LUCILIA C

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New General assisted overdue fishing vessel off Panama

On Jan 6, 2014, the USCG vessel "Boutwell" relieved the crew of the "New General" that had initiated a distressed vessel report to the Coast Guard after being flagged down by the fishing vessel "El Apache" which had been reported overdue on its voyage approximately one week earlier. The "El Apache"'s crew was due to return to Panama City, Panama, on Dec. 28, but had suffered an engine casualty. The crew of the San Diego-based Coast Guard Cutter rescued the four fishermen after their disabled fishing vessel had been adrift off the coast of Panama for 14 days. The Coast Guard's 11th District Command Center, based in Alameda, Calif., notified the "Boutwell"'s crew of the reported drifting vessel early in the afternoon after the vessel was discovered approximately 100 nautical miles southwest of Panama. The fishermen were given fresh water and taken aboard the "Boutwell" while its engineers attempted to troubleshoot the "El Apache"'s engine casualty -- a faulty fuel pump. Repairs were unsuccessful, and the "Boutwell" took the "El Apache" in tow. When asked how they had survived, the fishermen replied that they had rationed their catch and even their bait. They had small portions of rice which they were able to cook on a gas stove and they collected rainwater from the recent squalls for drinking. While adrift, the fishermen constructed a sail using a tarp they had on board, and a log found floating in the water. The four fishermen were given food and water, clean clothes, showers, and phone calls home. The "El Apache" and her crew were transferred the following day to a Panamanian Coast Guard vessel operating south of David, Panama, where they could then be taken home to their families. Report with photos: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2064950/Coast-Guard-rescues-fishermen-adrift-at-sea-for-14-days#sthash.J3PbG8UD.dpuf