January - March, 1998
On March 19, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB signal 106 NM west of Martinique. The master fof the F/V STORMING NORMAN manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB due to steering problems. San Juan RCC launched a fixed wing aircraft which dropped a data marker buoy near the vessel to monitor its location while it is disabled and adrift. San Juan RCC contacted the owner of the vessel to arrange for a commercial aircraft to deliver and drop a new hydraulic pump to the disabled vessel. No further assistance was required by the SAN JUAN RCC, but they did continue to monitor the vessel's position until the hydraulic pump was dropped and the vessel was again underway. There were 6 people aboard the F/V STORMING NORMAN.
SIX SARSAT RESCUES.
On March 18, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 5 miles west of Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska. North Slope Borough SAR launched two ground crews on snowmachines to the alert site. They located an individual who's snowmachine had run out of gas. The individual was transported safely to Anaktuvuk Pass.
ONE SARSAT RESCUE
On March 17, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz PLB signal approximately 45 NM north of Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska. The PLB was manually activated when a snowmachine broke down on the Shishipuk River. North Slope Borough SAR launched a Bell-214 ST helicopter which transported him safely back to Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska.
ONE SARSAT RESCUE
On March 14, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal 3 NM off the coast of Nicaragua. The Power Trimaran REVOLUTION was taking on water. The South American Joint RCC passed the information to the Nicaraguan Navy who coordinated assistance through a fishing vessel in the area. The REVOLUTION was towed to the Port of Corinto, Nicaragua.
THREE SARSAT RESCUES.
On March 13, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal 50 NM southwest of Cape Fear, North Carolina. The F/V A DIFFERENT DRUMMER had become disabled and the EPIRB was manually activated. Coast Guard District 7 RCC launched an HH-65 helicopter and diverted the F/V CONFEDERATE to assist. The distressed vessel was towed to Southport, North Carolina.
TWO SARSAT RESCUES.
On March 12, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB signal 60 NM south of Marsh Island, Louisiana. The master of the F/V RIO FRIO manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB after the vessel began taking on water. Coast Guard District 8 RCC launched a fixed wing aircraft which located the vessel and dropped pumps for dewatering. They also diverted a nearby vessel, the MR. DAVID, to assist. The crew was unable to control the flooding on the vessel. The MR.DAVID arrived on scene and the 3 people aboard the RIO FRIO were taken safely into port.
THREE SARSAT RESCUES
On March 12, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 12 NM south of Freeport, Bahamas. Coast Guard District 7 RCC launched an HU-25 Falcon jet and located the disabled M/V BERNADETTE. Coast Guard District 7 RCC arranged for the vessel to be towed to safety.
SIX SARSAT RESCUES.
On March 6, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz PLB signal 17 NM south of Wainwright, Alaska. A hunter had manually activated his PLB when he became cold and disoriented during a blizzard. North Slope Borough Search and Rescue launched a helicopter to the scene which located and rescued the hunter.
ONE SARSAT RESCUE.
On March 4, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 15 miles east of Point Lay, Alaska. North Slope Borough Search and Resuce dispatched a helicopter to the reported position. Upon arriving on scene, they rescued one person who was stranded due to a disabled snow machine.
ONE SARSAT RESCUE
On March 1, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal 42 NM southwest of Freeport, Texas. The crew onboard the F/V BECKY ANN activated their EPIRB when they experienced engine trouble. The BECKY ANN was assisted by a commercial salvage vessel and towed back to Freeport, Texas.
FOUR SARSAT RESCUES
On February 24, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB signal 60 NM south of Grand Isle, Louisiana. The master of the F/V CAPT. ROBERTSON manually activated his EPIRB when the vessel became disabled. Coast Guard District 8 RCC dispatched an HU-25 Falcon jet to locate the vessel and also contacted an oil rig in the vicinity to determine the nature of the distress. Once the oil rig confirmed the CAPT. ROBERTSON was not in immediate distress, the Coast Guard Patrol Boat POINT SAL was sent to assist.
THREE SARSAT RESCUES
On February 23, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz PLB distress signal 30 NM south of Barrow, Alaska. North Slope Borough Search and Rescue launched a Bell 24 ST helicopter to the scene which located a disabled snow machine with two people aboard. The helicopter rescue team retreived the couple and transported them to safety.
TWO SARSAT RESCUES
On February 14, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB signal 25 NM southwest of Cape Fear, North Carolina. Coast Guard District 7 RCC sent an HH-65 helicopter to the scene which located the sailing vessel BONAIR. The vessel was disabled and the two people aboard were seasick. A 41 ft. Utility Boat was also dispatched and towed the vessel safely into port.
TWO SARSAT RESCUES.
On February 14, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB signal in the Yucatan Strait. Coast Guard District 7 RCC launched an HH-65 helicopter which located the S/V POUR LA LIBERTE disabled and taking on water. The one person on board was hoisted into the HH-65 and transferred to the Coast Guard Cutter VALIANT.
ONE SARSAT RESCUE.
On February 9, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 35 NM southeast of Matagorda, Texas. Coast Guard District 8 RCC launched an HH-65 helicopter to the scene and located the M/V RIG BENDER, which was disabled due to a cracked engine block. The Coast Guard Cutter PAPAW arrived on scene and took the disabled vessel in tow.
THREE SARSAT RESCUES.
On February 4, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal 220 NM south of Clearwater, Florida. Coast Guard District 7 RCC reported that the master of the F/V VILCO 4 activated his EPIRB when the vessel began sinking. The Coast Guard dispatched an HH-60 helicopter to the scene and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast. The F/V HALLEY MARIE responded to the call and recovered the three people in distress.
THREE SARSAT RESCUES.
On January 29, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in the Bering Sea. Coast Guard District 17 RCC reported they received an unlocated alert from Coast Guard Disrict 13 and then received information from the F/V COURAGEOUS. The 165 ft. F/V ISAFJORD lost its generator and all power, so they manually activated their 406 MHz EPIRB. They were also able to contact the F/V COURAGEOUS via hand held radio and give their position. The COURAGEOUS forwarded this information to the Coast Guard which then diverted one of their cutters and the F/V PAVLOV to the scene. The PAVLOV arrived first and towed the ISAFJORD in to Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
SEVEN SARSAT RESCUES.
On January 8, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB signal 17 NM southwest of Point au Fer, Louisiana. The master of the F/V MISS STEPHANIE initiated a mayday call via VHF informing the Coast Guard they were taking on water and were going to activate their 406 MHz EPIRB. Using the SARSAT coordinates, Coast Guard District 8 RCC launched an HH-65 Dolphin helicopter and the USCGC WHITE HOLLY to the area. The helicopter arrived on scene and hoisted four people to a nearby vessel. Two remaining people were taken to Grand Isle, Louisiana. The vessel sank soonafter.
SIX SARSAT RESCUES.
On January 8, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB signal 5 NM northeast of Galveston, Texas. The master of the F/V RICHARD II manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB when his vessel became disabled due to engine problems. Coast Guard District 8 RCC launched a helicopter and diverted the USCGC POINT SPENCER to the scene. The helicopter located the vessel and the POINT SPENCER towed it safely into port.
SIX SARSAT RESCUES.
On January 7, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB signal 18 NM southeast of Galveston, Texas. The master of the F/V NORTHERN STAR manually activated his 406 MHz EPIRB when his vessel became disabled due to engine problems. Coast Guard District 8 RCC launched an HH-65 helicopter from Air Station Houston. The helicopter arrived on scene and established communications with the disabled vessel Coast Guard Station Galveston arranged for the vessel SOA MAI to take parts out to the disabled vessel. The crew of the F/V NORTHERN STAR repaired their engine and continued into port being escorted by the SOA MAI.
SIX SARSAT RESCUES.
On January 5, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 51 NM south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The Mexican RCC stated they received a radio communication from the F/V DIAMONTE stating they were stranded due to fuel problems with the engine. The Mexican Navy used the Sarsat coordinates to locate the disabled vessel and then towed it to Manzanillo, Mexico.
TWO SARSAT RESCUES.
On January 3, 1998 the Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal 140 NM south of Haiti. Coast Guard District 7 RCC launched an HU-25 Falcon jet and diverted an AMVER vessel to the scene. The master of the S/V STEGOSAURUS had activated his EPIRB after the vessel became dismasted and had no electrical or mechanical power. The vessel had been caught in severe weather since December 31 and was taking on water. The Falcon jet located the STEGOSAURUS and dropped a radio to establish communications. The AMVER vessel, PROBO BANI, safely recovered the one person on board and left the abandoned vessel to sink.
ONE SARSAT RESCUE.