Coast Guard assists YMCA kayakers near San Juan Islands

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer David Mosley

SEATTLE— The Coast Guard assisted 11 kayakers from the YMCA Camp Orkila near the San Juan Islands Tuesday night.

A 45-foot motor lifeboat crew, from Coast Guard Station Bellingham pulled in the stranded group of camp counselors and transferred them back to a boat from the YMCA camp.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, from Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles was also on-scene. The kayakers took refuge in a cove at Little Sister Island when they were beset by weather with 15 knots winds and a small craft advisory.

The Coast Guard was notified at 4:56 p.m. and diverted the crews from a patrol.

The Coast Guard reminds the public to stay alert of their surroundings and pay attention to the weather and tides when venturing out on ocean trips.

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Coast Guard, partner agencies conduct search for teenage girl who fell off Pismo Beach Pier

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Akiyama (archive).

SAN PEDRO, Calif. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for a teenage girl who reportedly fell off the pier in Pismo Beach, Thursday evening.

The girl was reported to be wearing a pink or purple colored shirt and white pants.

Cal Fire personnel notified Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders at approximately 11:10 p.m., reporting a teenage girl who reportedly fell off the side of the Pismo Beach Pier.

Watchstanders launched a Coast Guard Station Morro Bay​ 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco Forward Operating Base Point Mugu MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, who arrived on-scene at approximately 12:30 a.m., Friday morning.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire, the Pismo Beach Police Department, Pismo Beach lifeguards, and a California Highway Patrol helicopter are also assisting with the search.

Anyone with information on this potential person in the water is encouraged to contact U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach at (310) 521-3801.

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Coast Guard rescues 3 from damaged fishing vessel near Sabine Pass, Texas

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescues three fishermen from a 74-foot shrimp boat 20 miles offshore from Sabine Pass, Texas, June 5, 2019. The fishermen activated their emergency position indicating radio beacon and abandoned ship to a liferaft after their vessel was reported to be struck by a possible tornado. U.S. Coast Guard photos by Lt. Brad Harbert.

HOUSTON - The Coast Guard rescued three fishermen after they abandoned ship from a shrimp boat approximately 20 miles offshore from Sabine Pass, Texas, Wednesday evening.

Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report from the owner of a 74-foot commercial shrimping vessel that three fishermen were in need of assistance after their vessel was struck by a possible tornado. The fishermen activated their emergency position indicating radio beacon and abandoned ship to a liferaft.

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was launched to assist. Once on scene, the aircrew hoisted the three fishermen from the liferaft and transported them to the air station at Ellington Field in Houston.

The vessel was last reported afloat with no signs of pollution. All three fishermen were reported in good condition.

Weather on scene was 10 to 15-foot seas with 46 mph winds.

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Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco Conducts Medevac

Coast Guard aircrew members from Air Station San Francisco hoist an injured man from an oil tanker off the coast of San Francisco, May 7, 2019. The man was reported in stable condition and safely transported to Stanford Medical Center. U.S. Coast Guard video.

SAN FRANCISCO — A Coast Guard helicopter crew medevaced a 28-year-old man who was injured aboard an oil tanker off the coast of San Francisco, Tuesday morning.

At approximately 2:20 p.m. Monday, Coast Guard watchstanders received an email from the crew of the oil tanker High Progress about a member who reportedly fell and suffered a neck injury.

Due to aircraft limitations, a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew could not immediately be dispatched to recover the injured man. Watchstanders monitored the man’s condition while the oil tanker continued its course towards San Francisco.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Akiyama (archive).

At approximately 4:20 a.m., the Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene approximately 65 miles off the coast of San Francisco, hoisted the man and transported him to Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto. 

“The quick reaction of the crew aboard High Progress to recognizing the severity of the injury was key in making this rescue successful,” said Lt. Andrew Bacon, Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 helicopter pilot. “Their professionalism helped us quickly get him off the ship."

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Coast Guard rescues 2 from vessel taking on water near Año Nuevo Island

A Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued two people from a 57-foot Chris-craft taking on water approximately 3 miles off of Año Nuevo Island, California, April 18, 2019. The Dolphin crew hoisted two people into the helicopter and had to make an emergency landing at a parking lot in Santa Cruz due to low fuel, where emergency medical services met the crew. (U.S. Coast Guard video)

SAN FRANCISCO​ —​ The Coast Guard rescued two people from a sinking boat approximately three miles off the coast of Año Nuevo State Park, Thursday.

The owner of the 57-foot Chris-craft, Never Say Never, contacted Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders at approximately 5:30 p.m., reporting that his boat was taking on water.

The command center watchstanders diverted a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and a Coast Guard Station Golden Gate 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew to the reported location of the boat.

The Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene approximately 10 minutes after they were notified, but had difficulty locating the Never Say Never through the dense fog.

The aircrew, using VHF channel 16 radio direction-finding equipment, was able to locate the Never Say Never.

The aircrew hoisted the two people aboard the Dolphin and departed en route to Watsonville airport. However, due to low fuel, the aircrew landed in the parking lot of the Sky View Flea Market in Santa Cruz, California.

Watchstanders coordinated with local police and emergency services to meet the aircrew as one of the survivors reported that they were experiencing chest pain.

Both rescued mariners​ were transferred to Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

“The most challenging part about this rescue was the dense fog offshore,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mike Dubinksy, the aircraft commander of the rescue helicopter. “This is a harsh reminder of the dangerous conditions we see this time of year near the coastlines. The sunshine can be very inviting, but the water is still very cold and the marine layer can surround you within minutes, making it very difficult to navigate back to shore.”

The Coast Guard reminds mariners that a VHF radio or an emergency position-indicating radio beacon are the best ways for mariners to communicate a distress to the Coast Guard.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jordan Akiyama (archive).

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Coast Guard rescues man from disabled sailboat near North Santee Bay

A Coast Guard Mh-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Facility Charleston rescues a man April 10, 2019, after his sailboat became disabled near North Santee Bay in Georgetown, South Carolina. The man was transported to Georgetown County Airport. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Facility Charleston)

CHARLESTON,​ S.C. — The Coast Guard rescued a man from a disabled sailboat Wednesday near North Santee Bay in Georgetown.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston​ Command Center watchstanders received a call at 3:11 p.m. from the operator of the Drippe, a 38-foot sailboat, stating he was disabled and drifting towards rocks.

A Coast Guard Station Georgetown 45-foot Response Boat-Medium​ crew and a​Coast Guard Air Facility Charleston​ MH-65 Dolphin helicopter​ crew launched to assist.​

The RB-M crew arrived on scene and were unable to reach the disabled vessel due to water depth. The Dolphin crew hoisted the man and transported him to Georgetown Airport.

No injuries were reported.

For more breaking news follow us on​ Twitter​ and​ Facebook.

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Coast Guard conducts search for missing person near Rockaway Beach

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jordan Akiyama.

SAN FRANCISCO —​ The Coast Guard, along with partner agencies, are searching for a 28-year-old man reported missing near Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, Tuesday.

Pacifica Police Department personnel notified Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders at approximately 4:30 a.m., of a man who was reportedly swept out by a rip current while swimming near the Lighthouse Hotel in Pacifica.

Sector San Francisco watchstanders deployed a Coast Guard Station Golden Gate 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew and a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to assist in the search.

The air station crew arrived on scene at approximately 5:10 a.m. and the Station Golden Gate crew arrived on scene at approximately 5:45 a.m. to search the area. The Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye, an 87-foot patrol boat, also joined the search at approximately 11:00 a.m.

Pacifica and San Mateo Police Department crews are also assisting in the search.

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Coast Guard medevacs 58 year-old man from an oil tanker near Galveston, Texas

An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew medevacs a 58 year-old man from an oil tanker 50 miles south of Galveston, Texas, Mar. 10, 2018. The captain of the ship requested a medevac after the crewmember had experienced heart attack-like symptoms. U.S. Coast Guard video.

HOUSTON​ — The Coast Guard medevaced a 58 year-old man from an oil tanker near Galveston, Texas, Sunday morning.​

Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received​ a call from the captain of the oil tanker Nobel requesting the medevac of a crewmember who was experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. The watchstanders consulted the duty flight surgeon who recommended a medevac.

An​ Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin aircrew was launched and a Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew was diverted to assist with communications coverage.​

The Air Station Houston aircrew arrived on scene and transported the crewmember to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at Scholes International Airport in Galveston.

The crewmember was last reported in stable condition.

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USS Blue Ridge conduct passenger transfer with U.S. Coast Guard

EAST CHINA SEA (Feb. 23, 2019) - A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter lands on the flight deck of U.S. 7th Fleet flagship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) during a joint passenger swap training operation between the Coast Guard and Blue Ridge. Blue Ridge is the oldest operational ship in the Navy and, as 7th Fleet command ship, actively works to foster relationships with allies and partners in the Indo-Asia Pacific Region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adam K. Thomas).

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Coast Guard ends search for overdue fisherman near Texas City, Texas

MH-65 Dolphin Air Station Houston ©Petty Officer 3rd Class Dustin R. Williams (archive)

HOUSTON​ —​ The Coast Guard ended its search Saturday for a 60 year-old-man who was reported overdue near Swan Lake in Texas City, Texas.

Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a report that a body was recovered matching the description of the missing fisherman.

"Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this loss," said Cmdr. Jordan Baldueza, search and rescue mission coordinator at Sector Houston-Galveston. "We greatly appreciate all of the support in the extensive search by our state and local partners."

Involved in the search were:​

• An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew
• A Station Galveston 29-foot Response Boat–Small crew
• Texas City Fire Department​
• Galveston Police Department
• Texas City Office of Emergency Management​
• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

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Coast Guard medevacs fisherman off Cape May, NJ

MH-65 Dolphin USCG Air Station Atlantic City ©Petty Officer 1st Class Jetta Disco (archive)

PHILADELPHIA​ -- The Coast Guard medevaced a fisherman reportedly suffering chest pains approximately 64-miles off Cape May New Jersey, Wednesday.

The Coast Guard was notified of the 61-year old man’s condition by the crew of the Joyce D via marine band radio.

An aircrew was dispatched aboard an MH-65 Dolphin​ rescue helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City.

Once on-scene, the aircrew hoisted the man aboard and brought him to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, where he was met with awaiting emergency medical services.

“Rescues in the maritime environment are inherently complex,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Charles Osenbach, a search and rescue watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia. “If you suspect there may be an urgent medical issue taking place, notify us when symptoms first start to get help to those who need it as quickly as possible.”

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Coast Guard suspends search for missing kayaker near San Luis Pass, Texas

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing kayaker near San Luis Pass, Texas, Friday evening. 

An extensive 41-hour search was conducted covering an area of 2,638 square miles.

Involved in the search were: 

• An Air Station Houston MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew
• A Station Freeport 45-foot Response Boat–Medium boat crew
• A Sector/Air Station Corpus Christi HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew
• The Coast Guard Cutter Beluga 
• Galveston Island Police Department 
• Galveston Island Beach Patrol 

"It's always an incredibly difficult decision to suspend a search," said Lt. Mike Hart, Sector Houston-Galveston command duty officer. "We have to consider all the factors involved in the case, and we never make the decision lightly. Our condolences go out to Mr. Ferguson's family and friends."

Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders received a call from the wife of the missing kayaker after he failed to contact her Wednesday. She also reported that Galveston Beach Patrol had found his truck locked, but without the kayak.

Anyone with information on the missing kayaker can contact the Sector Houston-Galveston Command Center at 281-464-4853. 

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Alameda-based Coast Guard cutter and crew return home for the holidays following 105-day Western Pacific Ocean deployment

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The crew aboard Coast Guard Cutter Munro returned to their homeport at Coast Guard Island on Dec. 24, following a 105-day, multi-mission deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean. 
The cutter, with an embarked MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and aircrew from Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, traveled over 17,000 nautical miles during their Western Pacific Living Marine Resources patrol. Munro’s law enforcement teams conducted 10 at-sea inspections of foreign flagged fishing vessels on the high seas to counter illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing practices in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission area. 

Under a newly signed bilateral agreement between the United States and Fiji, Munro became the first U.S. Coast Guard asset to embark a Fijian navy shiprider. 

The shiprider agreement, signed Nov. 12 by Michael Goldman, Charge d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Suva and Fiji’s Minister of Defense Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, allows Fijian officials to board United States’ assets and conduct law enforcement from them in Fiji’s territorial waters. The agreement allows both nations to pursue common causes such as fisheries protection.

Fisheries are an important renewable source of food and income to many Pacific nations and it is in both Fiji and the United States’ interests to protect those resources from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The agreement allows both nations to cooperate toward common goals and regional stability. 

Prior to arriving in Fiji, the cutter visited the Solomon Islands and held a rededication ceremony at a memorial to the cutter’s namesake, Signalman 1st Class Douglas Munro. Munro gave his life during the Battle of Guadalcanal and is the Coast Guard’s only Medal of Honor recipient. 

“The crew worked tirelessly to execute 10 fisheries boardings, 186 flight evolutions, and dozens of boat operations in support of fisheries enforcement, which demonstrates the importance of the U.S. Coast Guard’s presence in the Western Pacific,” said Munro’s commanding officer Capt. Jim Estramonte. 

“Munro’s successful deployment paves the way for future Coast Guard Oceania patrols. Having the opportunity to bring the cutter to Guadalcanal, a place of Coast Guard lore, made the patrol even more meaningful for the crew.” 

Munro is The Coast Guard’s sixth National Security Cutter, which are capable of executing multiple national security missions, including support to U.S. combatant commanders. These Legend Class cutters are 418-feet long, 54-feet wide, and have a 4,600 long-ton displacement. They have a top speed in excess of 28 knots, a range of 12,000 nautical miles, endurance of up to 90 days and can hold a crew of up to 142.

The Coast Guard is scheduled to commission its seventh National Security Cutter, the Coast Guard Cutter Kimball, in the coming months. Kimball will be homeported in Honolulu, HI and will enhance the Coast Guard’s presence throughout the Indo-Pacific. 

“As the Department of Homeland Security’s sole armed service, the Coast Guard’s unique authorities, capabilities, missions, and partnerships enable us to expertly engage in the Indo-Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Linda Fagan, The Coast Guard’s Pacific Area Commander. 

“Coast Guard Cutter Munro’s deployment demonstrates that security abroad equals security at home: enhancing our partners’ capabilities is a force multiplier in combating transnational criminal and terrorist organizations, deterring our adversaries, and protecting the United States’ interests.” 

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Alameda-based Coast Guard cutter and crew to return home for the holidays following 105-day Western Pacific Ocean deployment

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The crew aboard Coast Guard Cutter Munro are scheduled to return Monday to their homeport in Alameda after a 105-day, 17,000-nautical mile, multi-mission deployment to the Western Pacific Ocean.

The crew conducted a Western Pacific Living Marine Resources patrol during the 105-day deployment. Munro’s law enforcement teams conducted 10 at-sea inspections of foreign flagged fishing vessels on the high seas to counter illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing practices in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission area.

“The crew worked tirelessly to execute 10 fisheries boardings, 186 flight evolutions, and dozens of boat operations in support of fisheries enforcement which demonstrates U.S. presence in the Western Pacific,” said Munro’s commanding officer Capt. Jim Estramonte. “Munro’s successful deployment paves the way for future Coast Guard Oceania patrols. Having the opportunity to bring the cutter to Guadalcanal, a place of Coast Guard lore, made the patrol even more meaningful for the crew.”

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FOB Mugu Rescue of 83-year-old man

Video by Petty Officer 1st Class Mark Barney

A Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco Forward Operating Base Point Mugu crew medevaced an 83-year-old fisherman 70 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, December 8, 2018. The MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew hoisted the fisherman and transferred him to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley Returns to Port after Bearing Sea Patrol

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley returned to homeport in Kodiak, Alaska, Thursday, following a 66-day multi-mission patrol.

The Alex Haley spent the last two months patrolling the Bering Sea and the Aleutian chain. The crew conducted boarding evolutions on the Alaskan crabbing and fishing fleet, and responded to four separate search and rescue cases. 

During the Alex Haley’s patrol they conducted 25 fisheries boarding evolutions ensuring the safety of the crews, vessels, and the protection of the Bering Sea living-marine resources.

“Following a transfer season that saw a large crew turnover, this patrol provided quality training and operational opportunities across a broad spectrum of Coast Guard missions,” said Cmdr. Jon Kreischer, commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley. “We are returning from a highly productive winter season Bering Sea patrol, and I am pleased with the favorable search and rescue case outcomes because they will brighten the holiday season for those families involved.”

The Alex Haley is a 282-foot Medium Endurance Cutter with 100 personnel assigned aboard it. The cutter steamed more than 8,735 miles throughout the last two months, traveling as far west as Adak along the Aleutian chain and as far north as St. Lawrence Island. The crew’s time underway was in support of those who make their livelihood on the Bering Sea. The return to their homeport of Kodiak, Alaska, provides the cutter’s crew to be with their families and friends for the holiday season.

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Coast Guard, local partners rescue boater from disabled vessel near Charleston

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Coast Guard and local partners rescued one boater Thursday from a sailing vessel near Charleston.

The 27-foot sailing vessel "Hay Seed" became disabled and drifted into the Charleston Harbor south jetty.

A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew noticed flares while on patrol at 7:30 p.m. and diverted to investigate. Local agencies, including the Charleston Fire Department, arrived on scene but were unable to reach the vessel due to severe weather conditions. The Dolphin crew hoisted the boater and transported him to the Charleston Coast Guard Air Facility at approximately 9 p.m.

The boater was reported to be in good condition with no medical concerns.

The vessel is being monitored while the owner creates a salvage plan.

For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Coast Guard rescues 3 people and dog near Bayou Herron

MH-65 Dolphin ©USCG (archive)

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard rescued three people and a dog after a boat capsized near Bayou Herron, Mississippi, Friday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report at 11:32 p.m. Thursday of a capsized vessel with three people in the water as well as their dog in the vicinity of Bayou Herron.

Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew.

The helicopter crew arrived on scene, located the survivors and hoisted the three people and dog. The survivors were transported to Mobile Airport in reportedly good health.

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Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen crew rescues Good Samaritan following vessel capsizing off Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

The crew of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen with a survivor of a capsized vessel at the Luis Munoz Marin airport in San Juan Nov. 19, 2018, following his rescue by the Coast Guard aircrew off Point Picua in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued a Good Samaritan boater from the water Monday night, after his vessel ran aground, capsized and sank while rendering assistance to a disabled vessel just off Point Picua in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico.

"Having the right equipment accessible helped this case have a positive outcome," said Lt. Cmdr. Jim Cepa, Air Station Borinquen MH-65 Dolphin aircraft commander. "The gentlemen was wearing his life jacket, which greatly enhanced his survivability and likelihood of detection from our search assets. Our crew was fortunate to be able to help this gentlemen return to safety."

Coast Guard watchstanders in Sector San Juan received a call from a 911 emergency operator relaying a report from a source who claimed there seemed to be a disabled vessel near Point Picua and two red flares had been sighted coming from the vessel.

A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen and a Boat Station San Juan 45-foot Response Boat Medium responded to search for the reported distress and provide any needed rescue assistance.

The Coast Guard crews arrived on scene and reported there was a vessel that was just arriving to shore. The original reporting source, who remained at the scene, relayed that the vessel was the one originally reported to be disabled and that there was still a person in the water from a another vessel that had capsized.

The Coast Guard helicopter crew proceeded to conduct a shoreline search of the area and shortly thereafter located a man in the water waving his hands for assistance. The crew deployed their rescue swimmer via the aircraft’s hoist line, who was able to reach and secure the survivor to his rescue harness and hoist him safely onboard the aircraft.

Following the rescue, the survivor relayed to the Coast Guard aircrew that he had gone out aboard his 10-foot boat to render assistance by taking spare engine to a disabled vessel that had fired two flares. In the process, his vessel ran aground and was struck by a large wave that capsized the boat and forced him into the water until his rescue.

The Coast Guard aircrew transported the survivor to the Luis Munoz Marin Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where awaiting Emergency Medical Service personnel received him for further evaluation.

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