The U.S.-flagged merchant vessel Maersk Kinloss rescued three Iranian mariners Dec. 18.

The Maersk company informed NAVCENT of the rescue of the mariners, who had been stranded at sea for several weeks. This communication was enabled through the relationship between the commercial maritime industry and NAVCENT's Naval Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping (NCAGS) team.

The rescue is an example of professional mariners rendering assistance to others in distress at sea, a responsibility and mission that we in the U.S. Navy share and take very seriously.

The stranded mariners were transferred to the Omani coast guard, who are coordinating their return to Iran.

For additional information, contact Maersk Lines Ltd. in Norfolk, Virginia.