Coastwatchers LEUT H. Josselyn, RANVR, and SBLT R. Firth, RANVR, rescued 165 survivors of the USS HELENA, (cruiser), sunk off Vella Lavella Island by Japanese destroyers, in a night engagement. The Coastwatchers cared for the sailors until they were taken off, despite the presence of an enemy garrison of 600 troops on the island.