A rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from the Norfolk-based guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) returns to a disabled sailboat after rescuing two Dutch crew members.

Atlantic Ocean (May. 22, 2006) A rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) from the Norfolk-based guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) returns to a disabled sailboat after rescuing two Dutch crew members. Vella Gulf's first boarding team inspected the boat and assessed it as unseaworthy. The boats master, not wanting the vessel to become a hazard to navigation, requested Vella Gulf's rescue team reboard the vessel, retrieve the boat's papers, some personal effects and gear, then remove the boat's bilge plugs allowing the vessel to sink in 2,000 fathoms of water. Vella Gulf responded to the distress call on May 22 after the sailboat had been adrift for three days in high seas. By the time Vella Gulf's boarding team reached the stricken sailboat, it had lost all of its sails, its engine was failing, and its bilge pumps were not keeping up with the water. U.S. Navy photo by Cryptologic Technician Maintenance 2nd Class Jason Heinen File# 060522-N-7949H-004