The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz (Personal Locator Beacon)PLB at 38 46.3N 068 14.4W, about 305 NM southeast of New York, NY. The sailing vessel Arabella with one person onboard was taking on water. The master of the SV Arabella had no means to call for help and activated the PLB. Coast Guard District 1 Rescue Coordination Center received the SARSAT alert and launched a helicopter to the SARSAT coordinates. The helicopter located the SV Arabella and deployed a rescue swimmer who rescued the master of the SV Arabella.
One (1) SARSAT rescue.
Date:
May 12
Location:
430 NM southeast of New York, NY
Description of Rescue:
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) at 39 23.7N 63 34.68W, 430 NM southeast of New York, NY. Coast Guard District 1 Rescue Coordination Center (CGD01) received the SARSAT alert from a Canadian coded EPIRB and contacted Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Halifax. JRCC Halifax reported the EPIRB was registered to the Romarin II. The vessel had been chartered by a group of four persons sailing from the Caribbean Sea to Canada. During the trip the vessel was demasted and the engine failed. CGD01 launched a Coast Guard aircraft from Air Station Cape Cod and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB). The M/V MSC Chicago responded to the UMIB. The Coast Guard aircraft located the Romarin II and dropped a radio to the crew, but they were unable to establish contact. The Chicago arrived on the scene and took all four people from the Romarin II. There were no reported injuries.
Four (4) SARSAT rescues.
Date:
May 11
Location:
20 NM southwest of Boca Grande, FL in the Gulf of Mexico
Description of Rescue:
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz (Personal Locator Beacon)PLB at 26 33.72N 82 34.08W, 20 NM southwest of Boca Grande, FL in the Gulf of Mexico. Coast Guard District 7 (CGD07) received the SARSAT alert and attempted to contact the owner but was unsuccessful. CGD07 launched a boat and a helicopter and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB). An auxiliary aircraft responded to the alert, located the vessel, and established communications. The vessel reported that it had a 28 year old male with Type I diabetes that needed medication in two hours. The vessel had mechanical problems and would not make it back to port for about 7 hours. A flight surgeon recommended medevac. The patient refused to be hoisted into the helicopter and requested a boat transfer. The Coast Guard boat arrived on scene and took the patient back to port where a relative was waiting with the medication.
One (1) SARSAT rescue.
Date:
May 8
Location:
Approx.90 NM east of Kitty Hawk, NC
Description of Rescue:
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) at 35 53.6N 074 13.6W, about 90 NM east of Kitty Hawk, NC. A person on board the British the sailing vessel Erma manually activated the EPIRB after suffering a head injury from a fall. Coast Guard District 5 received the SARSAT alert and launched a helicopter that located the sailing vessel Erma and made radio contact with the person on board. The injured person was hoisted on board the helicopter and flown to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital.
One (1) SARSAT rescue.
Date:
May 4
Location:
Approx.35 NM northeast of Point Lay, AK
Description of Rescue:
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) at 70 10.9N 161 55.1W, about 35 NM northeast of Point Lay, AK. The driver of a snowmobile activated the PLB when the snowmobile broke down. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) received the SARSAT alert and contacted the North Slope Borough Search and Rescue (NSB). NSB sent a search party that found the driver using the SARSAT coordinates and transported him to Point Lay.
