Approx. 10 miles northwest of Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ, PLB distress signal approximately 10 miles northwest of Canyonlands National Park in southeast Utah. A Good Samaritan canoeing in the Green River activated his PLB when he found four individuals with a capsized canoe. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received the SARSAT alert and contacted the National Park Service (NPS). The AFRCC provided the NPS with the initial SARSAT location and updates to the position. No injuries reported.
Four SARSAT Rescues.
04/29/2011
Approx. 205 NM south of New Orleans
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal approximately 205 NM south of New Orleans. The crew of the sailing vessel Blackwitch activated its EPIRB when the vessel began taking on water. Coast Guard District 8 Rescue Coordination Center (CGD08) contacted the vessel and launched a fixed wing aircraft and a small boat to the scene. The small Coast Guard boat towed the distressed vessel to port.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
04/27/2011
Approx. 55 miles north of Elko, Nevada
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ PLB distress signal approximately 55 miles north of Elko, Nevada. An individual activated his PLB when his vehicle got stuck in mud. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center contacted local law enforcement, which located the vehicle and got it out of the mud. There were no injuries.
One SARSAT Rescue.
04/14/2011
Approx. 80 NM west of Pinar del Rio, Cuba
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal approximately 80 NM west of Pinar del Rio, Cuba. The fishing vessel Capt Nephi became disabled due to a broken transmission gear. One of the two people on board the Capt Nephi activated the EPIRB. Coast Guard District 5 (CGD05) received the SARSAT alert and requested Coast Guard District 7 (CGD07) to take over the distress case. CGD07 launched a fixed wing aircraft to the SARSAT coordinates. The crew of the Coast Guard aircraft confirmed that the vessel was in distress. CGD07 issued a radio cal for assistance from any nearby vessel. The motor vessel Saaims Adventurer responded. The crew of the Saaims Adventurer provided assistance to the disabled vessel and remained on the scene until a Coast Guard vessel arrived. The Coast Guard Cutter Valiant arrived on the scene and coordinated with the Mexico Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) to rendezvous with the Mexican Navy vessel, BR-103. RCC Mexico will coordinate the towing of the Capt Nephi to Isla Mujeres to begin repairs on the vessel.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
04/04/2011
25 miles south of Barrow, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz PLB distress signal 25 miles south of Barrow, Alaska. Five travelers were driving two SUVs from Deadhorse to Barrow when their vehicles got stuck. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) received the SARSAT alert and forwarded the information to North Slope Borough Search and Rescue (NSB SAR). The crew of a NSB SAR helicopter located the travelers and transported them back to Barrow.
