IAF Rescues Turkish Sailors From Sinking Cargo Ship
IDF Spokesperson 25 February 2003

At 4 P.M. on February 25, Israel Air Force Rescue Squad 669 received reports
of a sinking ship off the coast of Ashdod.

Yesterday afternoon, February 25, the Israel Air Force Rescue Squad 669
received reports of a sinking ship off the coast of Ashdod. The Turkish
cargo ship, the 'Kamal Okan' had been anchored outside Ashdod Port, but
drifted out to sea after meter high waves shattered the anchor chain.

After identifying the foundering 'Kamal Okan' and the ship's two life rafts,
IAF rescue helicopters lowered rescue teams to the vessels below. The teams
tied harnesses around each of the 10 Turkish seaman, who were then pulled up
to waiting helicopters and flown to Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot.

According to the rescue squad crew commander, the rescue mission lasted one
and a half hours.
IAF Rescues Turkish Sailors From Sinking Cargo Ship
At 4 P.M. on February 25, Israel Air Force Rescue Squad 669 received reports
of a sinking ship off the coast of Ashdod.

Yesterday afternoon, February 25, the Israel Air Force Rescue Squad 669
received reports of a sinking ship off the coast of Ashdod. The Turkish
cargo ship, the 'Kamal Okan' had been anchored outside Ashdod Port, but
drifted out to sea after meter high waves shattered the anchor chain.

After identifying the foundering 'Kamal Okan' and the ship's two life rafts,
IAF rescue helicopters lowered rescue teams to the vessels below. The teams
tied harnesses around each of the 10 Turkish seaman, who were then pulled up
to waiting helicopters and flown to Kaplan Hospital in Rehovot.

According to the rescue squad crew commander, the rescue mission lasted one
and a half hours.