Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

USS Bonhomme Richard assists in Korean Ferry Sewol search and rescue operations

On April 20, the Navy said that the Ferry Sewol search and rescue operation had been organized under close cooperation with the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard.

The ship arrived at the site on the night of the 16th and aircraft, V-22 Osprey and MH-60 Sea Hawk made a sortie to find any drifting victims, conducting a wide aerial searching around the accident area within a radius of 10 to 30 kilometers. 

It also prepares for logistics support to extend the time for operation sustainment, refueling a searching helicopter so it did not have to return to the land for fuel. It prepared for emergency medical support as well, using medical facilities equipped on a ship. It possesses 30 medical professionals including five naval surgeons, six operating rooms, and 18 beds for medical purposes.

This 45,600-ton class ship has 22 aircraft including MV-22, eight rubber boats (CRRC), and two RIBs (Rigid Inflatable Boat).

Meanwhile, a relevant official of the Korea-U.S. combined forces command said on April 20 that a salvage and rescue ship, Safeguard (T-ARS-50), where many salvage experts were on board was sent toward the site.

By Chul Hwan, Kim < droid001@dema.mil.kr >
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