WASHINGTON, D.C. (USTCNS) --- Two Cuban nationals were counting their lucky stars after USNS Bruce C. Heezen rescued them about 22 nautical miles off the coast of Cuba the morning of March 15.

"The men owe their lives to Chief Mate Andrew Petruska III. He saw an overturned boat with two men standing on it waving frantically for assistance approximately two miles off Heezen's beam," said Capt. Jerry D. Lucks.

The U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command's Heezen was en route from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to Pensacola, Fla., when Petruska spotted the two stranded men. Heezen made an immediate approach alongside the overturned boat to assist the anxious Cubans who did not speak much English.

Puerto Rican mariner Walter Garcia came to the rescue. Garcia is fluent in Spanish and was able to communicate with the weary yet relieved duo.

Each of the men were carrying Florida identification and said they were U.S. resident aliens. They left Miami, Fla., Sunday afternoon on a pleasure cruise which turned sour when their boat capsized the evening of March 14. They were stranded for about 13 hours before Heezen came along.

"They received hot meals at lunch and dinner," said Capt. Lucks. "The only treatment required was hot showers and rest. Their vital signs were normal and their body temperature was 96 degrees Fahrenheit."

Heezen coordinated with the U.S. Coast Guard to transfer the men to a USCG vessel. Heezen currently continues to operate off the southeast coast of the United States conducting post delivery mission demonstrations. (FROM MILITARY SEALIFT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).