The Greek-owned, Liberian-flagged cargo ship M/V Tutor was attacked by an Iranian-backed Houthi unmanned surface ship while sailing in international waters in the southern Red Sea, on June 12. The attack caused severe flooding and damage to the engine room. One civilian sailor is still missing.
A helicopter from Helicopter Marine Squadron (HSM) 74 airlifted 24 civilian sailors from Tutor to the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Philippine Sea (CG 58). From there, helicopters from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 transferred the group to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). After being medically examined on the IKE, the sailors were airlifted to shore for aftercare.
“It is humbling to watch the strike group provide assistance and rescue the crew of M/V Tutor,” said Rear Adm. Mark Miguez, commander, IKECSG, Carrier Strike Group 2. “This is the right thing to do.”
“Despite these senseless attacks on innocent sailors doing their job, the Philippine Sea crew is always ready to help keep life at sea safe,” said Captain Stephen Liberty, commanding officer of the Philippine Sea.
On 13 June, an HSM-74 aircraft from the Philippine Sea medically evacuated a critically injured civilian seafarer from M/V Verbena to a nearby partner force ship for medical care. The Ukrainian-owned Verbena company, flying the Palau flag, was sailing in the Gulf of Aden when it was hit by two anti-ship cruise missiles launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen.
IKECSG operates in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime stability and security in the Middle East region.
