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2nd Quarter

April - June, 2004

 

Total Lives Rescued:  59

Total Rescue Incidents:  28 

DISTRESS - On April 04, 2004 at 0307 UTC, the Cospas - Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in position 70 03.3N 159 29.6W, 54 NM southeast of Wainwright, AK.  A hunter's snow machine broke down so he manually activated his PLB for assistance.  The hunter was picked up and transported back to Wainwright, AK.

1 SARSAT RESCUE

 

DISTRESS - On 14 April 2004, at 1519 UTC, the COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz signal in position 28 34.30N, 90 50.10W.  The operator of the F/V "MISS DIANNE I" manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB due to a medical emergency involving one of the crewmen aboard the vessel.  He made a MAYDAY call as well for assistance.  The Coast Guard District 8 RCC in New Orleans launched a HH-65 helicopter that located the vessel 80 NM southwest of New Orleans and transported the sick crewman to Terribone Parish Hospital in Louisiana. 

1 SARSAT RESCUE.

 

DISTRESS - On 16 April 2004 at 1702 UTC, the COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 distress signal in the vicinity of Christmas Island, Kiribati.  The crewmember of the cargo vessel "KIRIBATI SUN" manually activated 406 MHz EPIRB when the vessel became disabled and adrift.  The Coast Guard District 14 RCC in Honolulu, HI, contacted the master of the vessel, who was in port.  The vessel's master and its chief engineer went out, located the distressed vessel and towed it safely into port.  No SAR resources were used for this distress. 

1 SARSAT RESCUE

 

Distress - On 21 April 2004 at 0600 UTC, Coast Guard District 14 RCC received a call from the S/V Zorba that a person on board was suffering from a mild heart attack; they were unsure of their exact position.  CGD14 RCC instructed them to activate their 121.5 MHz EPIRB.  At 0632 UTC, SARSAT detected the signal and provided a position 24 NM off Oahu, HI.  The Coast Guard launched a C‑130 and two HH‑65s to the position.  The patient was hoisted aboard the helicopter and transported to the hospital.  A USCG 47ft MLB towed the vessel to Oahu, Hawaii. 

1 SARSAT Rescue.

 

Distress - On May 9, 2004, at 1544 UTC, the Cospas-SARSAT system detected a 121.5 MHz signal 575 NM north east of Bermuda.   Lantarea Rescue Coordination Center launched a C-130 which established communication with the one crewman on the S/V Fantasy.  As requested by the C-130, the A mver vessel the Hudson  picked up the one crewman. 

1 SARSAT RESCUE.  

 

DISTRESS - On 12 May 2004 at 1201 UTC, the COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 distress signal.  The owner/operator of the S/V "TAHIARII" manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB when his vessel became disabled 90 NM north of Panama.  The Coast Guard District 17 RCC in Juneau, AK contacted the vessel owner's son and were told his father left Cartagena, Colombia on 11 May enroute to Florida.  They passed the information to the Coast Guard District 7 RCC in Miami, FL.  The vessel owner's son later emailed the Coast Guard a message stating his father's sailing vessel was disabled and anchored near Cartagena.  CGD7 RCC notified the Panama National Maritime Service, who in turn dispatched a 82 foot patrol boat and diverted a nearby Colombian vessel and a P3 aircraft to the area.  The Panamanian Navy patrol boatarrived on scene, took the vessel owner aboard and took the S/V "TAHIARII" in tow.  The S/V “TAHIARII” was hit by a wave while being towed, it was swamped and sank.  The 406 MHz EPIRB was not recovered. 

1 SARSAT RESCUE.

 

DISTRESS - On 13 May 2004, at 2144 UTC, the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 121.5 MHz distress signal in position 65 34N, 151 06W, Ray Mountains, AK.  An Austrian National intending to float the Tozitna River was injured and activated his ELT for help.  AKRCC dispatched the CAP who located the signal and brought in an ANG helicopter for the medivac.  

1 SARSAT RESCUE

 

DISTRESS - On May 16, 2004 at 0509 UTC, the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in position 68 22N, 151 30.7W, 15 NM north of Anaktuvuk Pass, AK.  North Slope Borough SAR dispatched a ground team to the site; they located a hunter who was suffering from internal bleeding.  NSBSAR dispatched their Bell 214ST helicopter to the site and medivacd him toAnaktuvuk Pass, then to Fairbanks, Alaska. 

1 SARSAT RESCUE

 

DISTRESS - On the 18th of May 2004, at 0159z utc, the Cospas-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz signal near the San Clemente Island.  Pacific Rescue Coordination Center received a 406MHz alert for the vessel ‘Amber Marie' when it ran aground while the crew were swimming.  Coast Guard picked up the crew of two and transported them to San Diego, CA.  The owner reported that he will salvage the vessel.  Coast Guard are unable to board the vessel to turn off the EPIRB. 

2 SARSAT Rescues.

 

DISTRESS - On May 25, 2004 at 1028 UTC, the Cospas -Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB 390nm east of Mayport, FL.  CGD 07 made several attempts to contact the vessel via satellite phone with negative results.  They launched a C-130 which arrived on scene and located the vessel. The master of the vessel reported that the vessel had a disabled rudder.  The C-130 attempted to contact AMVER vessels with negative results.  CGD07 notified the AFRCC who reported that they could provide assistance.  The CG C-130 had to depart the scene prior to arrival of the AF assets.  A C-130 from Moody AFB relocated the vessel and an SH-60 from the 41st Rescue Squadron safely hoisted the one POB into the helicopter and taken to Mayport, Fl. 

1 SARSAT RESCUE

 

DISTRESS - On May 22, 2004 at 1641 UTC, the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz 30nm southeast of Montauk, NY.  F/V Ava Claire was sinking and all 3 people on board had abandoned the vessel.  CGD01 immediately dispatched a Jayhawk rescue helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod.  A rescue swimmer was deployed into the water, and assisted the three men one by one into the hoist basket.  Once everyone was safely inside the Jayhawk's cabin, they returned to Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. 

3 SARSAT RESCUES

 

DISTRESS - On 30 May 2004 at 0709 UTC, the COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 distress signal in position 27 57.8N, 83 56.9W, 60 NM west of Tampa, FL.  The operator of the F/V "SCOBY TWO" manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB when a crewman (a former stroke victim) complained of kidney and lower abdominal pains.  The Coast Guard District 7 RCC received a SARSAT alert and launched a HH-60 helicopter to the area.  The helicopter pilot arrived on scene and established communications with the vessel.  It was determined they were requesting a Medivac for the ailing crewman.  He was hoisted aboard the helicopter and transported to Tampa Bay General Hospital in Tampa, FL. 

1 SARSAT RESCUE

 

DISTRESS - On 30 May 2004, the Coast Guard Group Corpus Christi received a MAYDAY via VHF/FM CH-16 from the operator of the F/V "RODNEY & BOBBY" stating the vessel was disabled, then they lost comms with the vessel.  The operator of the distressed vessel  manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB to assist the Coast Guard in locating his vessel.  The Coast Guard obtained the vessel's position from the SARSAT alert and launched the USCGC "Steelhead" to position 27 33N, 96 20.8W.  The Coast Guard cutter located the F/V "RODNEY & BOBBY" anchored 40 NM east of Port Aransas, TX .  The vessel had lost power.  The USCGC "Steelhead" towed the disabled vessel into port. 

3 SARSAT RESCUES

 

DISTRESS - ON 3 JUNE 2004 AT 1229 UTC, THE COSPAS SARSAT SYSTEM DETECTED A 406 MHZ DISTRESS SIGNAL IN POSITION 29 04N, 089 35.6W, 12 NM NORTHWEST OF SOUTH WEST PASS, LA. RESPONDIG TO A CALL BY CGD8 RCC NEW ORLEANS, THE F/V 'THANH TAM' STATED THEIR FISHING NET WAS CAUGHT IN THE PROP AND THEY WERE DISABLED AND ANCHORED 12 NM NW OF SW PASS, LA.   CGD8 CALLED COMMERCIAL SALVAGE FOR ASSISTANCE; THE VESSEL WAS TOWED SAFELY INTO PORT. 

3 SARSAT RESCUES.

 

DISTRESS - On 04 June 2004 at 1753 UTC, the COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in position 19 18.5N, 154 58.3W in Kalapana, HI.  The operator of the F/V "LADY KOLINA" manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB when his vessel ran out of gas.  Coast Guard District 14 RCC in Honolulu, HI received a SARSAT alert and launched a C-130 fixed wing aircraft to the area.  The C-130 arrived on scene, located the distressed vessel and established radio comms to determine their status.  The pilot informed CGD14 RCC that the vessel was out of gas.  CGD14 RCC contacted the Hawaii Fire Department because they were closer to the vessel's location.  The Fire Department sent out a vessel with some gas and later determined the vessel had other problems.  The Fire Department vessel had to tow the F/V "LADY KOLINA" into port. 

3 SARSAT RESCUES.

 

Distress - On 07 June 2004 at 2326 UTC, the Cospas SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz signal 32 NM South of Southwest Pass, LA.  Coast Guard District Eight Rescue Coordination Centerreceived a 406 MHz signal near Southwest Pass, LA when a crew man on the vessel Addicted To activated the EPIRB as the vessel started taking on water.  A helicopter was diverted to recover the five crew members.  The EPIRB was recovered and secured. .

5 SARSAT Rescues.

 

Distress - On 08 June 2004 at 0904 UTC, the Cospas-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz signal 40 NM SE of Brownsville, TX. Coast Guard District Eight Rescue Coordination Center received a 406 MHz alert from the S/V >Prime Time= when the EPIRB was manually activated because the vessel lost its mast and rudder in a storm during a race.  They fixed their rudder and motor then ran out of gas going towards Port Isabel. Coast Guard Station South Padre Island dropped off some gas to a Mexican Navy ship at the border and the Mexican Navy Boat transferred to the disable vessel.  >Prime Time= is the new name of the vessel. 

5 SARSAT Rescues.

 

DISTRESS - On June 9, 2004 at 0043 UTC, the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB IN POSITION 28 32N, 94 15W, 50 NM SE of Galveston, Texas.  The vessel was disabled due to engine problems.  Coast Guard District 8 sent a helicopter which located the vessel, and then launched the CGC Heron.  An 87 foot coastal patrol boat towed the vessel into Galveston, Texas.

3 SARSAT Rescues.

 

DISTRESS - On 11 June 2004 at 1139 UTC, the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 45 NM east of St. Petersburg, FL.    Coast Guard District 7 launched a helicopter to the site and located the F/V Rubicon anchored and disabled with engine trouble.   The person on board refused help from the Coast Guard or commercial salvage.    The master did ask the Coast Guard to call some of his fishing friends and ask them to come out and help him;  the Coast Guard obliged.  

1 SARSAT rescue.

 

DISTRESS - On 12 June 2004 at 1900 UTC, Coast Guard Group San Francisco received a MAYDAY call on channel 16 from the owner/operator of the S/V "TINTINARA" stating his vessel was taking on water south of Point Sur, CA.  The owner/operator than manually activated their 406 MHz EPIRB to assist the Coast Guard in locating the vessel.  Coast Guard Group San Francisco launched a Station Monterey 47 foot MLB and a HH-65 helicopter from Air Station San Francisco to assist.  MSO/Group Los Angeles / Long Beach was notified and they launched a 47 foot MLB from StationMorro Bay.  An Air Station Los Angeles helicopter was transiting back to Los Angeles from San Francisco and was diverted to assist.  The helicopter from Air station San Francisco arrived on scene and lowered a rescue swimmer to the distressed vessel.  He assisted the crew in dewatering the vessel with pumps, but they were unable to control the flooding.   The 47 foot MLB from Station Monterey arrived on scene and recovered the 2 POBs from the distressed vessel and transported them safely to Morro Bay. 

2 SARSAT RESCUES.

           

DISTRESS - On 13 June 2004 at 1840 UTC, the Cospas-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in position 36 10.1N, 075 34.5W, 8 NM east of Oregon Inlet, NC.  Lantarea RescueCoordination Center diverted a helicopter to the scene where they located a person in a life raft; the person had abandoned the burning P/C ‘Absolute'.  The helicopter crew hoisted the person aboard. The P/C ‘Absolute' burned and sank. 

1 SARSAT Rescue.

 

DISTRESS - On the 13 June 2004 at 1013 UTC, the Cospas-SARSAT sdystem detected a 406 MHz distress signal in position 32 56.3N, 080 07.3W,  34NM east of Savannah, GA.  Coast Guard District 7 RCC Miami received registration information with the 406 MHz  alert message; the EPIRB is registered to the Boat U.S. Foundation EPIRB RENTAL PROGRAM and was on board the S/V 'Essayons' traveling from Amelia Island, FL to Mt. Siani, NY.    CGD 7 RCC launched an HH-65 helicopter to the site where they located the vessel taking on water.   CGD7 launched a second HH-65 helicopter to the site to deliver 2 de-watering pumps.  The helicopter arrived on scene, dropped the 2 pumps, and the vessel was able to get the flooding under control.   The crew of two and the vessel is being towed to port. 

2 SARSAT Rescues.

 

DISTRESS - On 19 Jun 2004 at 2139 UTC, the COSPAS-SARSAT system detected an unlocated 406 distress signal.  LANTAREA RCC in Portsmouth, VA received the SARSAT alert and used the 406 registration data to contact the brother of the owner of the F/V "FINZ UP".  He told the Coast Guard that his brother was underway fishing most likely 40 NM offshore of Cape May, NJ.  The Coast Guard Air station Atlantic City was notified and launched a HH-65B helicopter to search the area.  The helicopter located the F/V "FINZ UP" taking on water 35 NM southeast of Cape May, NJ.  A pump was dropped to the vessel to assist them in dewatering it.  The owner of the distressed vessel was able to get the flooding under control and requested a Sea Tow.  A nearby "good sam" vessel named "Dreamer" arrived on scene and removed two of the 4 POBs.  One remained aboard the vessel and requested the Coast Guard contact Sea Tow for him.  The F/V "FINZ UP" later confirmed they were underway to port escorted by the "good sam" vessel.  The Coast Guard assets stood down and returned to port. 

3 SARSAT RESCUES.

 

DISTRESS - On 24 June 2004 at 1038 UTC, Coast Guard Station Venice in Louisiana received a MAYDAY via VHF/FM CH-16 from the F/V "Miss Julie" relaying a message from the F/V "VICTORY" stating it was taking on water in position 29 05.3N, 089 02.3W.  The Coast Guard District 8 RCC in New Orleans was informed via phone and received a SARSAT alert minutes after the call.  They contacted and briefed  Coast Guard Station New Orleans who in turn launched a HH-65 helicopter, a 41 foot UTB and a 25 foot vessel to the area.  The helicopter arrived on scene and dropped a pump to the F/V "VICTORY".  The 25 foot Coast Guard vessel came alongside to assist in dewatering the distressed vessel.  Once the flooding was under control the 41 foot UTB escorted the F/V "VICTORY" safely into port. 

4 SARSAT RESCUES.

 

DISTRESS - On 25 June 2004 at 1910 UTC, the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in position 34 21N, 77 11W, 10NM SE of Emerald Isle, NC.  Ten minutes later, Atlantic Area Coast Guard, LANTAREA RCC in Portsmouth, VA received a MAYDAY via VHF/FM CH-16 from the master of the S/V "ENYA II".  The master stated she had been knocked unconscious, but now she was awake and disoriented.  She required assistance and had manually activated her 406 MHz EPIRB.  LANTAREA RCC diverted a C130 fixed wing aircraft, a USMC CH-46 helicopter, and launched a 27 foot small boat to the scene.  The C130 aircraft located the S/V "Enya II", and shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard 27 foot small boat arrived and deployed a rescue swimmer to the vessel. The master of the S/V "ENYA II"  complained of feeling dizzy and stated she could not recall getting knocked out.  The rescue swimmer and SAR corpsman agreed she should not try to continue sailing the vessel and decided to MEDIVAC her for medical attention.  The master was taken into port aboard the 27 foot small boat and transported to a hospital. 

1 SARSAT RESCUE.

 

DISTRESS - On June 27, 2004 at 0544 UTC, the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in position 34 40N, 070 00W,  270NM ESE of Cape Hatteras, N.C..  Lantarea RCC launched a C-130 fixed wing aircraft from Airstation Elizabeth City to investigate, and once on scene, the C-130 established communications with the S/V "Perfect Day" which was low on fuel with engine and sail problems.  Lantarea diverted the AMVER M/V "Gulf Grace" to assist and provide fuel.   The S/V was able to safely proceed on its way to Maryland. 

3 SARSAT RESCUES

 

Distress - On the 29th of June 2004, the Cospas-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz signal 910 NM Southeast of Hilo, HI.  Coast Guard District Fourteen received a 406 MHz alert for the S/V 'Tigeaa' when the EPIRB was manually activated due to steering problem.  A Coast Guard C-130 was launched and a nearby vessel, the 'Monte Rosio', was diverted on scene for assistance.  The vessel is safe and enroute to Hawaii. 

1 SARSAT Rescue.

 

DISTRESS - On 30 June 2004 at 0338 UTC, the COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 PLB distress signal in position 68 14.2N, 152 29W.  Mr Homer Makiana manually activated his 406 MHz PLB when he and three other people in a camping/fishing party got their Argos stuck in the mud in position 68 12.9N, 152 43.8W, 25 miles west of Anaktuvuk Pass in Alaska.  The Alaska State Troopers received a SARSAT alert and forwarded it to the North Slope Borough RCC.  The NSLOPE RCC launched a Bell 214ST helicopter to the area.  When the helicopter arrived on scene, they pulled the Argos from the mud and the four persons in the camping/fishing party continued on their way home.  The helicopter refueled and returned to base. 

4 SARSAT RESCUES.