Written by
Logbook staff
An investigator aboard Coast Guard Waesche looks back toward the Coast Guard superstructure in the western Pacific Ocean, September 19. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Aidan Cooney)
The American Coast Guard Waesche (WMSL 751) arrived in Yokosuka, Japan today after fighting an engineering fire aboard a ship on September 20, while on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations .
Black smoke was reported at 5:18 p.m. local time on Sunday, and investigations revealed fires in the exhaust stack and surrounding spaces.
After 90 minutes of fire fighting, the fires were confirmed to be extinguished.
Five crew members reported minor injuries sustained during firefighting efforts and were treated by the on-board medical team.
The extent of the damage and the cause of the fire are currently under investigation. While at Fleet Forces Yokosuka, the cutter will undergo further inspection and possibly repairs.
“The rapid response and the courageous efforts of the crew members on board Waesche quickly containing and extinguishing the fire is a testament to the bravery and skill of this crew, ”said Captain Jason Ryan, Waeschethe commander of.
The cutter is under the tactical control of the U.S. 7th Fleet in routine presence operations in support of the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
