In February 1956 the United States submarine en route from Tahiti to Nuka Hiva in the Marquesas encountered the "MV Nasarada", under Capt Oto Orbeck, in distress several miles from Makatea at about 05:00hrs. The vessel had nine persons and six pigs on board. Unable to repair the engine, USS "Caiman" towed the "Nasarada" to Pearl Harbor, and subsequently requested permission to enter the harbor at Makatea. Permission was denied by the French. The submarine towed the "Nasarada" to the harbor entrance and proceeded on to the Marquesas.