing Transport 88667, help! Help!”

The duty officer quickly reported the situation, and the navigation personnel focused on the radar screen, checking the AIS information to locate the distressed fishing vessel. Amidst the dense sea clutter, they quickly identified a small echo: “40 degrees to starboard, 4 nautical miles away, distressed fishing vessel detected!”

Yangzhou ship discovers the damaged fishing vessel

In the vast night, the distant fishing vessel was damaged and taking on water, precariously floating like a leaf on the water's surface. The short distance of four nautical miles felt incredibly long for the officers and soldiers, as well as the fishermen in peril. Every second that the ship arrived earlier meant one more chance of survival for the fishermen. With lives at stake, the captain decisively commanded the ship to approach at high speed, “Hard right rudder, two-thirds ahead, notify the entire ship, prepare for rescue!”

The officers and soldiers in the bridge closely monitored the radar screen, holding binoculars to observe the turbulent sea. “Rescue deployment! Rescue deployment!” At 22:30, the commander ordered the small boat to be lowered, and all crew members were fully prepared for the rescue mission.

Yangzhou ship officers and soldiers brave force 6 winds to launch the small boat for rescue

Two minutes later, the small boat was in the water, and the deputy captain accelerated towards the distressed fishing vessel. The wind in the area had reached force 6, with waves as high as 3 meters. The small boat, already of limited tonnage, rocked violently on the sea, and the incoming giant waves felt like walls. However, everyone held tightly to the handrails, focused on the front, knowing that nothing was more important than saving lives. Meanwhile, the ship's rescue team was preparing medical supplies to ensure the fishermen's safety.

Yangzhou ship officers and soldiers brave force 6 winds to launch the small boat for rescue

Upon reaching the vicinity of the distressed fishing vessel, the rescue officers seized the opportunity to assist. “This is the first time seeing our Chinese Navy, it feels like there is hope.” Upon seeing the officers and soldiers of the Yangzhou ship, the fishermen excitedly took off their jackets and waved them, continuously flashing their flashlights and desperately calling for help to the small boat. At this moment, the fishing vessel had lost power and electricity, with large amounts of seawater continuously flooding in, and thick smoke billowing out. The situation was extremely urgent, with the risk of capsizing at any moment.

Fishermen successfully rescued and boarding the warship

The deputy captain quickly organized forces to assist the personnel in distress and inquired in detail whether anyone had fallen overboard. After confirming that all personnel were rescued, he immediately organized the small boat to return. Looking back at the distressed fishing vessel, it was tilting more severely, and there was no longer a place to stand.

Fishermen rescued and boarding the warship

After a bumpy ride, the small boat safely returned to the ship. For the fishermen, still shaken from the ordeal, being on a Chinese warship allowed their tense nerves to relax slightly. However, due to the extremely low temperatures at night and the bone-chilling cold seawater, combined with the fact that some were only wearing light clothing, some of the rescued individuals were already shivering, mentally disoriented, and physically exhausted. The Yangzhou ship quickly organized military doctors to provide treatment, delivered warm clothing that had been prepared in advance, and the cooking team brought ginger soup and hot meals. The political officer provided psychological counseling to the frightened fishermen, helping them contact their families to report their safety. Once everything was arranged, the commander organized the ship to begin its return journey, taking the fishermen back to the land they longed for, back home.

Yangzhou ship officers and soldiers bandaging the fishermen's wounds

The next morning, the Yangzhou ship slowly entered the harbor and docked. The task force, in coordination with the Zhoushan City government and the fishermen's company, promptly transported them to the hospital. As of now, the fishermen are in good condition, emotionally stable, and have safely returned home.

Fishermen thank the officers and soldiers of the Yangzhou ship (Photo by Wei Chenping)

At the moment of parting, the rescued individuals looked at the ship with tears in their eyes, wanting to imprint its image in their hearts. They tightly held the hands of the Yangzhou ship officers and repeatedly expressed their gratitude: “We will always believe in the Chinese People's Liberation Army, thank you!”

Fishermen safely return to port and home (Photo by Wei Chenping)

This rescue operation, from the lowering of the small boat to the complete rescue on board, took about 30 minutes in total, rescuing 10 people in two batches, demonstrating the efficient emergency response capability of the Yangzhou ship's officers and soldiers: from detecting the danger to organizing the rescue, each link was closely connected; the lookout personnel were highly alert, the commander made decisive decisions, the rescue personnel operated skillfully, and the medical staff provided timely treatment... They snatched back the hope of life for the fishermen from the raging waves.

Fishermen safely return to port and home (Photo by Wei Chenping)

When the people are threatened, the People's Liberation Army always steps forward at the first moment, fulfilling its mission with practical actions. In response to the gratitude and praise, the officers and soldiers said, “Serving the people wholeheartedly is the fundamental purpose of the people's army, and we have an unshirkable responsibility.”

Authors: Tian Peiyu, Ding Feiyu, Zhou Mingquan, Xu Chen, Li Yiyang, Wei Chenping, Li Jinbiao, Li Xinyi, Gao Jiajie, Yang Lei, Ye Yujun, Yang Shuo