NEW ORLEANS— The Coast Guard rescued five people Friday from a vessel that ran aground approximately 20 nautical miles southwest of Gulfport, Mississippi.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a distress call over VHF channel 16 at approximately 9:45 a.m. of a grounded vessel with five people aboard.
Watchstanders directed the launch of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans to assist the mariners.
The aircrew arrived on scene at 11 a.m. and first recovered three passengers. After dropping them off in Gulfport and refueling, the aircrew returned to the scene to recover the remaining two passengers and a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who stayed behind. All passengers were recovered in stable condition.
Hurricanes and tropical storms can be deadly, and the Coast Guard's ability to conduct rescues can be diminished or non-existent at the height of a storm. Boaters should be prepared, stay informed and heed storm warnings.
Members at Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans are preparing their assets to respond to Tropical Storm Barry, July 12, 2019. Photos by Petty Officer 3rd Class Alexandria Preston.
Petty Officer First Class Robert Granger, an aviation survival technician from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans, walks towards a MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter where Lt. Blake Labat conducts a pre-flight assessment on the helicopter, July 12, 2019.
Petty Officer First Class Deyon Langan preforming maintenance oh a MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter in preparation for Tropical Storm Barry, July 12, 2019.
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