BEIJING, May 5 -- The Chinese Navy's frigate Panzhihua, which was carrying out a combat readiness patrol mission inwaters at the mouth of the Pearl River, rescued 12 civilians who fell overboard on May 1.
Upon receiving the search and rescue order, the frigate Panzhihua (hull 621) launched an emergency rescue plan and maneuvered toward the target waters at high speed. In less than 20 minutes after arriving at the designated sea area, the first person trapped in the water was discovered. The sailors assigned to the frigate steered a rigid-hull inflatable boat(RHIB) and rescued the man after overcoming strong surges. Within less than an hour thereafter, the frigate successively rescued the other 11 civilians from drowning.
After all the civilians were rescued and got on board, military doctors conducted physical check and psychological conciliation for them, along with clothing and accommodation offered to help them recover physical strength as soon as possible.
"Thanks to our sailors, we have got a second chance at life. Thank you very much!" The rescued cried excitedly.
On the morning of May 2, the frigate Panzhihua docked at a nearby military port and handed over the rescued civilians to the local emergency administration agency.
