A naval “Wasp” patrol boat capsized about 1.5 kilometers (1 mile) from the Ashkelon coast on Monday 19 Shevat 5774. Five soldiers on board the vessel began swimming to shore. They were picked up by a Dabur patrol boat on the way. Other naval vessels were dispatched to recover the capsized boat. The cause of the incident is under investigation. B”H there were no injuries.
The Wasp has extensive maneuvering capabilities. The vessel is generally manned by 4 to 5 crew members, used to secure ports and transport divers. It is capable of intercepting targets and reaching objectives near beaches. It can travel at speeds up to 40 knots and it is armed with a large machinegun and anti diver bombs.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem / Photo: A Wasp as shown on the IDF Navy website)
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2 Responses
There is something that does not add up in this report, spcefically, that the crew of the capsized boat began to swim to shore, which was 1.5 miles away. First of all, one fundamental rule of maritime safety is for a crew of a capsized boat to remain with the boat. They are easier to spot and rescue, and the capsized boat – if it does not sink – can help the crew float. Second of all, on an Israeli military boat, there are surely several methods for communicating the need for rescue, and so it makes no sense for the crew to attempt to swim to shore.
nfgo3
Your first point is correct, the crew did not try to swim toward the shore but just a bit away from the craf in case it sank. They did put out mayday calls thereby allowing the nearby Dvorah class boat to respond quickly.
For the most part news services embellish stories regarding the Navy because Naval Ops are highly classified and the Navy does not generally release accurate info so as not to give away positions and planning.
My son serves on a Shaldag class Fast Attack Boat and is stationed at Ashdod Naval Base which is the Base this Wasp Class boat operated out of. BH everyone is fine, just a bit of hubbub at the base.