AYV News, September 30, 2026
Rescue marks second major operation involving YUANYU 708 in Sierra Leonean waters
A Sierra Leonean boat operator, Alie Turay, has been rescued after his boat submerged in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean, in what could have been a fatal maritime incident.
Turay was rescued on September 23, 2026, by the distant-water fishing vessel YUANYU 708, operated by OK Global Fisheries Company, after becoming separated from six other boat operators following the submerging of their chartered vessel.
According to Turay and fellow survivor Alpha Turay, the seven boat operators had been hired by the management of Sea Coach to transport boards to Guinea. They departed from Sea Coach and encountered serious maritime difficulties while navigating the open Atlantic.
Turay said that shortly after their departure, within the vicinity of the Sulima VFDs, their boat reportedly burst open, allowing water to enter the vessel. The situation was further aggravated by heavy waves and persistent rainfall, eventually causing the boat to submerge.
Faced with the emergency, the seven men attempted to keep themselves afloat by holding onto a pontoon, a floating object associated with the boat.
During the struggle to prevent the boat’s machinery from sinking, Turay said he was asked by his colleagues to dive and brace the machine. While carrying out the task, he was swept away by strong waves and became separated from the other six men.
Turay’s ordeal continued until he was spotted by the captain of the YUANYU 708, who was using binoculars while navigating the area.
The captain reportedly noticed an object on the water that appeared to be a person in distress. Turay was said to have been standing on top of a board and repeatedly waving his clothes in an apparent distress signal.
The captain immediately altered the vessel’s course and headed towards the object.
Upon reaching the area at about 5:00 a.m., the crew confirmed that the person was a stranded boat operator struggling against the powerful ocean waves.
The captain activated the vessel’s Man Overboard emergency rescue procedure, sounded the emergency alarm and ordered the crew to begin the rescue operation.
Turay was subsequently brought safely aboard the YUANYU 708. The emergency was also reported to the relevant maritime command authorities.
Following his rescue, Turay was assessed by medical personnel on board the fishing vessel and was reportedly suffering from severe physical exhaustion after spending time in the open sea.
The crew provided him with first aid and immediate care, including warm clothing, drinking water and food. He was also given accommodation aboard the vessel while recovering from the effects of prolonged exposure to seawater and the harsh conditions.
Speaking on the rescue operation, Musa Watfa, Deputy Operations Manager of OK Global Fisheries Company, said the successful rescue demonstrated the company’s humanitarian commitment to responding to people in distress at sea.
Watfa said the training of personnel aboard the YUANYU 708 enabled the crew to respond quickly, coordinate the rescue effectively and apply established emergency procedures under difficult conditions.
He added that modern rescue techniques, navigation systems and radio communication equipment aboard the vessel strengthen its operational readiness and help reduce response times during maritime emergencies.
The other six boat operators who remained on the floating pontoon were later rescued through the efforts of the management of Sea Coach.
They were reportedly taken to Sea Coach and subsequently handed over to the Maritime Police, according to information provided by the Acting Manager of the company.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by local boat operators and fishermen operating in the open waters, particularly during periods of heavy waves and adverse weather conditions.
The September rescue is the second major rescue operation involving the YUANYU 708 in Sierra Leonean waters in 2026.
On August 4, 2026, the same vessel reportedly rescued five Sierra Leonean local fishermen after their dugout canoe submerged in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean.
The five fishermen had departed from Portee Wharf when they encountered maritime danger at sea.
The two incidents have drawn attention to the role of vessels operating in Sierra Leone’s maritime space in responding to emergencies involving local fishermen and boat operators.
The rescue of Alie Turay and the earlier rescue of the five fishermen demonstrate the importance of effective maritime communication, emergency preparedness and rapid response in saving lives at sea.
