Amver bulker assists in search for missing tug

U.S. Coast Guard rescue authorities in Guam diverted the Amver participating bulk carrier Hebei Triumph after they received a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) for possible tug boat distress 154 miles northeast of Palau on Wednesday, February 11, 2015.

Rescue personnel in Guam coordinated with rescue authorities in Singapore as the EPIRB was also indicating it might be coming from the Singapore Straights near Batam Island. An Amver surface picture (SURPIC) was initiated and the Hong Kong flagged bulk carrier Hebei Triumph was located only 30 miles from the possible distress location near Palau. The captain of the 967-foot ship agreed to divert and search for any signs of distress.

Singapore rescue personnel were able to determine the EPIRB alert was accidental and notified Coast Guard officials in Guam. The Amver ship was released to continue on its voyage.

The Hebei Triumph, managed by North China Shipping Holdings Co, enrolled in Amver on July 15, 2012.

Photo credit: marinetraffic.com