Nine Crew Members Rescued From the Canadian Tall Ship Liana's Ransom

BOSTON — Coast Guard search and rescue crews from Station Gloucester, Air Station Cape Cod and the Coast Guard Cutter Ocracoke rescued nine crewmembers from the Canadian tall ship Liana's Ransom 58 miles east of Gloucester, Monday.
Watchstanders at the Sector Boston Command Center received notification at 12:35 a.m. that the vessel's engines were disabled and its sails were wrapped around the mast.
As the weather deteriorated, and seas reached nearly 10 feet, Sector Boston launched two 47-foot motor lifeboat crews from Station Gloucester to tow the vessel back to Gloucester. Once on scene, the boat crews connected the tow, but the rough sea conditions caused the tow line to break.
The motor lifeboats crews directed the crew of Liana's Ransom to don immersion suits and to prepare to abandon ship about 30 miles east of Gloucester and a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod was diverted to assist.
The nine passengers were transferred from Liana's Ransom to the Coast Guard motor lifeboats. One man suffered a head injury when leaping from Liana's Ransom and was airlifted to Massachusetts General Hospital by the Jayhawk helicopter crew.
The Station Gloucester crews returned to the station with the eight remaining crewmembers. A locator beacon was left on Liana's Ransom for tracking and the Coast Guard Cutter Ocracoke is en-route to evaluate towing the vessel to port.
"It was fortunate for the crew of the vessel that the owner reached out to us," said Jay Woodhead, the command duty officer at Sector Boston's Command Center. He said with winds gusting to 30 knots, it was unsafe for them to stay aboard.

USS Bataan Rescues 282 Persons in Distress

By Lt. Patricia Kreuzberger, Amphibious Squadron 6 Public Affairs

MEDITTERANEAN SEA (NNS) -- The multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) transferred 277 persons in distress to the Armed Forces of Malta offshore patrol vessel P61, and another five persons were medically evacuated to Malta, June 7.

Bataan and USS Elrod (FFG 55) rendered assistance June 6 to persons in distress at sea in the Mediterranean after receiving a report of a sinking small vessel. Bataan provided food, water, medical attention and temporary shelter. 

Elrod and Bataan received a report from an Italian military marine patrol aircraft that sighted six small vessels, one of which was sinking, at approximately 3 p.m., June 6.

Bataan launched two Search and Rescue (SAR) MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters to investigate. Once on scene, Bataan's SAR helicopters confirmed a small vessel was sinking. The SAR helicopters then deployed the SAR swimmers to start extracting persons from the water. Elrod deployed their 7-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB); Bataan deployed their 11-meter Captain's Gig and 7-meter RHIB to assist. 282 persons were recovered and brought on board Bataan. 

Bataan, with elements of 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to augment U.S. Crisis Response forces in the region. 

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Bonhomme Richard Assists in Korean Search and Rescue Efforts

SEOUL, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) is engaged in search and rescue operations, April 17, near the site of Korean passenger ship Sewol that sank near the island of Jindo off the southwestern coast of the Republic of Korea.

The Bonhomme Richard has been assigned a search area five to 15 nautical miles from the shipwreck site. Two MH-60 Seahawk helicopters from the ship are conducting search and rescue operations within the assigned search area. 

Additionally, the U.S. and Republic of Korea navies will exchange liaison officers to facilitate communications for the search operations.

"Our partners in the Republic of Korea coast guard and navy have the lead during this operation and the South Korean responders have been very efficient with their efforts," said Capt. Joey "JT" Tynch, commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard. "We remain ready to offer whatever help is required. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the passengers and crew of Sewol and their families."

The Korean passenger ship Sewol had more than 450 people embarked and was traveling from Incheon, South Korea to Jeju island at the time of the incident on the morning of April 16. Bonhomme Richard was on a routine patrol in international waters west of the Korean peninsula at the time of the incident. 

"When we were alerted to the accident, we immediately diverted to the scene to render assistance," said Capt. Heidi C. Agle, commodore of U.S. Amphibious Squadron 11. "However, the efficiency of the Korean response eclipsed the immediate need for our assets. We will provide support as requested by the Korean on-scene commander."

Bonhomme Richard is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. With its embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit, Bonhomme Richard is capable of both combat and humanitarian operations. The ship's primary mission is to embark, deploy and land elements of a Marine Landing Force in amphibious assault operations by helicopter, landing craft, amphibious vehicle or any combination of these methods. 

Bonhomme Richard is also equipped with MV-22 Osprey tilt rotor aircraft, MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and small boats with the capability of conducting search and rescue operations. The U.S. 7th Fleet will continue to provide assistance to the search and rescue operation as requested by Republic of Korea rescue authorities.

USS Vandegrift Returns to San Diego following Rescue at Sea

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided missile frigate USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) arrived at Naval Base San Diego April 9 following the rescue of a family with a sick infant on a disabled sailboat approximately 1,300 miles south of San Diego.

The rescue at sea was a joint-interagency rescue effort involving Navy, Coast Guard and California Air National Guard personnel that started April 3 after the Coast Guard received a distress call from the sailing vessel, Rebel Heart, requesting assistance for a sick one-year old child.

"As a Navy warship we prepare for all types of contingencies and several different missions. I will say that my crew was able to turn on a dime to complete the exercise that we were doing and then get ready for a real life rescue mission," said Lt. Cmdr. Daryl Robbin, executive officer of Vandegrift.

Following the distress call, the U.S. Coast Guard requested assistance from the California Air National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing, stationed at Moffet Field, Calif. and the Navy. The 129th Rescue Wing launched an Air Force MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft and four pararescuemen who arrived on scene and rendered medical assistance. U.S. 3rd Fleet directed Vandegrift, which was conducting routine operations off the coast off San Diego, to render assistance to the distressed vessel.

"It was a little bit tough since we are rolling into a deployment soon, everyone knew it was a real situation and we came together for that," said Lt.j.g Chris Cheezem, boat officer during the rescue. "It was great job satisfaction to have been put through drills inspections and then to be able to use it in a real world rescue mission."

Vandegrift arrived on scene April 6 and brought the family and four pararescuemen aboard using the ship's 7-meter rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB). 

"We would like to express how grateful we are to the men and women of the Coast Guard, California Air National Guard and Navy who rescued our family, especially the pararescuemen and crew of USS Vandegrift," said Eric and Charlotte Kaufman, family rescued from sailing vessel Rebel Heart. 

Prior to mooring at Naval Base San Diego, the ship made a previously scheduled stop at Naval Air Station North Island to load ordnance. The family disembarked at that time to proceed to their family physician. 

"The Vandegrift was in the right place at the right time and we were happy to help," said Cmdr. Luis Alva, commanding officer of Vandegrift. 

Joint, interagency and international relationships strengthen 3rd Fleet's ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interest of the U.S. and its allies and partners.

Coast Guard Cutter Crew Rescues Dog Stranded On Ice

Crew members assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay assist a dog they found stranded on the ice of Lake St. Clair, March 4, 2014. The crew transported the dog to the ship and hoisted it aboard, where it was provided food and first aid before being transferred to an area animal shelter for further care. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy Cutter Bristol Bay)

Crew members assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Bristol Bay hoist aboard the ship a dog they found stranded on the ice of Lake St. Clair, March 4, 2014. The dog was taken inside the ship, where it was provided food and first aid before being transferred to an area animal shelter for further care. (U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy Cutter Bristol Bay)

Coast Guard Aircrew Rescues 3 Near Big Sur

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Air Station San Francisco rescued two boaters and a 12-year-old from their disabled and sinking 32-foot vessel approximately two miles off Big Sur, Calif., Tuesday afternoon.

The Coast Guard Sector San Francisco command center received a distress call from the vessel's passengers stating they had become disabled and were taking on water from the 10- to 15-foot seas. The rescue aircrew was immediately deployed, but once on scene difficulties in the rescue arose due to the vessel's rigging and snag hazards.

To successfully conduct the rescue, the aircrew lowered their rescue swimmer attached to the aircraft's hoist cable and directed the survivors to enter the water one at a time.  The aircrew then recovered each person into the aircraft. The survivors were brought to
awaiting emergency medical technicians at Monterey Regional Airport in Monterey, Calif., where they were reported to be in stable condition.

"The captain of the vessel had the right equipment onboard and was well prepared," said Lt. Cmdr. Dave Smith, the rescue helicopter pilot. "He had a handheld radio and flares and did the right thing by calling the Coast Guard as soon as he realized he was having a problem."

USS Halyburton Assists in Rescue of Panamanian Crashed Helicopter

CARIBBEAN SEA (NNS) -- A Panamanian helicopter crashed killing one and injuring eight while working together with USS Halyburton (FFG 40) conducting operations in support of Operation Martillo in the 4th Fleet area of operations, Feb. 6.

The names of the victims will not be released until after notification of the next of kin and released by the Panamanian authorities. There were no U.S. service members or personnel hurt in this incident.

The Panamanian helicopter, a Bell 412, had arrived in the vicinity of the beached small craft and assumed monitoring activities from the U.S. helicopter when it crashed with nine people onboard.

The Halyburton, a guided-missile frigate, immediately assumed the role of search and rescue on-scene commander. While Cutlass 466, the MH-60R attached to the Halyburton from Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46, returned to the area to begin search and rescue operations.

Halyburton's helicopter Cutlass 466 transported six of the wounded to a hospital in Panama, while Panamanian forces rescued and are transporting the other two survivors.

Halyburton is currently deployed in the Caribbean Sea conducting counter illicit trafficking operations in support of Operation Martillo.

Operation Martillo targets illicit trafficking routes in coastal waters along the Central American isthmus, and is an international, interagency operation which includes the participation of 14 countries committed to a regional approach against transnational criminal organizations moving illicit cargo.

This deployment is Halyburton's last deployment in her 30-year career, as she is scheduled to decommission later this year. Her keel was laid Sept. 26, 1980 and she was commissioned Jan. 7, 1984. She is named for Petty Officer 2nd Class William David Halyburton, a pharmacist's mate, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism, May 10, 1945, while serving with the Marine Rifle Company, Second Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division on Okinawa.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet supports U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

USS Spruance Rescues Mariner

SINGAPORE STRAIT (NNS) -- Sailors from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) rescued a Filipino mariner, Jan. 18, who had fallen overboard from his vessel while transiting the Singapore Strait.

At approximately 7:25 am (local) Spruance received a distress call from Malaysian-flagged motor vessel Pantagruel regarding a crewmember going overboard. Spruance quickly launched its rigid-hull-inflatable boat (RHIB) into the water to locate the mariner. Sailors on board the RHIB were able to recover the mariner and assessed that he was in stable condition. The mariner was then transferred to a Singapore Police Coast Guard vessel.

"The boat crew did an excellent job reacting to a stressful situation," said Lt. j.g. Katherine Miyamasu, Spruance's boat officer. "[Boatswain's Mate First Class] Jesus Hernandez spotted the man from the RHIB and everyone else sprang into action. It was a great day to be in the Navy." 

"I'm very proud of my crew for their quick reaction and professionalism," said Cmdr. Dan Cobian, Spruance commanding officer. "We consistently train for these situations in order to always be prepared to render assistance on the high seas."

Spruance departed its homeport of San Diego Oct. 16, 2013, and is deployed to the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

Good Samaritan and Coast Guard Work Together To Rescue Two Men And A Dog Aboard A Boat Fire

Crewmembers aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Nantucket attempt to extinguish a fire onboard a vessel eight nautical miles southwest of Marquesas Key, Fla., Dec. 12, 2013. A good Samaritan reported the incident to Coast Guard Sector Key West and recovered the survivors from danger. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

MIAMI — Crewmembers with Coast Guard Station Key West, Fla., and the Coast Guard Cutter Nantucket responded to a vessel fire southwest of Marquesas Key, Fla., Thursday evening.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Key West, Fla., received a report from a good Samaritan of two men and a dog aboard a boat engulfed in flames eight nautical miles southwest of Marquesas Key. Both men and dog aboard the boat evacuated onto a dinghy to escape the fire and were recovered by the good Samaritan. Watchstanders at Sector Key West issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) and diverted the Nantucket and a boatcrew with Station Key West to respond.

A fire destroys a vessel eight nautical miles southwest of Marquesas Key, Fla., Dec. 12, 2013 after it ignited in the engine room. Boatcrew members from Coast Guard Station Key West transported the survivors to Coast Guard Sector Key West with no reported injuries. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Upon arriving on scene, the crew aboard the Nantucket safely embarked the survivors who were later transported to awaiting emergency medical services at Sector Key West by a small boatcrew with Station Key West.

The men aboard the vessel reported the fire ignited in the engine room and quickly spread throughout the vessel before it sunk.

There were no reports of any injuries.

Coast Guard Rescues Dog, Stresses Ice Safety

Petty Officer 3rd Class Aaron Bradshaw, Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Bird and Seaman Elizabeth Braun practice ice-rescue techniques in Port Sanilac, Mich., on the shores of Lake Huron, Nov. 26, 2013.

The crew of Station Harbor Beach took advantage of the newly formed ice to perform their first ice-rescue training of the year.    U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Peter J.C. Brown.

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard rescued a dog from the frigid waters of Sturgeon Bay, Wis., Sunday morning after it fell through the ice.

There is no Coast Guard imagery for this case.

At about 9 a.m., the owner of the dog called Door County, Wis., 911 reporting that her dog had fallen through the ice after chasing a goose out on the ice. A Door County 911 dispatcher then contacted the Coast Guard Station Sturgeon Bay.

A short-haul ice-rescue team was dispatched at 9:10 a.m., and the rescue team was on scene with the dog at 9:20 a.m.

"The ice is really new right now, so it is really important to understand the ice conditions," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Nathan Disher, officer-of-the-day at Station Sturgeon Bay. "In this case, the owner of the dog did the right thing by not trying to rescue her dog by herself and calling us for help instead."

After the rescue, the dog was checked out by a veterinarian and was released back to its owner.

The Coast Guard wants to remind the public to make a commitment to ice safety, since varying levels of ice thickness are common on the Great Lakes. If people do choose to go on to the ice, they should remember the acronym I.C.E. — “Intelligence, Clothing, Equipment."

*     Intelligence - Know the weather and ice conditions, know where you're going, and know how to call for help. Also help others find you by remaining upright and standing to give rescuers a bigger target to locate you. Only do this if it is safe to do so.

*     Clothing - Have proper clothing to prevent hypothermia; dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. The public is encouraged to wear retro-reflective clothing in case of a search taking place at night. Avoid wearing cotton and wear layers of clothing that wick away moisture like Polypropylene, which retains more of your body heat than any other fabric. Polypropylene thermals are the best extreme cold weather base layer of clothing made.

*     Equipment - Have proper equipment: marine radio, life jackets, screw drivers/ice picks, etc.

Freezing air and water temperatures significantly decrease survival time for persons immersed in the water or trapped on the ice. Cold water kills quickly! Surprisingly, cold water is defined as any water temperature less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit.  The fact that air temperatures might be far above freezing is irrelevant when people unexpectedly enter the water.

While the Coast Guard understands winter recreation on cold water and ice around the Great Lakes is a tradition, it is important to take safety measures:

*     Complete a “float plan.”  Always notify family and friends where you are going and when you expect to be back – and stick to the plan.  Be sure to notify them when plans change. Click here for more information on float plans.

*     Never venture out alone; plan outings with other boaters who will be on their own vessels.

*     If boating with pets, keep in mind animals also need the added protection of flotation while enduring colder weather.  Not all animals swim or swim well.  Like their human companions, animals are just as susceptible to the harsh elements, including the effects of hypothermia. Several manufacturers make life jackets specifically for dogs and cats, in a variety of sizes.

*     Set limits. Know when it's time to call it a day. There will always be another day and another outing.

Click here to read the blog about the Coast Guard's various ice rescue assets.

Click here to read five facts about ice .

Three Coast Guardsmen Injured In Puerto Rico After Boat Capsizes

A Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew with Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico, flies over a capsized Coast Guard Station San Juan Puerto Rico smallboat off the coast of Puerto Rico Nov. 8, 2013. The smallboat search-and-rescue crew was responding with other local agencies to a report of two people in the water two nautical miles northeast of San Juan Harbor when the vessel capsized. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

Miami — Three Coast Guardsmen suffered non-life threatening injuries Friday after their rescue boat capsized in the surf off Puerto Rico.

The search-and-rescue crew was responding with other local agencies to a report of two people in the water two nautical miles northeast of San Juan Harbor when the incident occurred. 

The three-man crew of a Coast Guard 33-foot Special Purpose Craft/Law Enforcement was rescued by the crew of a Puerto Rico Police marine unit immediately after the incident north of the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The crew was transported to the Coast Guard Base San Juan to awaiting emergency medical services and is being treated for non-life threatening injuries.

A Coast Guard rescue boat sits partially submerged after capsizing in the surf off Puerto Rico Nov.8, 2013.Three Coast Guardsmen suffered non-life threatening injuries in the incident. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

“Our priority at this time is to ensure that our Coast Guard crew is properly evaluated, looked after and provided with any needed medical care,” said Capt. Drew Pearson, commander of Coast Guard Sector San Juan.

The search for the two reported people in the water was suspended after local authorities completed their search of the area.  

Sea conditions at the time of the incident were reported to be 6-9 feet. The Coast Guard is working to recover the capsized vessel.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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"Rescue At Sea"

Coast Guard combines efforts with international vessels to rescue Canadian man 400 miles offshore.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Air Station Borinquen safely hoisted a 61-year-old man suffering from severe dehydration 200 nautical miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico Monday morning.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector San Juan, Puerto Rico, received the initial call from the sailing vessel Enzo, via satellite phone, at approximately 1 a.m. Sunday reporting that they received a VHF radio call from Michel Salan, a Canadian national aboard the sailing vessel Scat, who was suffering from severe dehydration and required urgent medical assistance early Sunday morning. Due to significant distance off-shore and lack of any nearby rescue assets, Coast Guard coordinators communicated with nearby Bahamian-flagged 518-foot motor vessel Chiquita Scandinavia through the Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System (AMVER) to provide assistance. Upon arriving on scene, the Chiquita Scandinavia reported rough and hazardous sea conditions and were unable to safely rescue Salan from the sailing vessel.

The Liberian-flagged AS Vincentia, a 623-foot bulk carrier, also responded to the scene and safely rescued Salan from the sailing vessel Scat 406 nautical miles northeast of Puerto Rico. The AS Vincentia then proceeded to a position 200 nautical miles from San Juan and awaited for Coast Guard rescue crews to arrive.

Coast Guard search and rescue coordinators at Sector San Juan diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Vigorous with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Borinquen onboard.  The Cutter Vigorous rendezvoused with AS Vincentia 200 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico where the crew of the MH-65 helicopter safely hoisted Salan off the AS Vincentia to the cutter Vigorous to receive medical attention.

The Coast Guard helicopter will then medically evacuate Salan to EMS authorities in San Juan, Puerto Rico Monday afternoon, to receive further medical care at the Centro Medico Hospital.

“The great coordination and swift response between our Coast Guard rescue crews and international mariners aboard the AS Vincentia, the Chiquita Scandinavia and the sailing yacht Enzo saved this sailor from the perils of the sea,” said Capt. Drew W. Pearson, Sector San Juan Commander.  "The ability to maintain an open line of communication via satellite phone with the Enzo, allowed Coast Guard Watchstanders to complete proper coordination with responding Coast Guard crews and AMVER vessels, who selflessly diverted from their scheduled commitments to successfully complete this rescue 400 hundred miles from shore. All boaters should be well prepared with proper survival and distress signaling equipment even for short voyages, it could save their lives."

The vessels Chiquita Scandinavia and AS Vincentia are a part of the Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System that is sponsored by the United States Coast Guard. AMVER is a computer-based voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to people in distress at sea.

New Life For A Harbor Seal

Coast Guard Auxiliary releases Harbor seal.
Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Katelyn Tyson

SEATTLE, Wash. - Two of them had cared for him for almost three months. They had fed, nursed and rehabilitated him.

The other four he had met for the first time that day. They had volunteered their time to safely release him into his natural habitat.

They also wore blue uniforms.

Coast Guard Auxiliary members teamed up with the Progressive Animal Welfare Society to release a rehabilitated harbor seal pup into the wild near Everett, Wash., this fall.

It was the second time Mike and Shirley Allert, members of Auxiliary Flotilla-12 in Edmonds, Wash., had volunteered the use of their vessel, The Glimfeather, to release a seal pup.

The Auxiliary, comprised entirely of volunteers, supports various Coast Guard missions, including marine environmental protection.

“Working with PAWS has been an enjoyable and worthwhile experience,” said Mike Allert. “We’re always ready to help. That’s what the Coast Guard Auxiliary is all about.”

Members of PAWS originally reached out to the Auxiliary last year after one member attended a boating safety class given by Flotilla-12. The Allerts assisted in the release of a harbor seal on Nov. 20, 2012, after it had been rehabilitated by the PAWS Wildlife Center.

The Progressive Animal Welfare Society is a regional, non-profit organization headquartered in Lynnwood, Wash. Founded in 1967, PAWS’s missions include rehabilitation of injured and orphaned wildlife, shelter and adoption of homeless cats and dogs, and education of the general public about the fair treatment of animals.

The PAWS Wildlife Center aims to rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife and restore them to full health before returning them to their natural habit. Harbor seals are the primary marine mammals treated at the center.

On Sept. 25, 2013, the Allerts welcomed a harbor seal pup, two members of PAWS, Kevin Mack and Stephanie Herman, and fellow Auxiliarists Ty Tabor and Jim Neffcrew aboard The Glimfeather.

The seal pup had been rescued from a beach near a marina in Everett on July 11, 2013. After being cared for at the PAWS Wildlife Center for eleven weeks, personnel determined he was ready to be released back into the wild.

The crew released the pup near Jetty Island, just north of Everett.

At first, the pup stayed close to the vessel, even attempting to climb back aboard. After a few minutes, the crew watched him swim away.

The PAWS members were thankful for the help.

“The Coast Guard Auxiliary is a wonderful organization to work with,” said Mack, “I would love to work with them again in the future!”

For more information about the Coast Guard Auxiliary or to find a local flotilla, visit www.cgaux.org.

For more information about PAWS and its mission, visit www.paws.org.

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Coast Guard Helicopter Crew Airlifts Canadian Man

A Coast Guard air crew, from Air Station Detroit, involved with a medevac of a 57-year-old man transfers the patient to paramedics at the Windsor, Ontario, Airport. Oct. 27, 2013.

The air crew assisted Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton, Ontario, with the medevac off of the 730-foot Algoma Enterprise, which was passing through the Pelee Passage in Lake Erie.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Jim Cepa

CLEVELAND — A Coast Guard air crew airlifted a Canadian man Sunday afternoon from a commercial vessel in Canadian waters in the vicinity of Pelee Passage of Lake Erie.

The Coast Guard is not releasing the man's name, as they were assisting Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton, Ontario.

Shortly after 2 p.m., a search-and-rescue controller at the Coast Guard 9th District command center, was contacted by a SAR controller at JRCC Trenton, requesting assistance with the medevac of a 57-year-old man aboard the motor vessel Algoma Enterprise. The man was reportedly suffering from severe bleeding. After conferring with the on-duty flight surgeon, the 9th District's SAR controller directed the launch of an air crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, located on Selfridge Air National Guard base in the Northern suburbs of Detroit.

The air crew launched from Air Station Detroit at 2:38 p.m. and arrived on scene with the Algoma Enterprise at 2:55 p.m. The air crew lowered a rescue swimmer, who is a trained emergency medical technician, to the ship to facilitate the airlift. After the safe airlift of the patient, the air crew transported him to the Windsor, Ontario, Airport where emergency medical services were awaiting. The medevac was completed just after 4 p.m., with the man in stable condition.

"The medevac was fairly routine because of all the training that we do not only with the commercial vessel fleet but also with our Canadian partners," said Lt. Jim Emrich, aircraft commander of the helicopter. "We train as often as we can so all our cases will run as routinely as possible."

USS Rentz Rescues Fishing Vessel in Distress after 10 Days Lost at Sea

USS RENTZ, At Sea (NNS) -- Guided-missile frigate USS Rentz (FFG 46) and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) conducted a Safety-of-Life-at-Sea operation rescue Oct. 20-21 for a fishing vessel, 200 nautical miles off the coast of Ecuador in distress and stranded for 10 days. 

The crew of the 14 meter vessel and four other small crafts in tow, had been without fuel or food prior to Rentz' arrival.

The distressed vessel was spotted early Sunday morning, Oct. 20 by Rentz' forward lookouts, who reported the small craft roughly 6,000 yards forward of the ship's position. The ship swiftly responded and launched a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to investigate the situation with embarked U.S. Coast Guard LEDET personnel. 

During the two-day rescue operation, LEDET personnel discovered that the vessel and five Ecuadorian nationals aboard had been struck by heavy weather, disorienting the crew and setting the small vessel 100 nautical miles off-course. 

Adrift and out of fuel, the crew subsisted on bananas until Rentz arrived on scene and provided meals, ready-to-eat and approximately 120 gallons of diesel fuel; enough to return to home. 

"Our crew is prepared to handle a myriad of situations while deployed to the 4th Fleet Area of Operations, including Safety-of-Life-at-Sea operations. We do so with the utmost pride and professionalism, and it is our duty to assist those in need on the high seas when the time comes. I am very pleased with this operation and could not be more proud of the swift actions taken by our crew," Cmdr. Lance Lantier, commanding officer of USS Rentz said.

Rentz is currently conducting counter transnational organized crime operations in the 4th Fleet Area of Operations as part of Operation Martillo which began in January 2012. 

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.

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PHOTO UPDATE: USS San Antonio Responds to Persons in Distress Near Malta

MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Oct. 17, 2013) Distressed persons are transferred from the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) to Armed Forces of Malta offshore patrol vessel P52. San Antonio provided food, water, medical attention, and temporary shelter to the rescued. San Antonio rescued 128 men adrift in an inflatable raft after responding to a call by the Maltese Government. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)