Multi-mission Coast Guard Icebreaker Assists Distressed 558-Foot Freighter

While transiting to their homeport here following a 254-day patrol, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy diverted to assist a distressed vessel approximately 520 miles northwest of Puget Sound, Wash.

Healy received notification from 13th Coast Guard District watchstanders, Friday, that the motor vessel Dry Beam, a 558-foot Singapore-flagged freighter with 23 persons aboard, lost a partial load of timber and became unstable in 70 mile-per-hour winds and 30-foot seas.

The Healy, 90 miles away, immediately diverted to provide assistance. While the Healy was enroute the crew of the Dry Beam was able to adjust their ballast tanks to improve stability and began making their way to their way to Victoria, Canada.

The Healy arrived on scene and provided an escort until relieved by the crew of the Canadian Coast Guard ship John P. Tully.

"From marine research in the Arctic, to breaking 800 miles of ice to get fuel to Nome, Alaska, to search and rescue in 30-foot seas, the crew superbly displayed the multi-mission capability of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy," said Rear Adm. Christopher Colvin, Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area.  "We ask a lot of our crews, and their families, and they all demonstrate excellence. This is our way."

Healy was on schedule to return to Seattle at  9 a.m. Sunday.

Source: United States Coast Guard