Israel Navy Headquarters in Haifa received a call yesterday for help from an Egyptian cargo boat headed from Egypt to Lebanon. The boat, which met up with stormy weather about 50 kilometers west of Haifa, radioed for help and asked to anchor in Haifa's harbor. A special Israel Navy rescue boat was dispatched towards the ship, and, after identifying the boat and ensuring that it had no hostile intentions, towed the Egyptian boat to Haifa, where it remained until the weather cleared up. The seven Egyptian crewmembers on board the ship were reported to be in good health.
Today, again, Israeli Navy forces were called upon to rescue a ship in distress - this time a Turkish craft. The ship floundered some 20 kilometers off the Ashdod coast, and a Navy helicopter, a tugboat, and another ship in the area were dispatched to the site. The inclement weather hampered the rescue efforts, but the Turkish crew of 15 was finally rescued one by one aboard rafts. MDA ambulances waiting on shore took them to a hospital. The Turkish boat took on water and began sinking shortly afterwards.
Today, again, Israeli Navy forces were called upon to rescue a ship in distress - this time a Turkish craft. The ship floundered some 20 kilometers off the Ashdod coast, and a Navy helicopter, a tugboat, and another ship in the area were dispatched to the site. The inclement weather hampered the rescue efforts, but the Turkish crew of 15 was finally rescued one by one aboard rafts. MDA ambulances waiting on shore took them to a hospital. The Turkish boat took on water and began sinking shortly afterwards.