6 NM northeast of St. Louis, Lambert International Airport
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 121.5 MHz distress signal 6 NM northeast of the St. Louis, Lambert International Airport. The ELT was activated due to the aircraft crashing in a corn field near Blackjack, Missouri. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center notified air traffic control authorities in Missouri, which notified, The Missouri CAP. The CAP notified the local fire and rescue services who found the crashed aircraft. They recovered the pilot and transported him to a local hospital.
One SARSAT Rescue
12/25/2006
36 NM East of Wainwright, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 36 NM east of Wainwright, Alaska. An individual activated his PLB when his snow machine broke down on a trip from Barrow to Wainwright, Alaska. The North Slope Borough dispatched the Wainwright Volunteer Search and Rescue ground team to the scene. The ground team found the individual in good condition.
One SARSAT Rescue
12/24/2006
18 NM southeast of Miami, Florida
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 18 NM southeast of Miami, Florida. The beacon was activated when battery trouble developed on the pleasure craft Telulah. Coast Guard District 7 launched a small boat to the scene. The Coast Guard vessel took the disabled vessel under tow and towed it to the Miami Beach Marina.
Two SARSAT Rescues
12/22/2006
12 NM northwest of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 12 NM northwest of Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida. The beacon was activated when the vessel Chelsea sank. Coast Guard District 7 launched an aircraft to the scene to search for the crew and vessel. The aircraft found four people and a dog in a life raft. The Coast Guard aircraft crew located a nearby vessel, the JT, and directed it to the life raft. The crew of the JT recovered the crew and the dog from the life raft. The Coast Guard Cutter Key Biscayne arrived later to transport the crew of the Chelsea and the dog to Key West.
Four SARSAT Rescues
12/21/2006
44 NM southwest of Tampa, Florida
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 44 NM southwest of Tampa, Florida. The beacon was activated when the battery on the vessel Lady Juanita died. Coast Guard District 7 launched a helicopter to the scene which located the vessel. The helicopter contacted a Good Samaritan vessel who provided the Lady Juanita with a new battery. The Lady Juanita was able to make its own way back to Madiera Beach, Florida.
Three SARSAT Rescues
12/11/2006
125 NM west of Barrow, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 125 NM west of Barrow, Alaska. A person was traveling by snow machine from Wainwright to Barrow He lost his compass and became lost on the sea ice. A North Slope Burrough helicopter went to the scene. The helicopter found the individual and flew him back to Barrow.
One SARSAT Rescue
12/9/2006
Peard Bay, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal in Peard Bay, Alaska. An individual traveling from Barrow to Wainwright, Alaska on a snow machine became stuck in dangerous sea ice and sustained rib injuries. A North Slope Burrough helicopter was launched to search for the individual but turned back due to blizzard conditions. A ground team also had to turn back. Eventually, a second ground team rescued the individual and returned him to Wainwright.
