The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 60 NM northwest of Clearwater, Florida. Coast Guard District 7 Rescue Coordination Center (CGD07) received an unlocated alert with registration information for the fishing vessel Rubicon. They contacted the registered owner who informed them the vessel had an active Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) capability. Coast Guard personnel searched the VMS and found the location of the Rubicon. CGD07 launched a helicopter to the scene. The crew of the helicopter located the disabled vessel which was taking on water. There were 3 people onboard. The helicopter crew hoisted the 3 people on board and transported them to Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater where they were treated for minor injuries.
Three SARSAT Rescues.
12/17/2009
Approx. 150 NM northwest of Nassau, Bahamas
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal approximately 150 NM northwest of Nassau, Bahamas. Coast Guard District 7 Rescue Coordination Center (CGD07) received a SARSAT alert from the sailing vessel True Love. This vessel had encountered rudder problems. CGD07 launched both a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter to the scene. The helicopter hoisted the three people from the disabled vessel and transported them to Treasure Cay. There were no injuries.
Three SARSAT Rescues.
12/17/2009
Approx. 18 miles WSW of Kaktovik, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal approximately 18 miles west southwest of Kaktovik, Alaska. An individual was traveling to Point Thompson when his snow machine became disabled. Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) received a PLB alert through the SARSAT system. AKRCC relayed the coordinates to the North Slope Borough Search and Rescue (NSB). NSB located the person in distress uninjured and transported individual back to town.
One SARSAT Rescue.
12/16/2009
90 NM west of Clearwater, Florida
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 90 NM west of Clearwater, Florida. The fishing vessel Sir Martin E, with four persons on board, was disabled and adrift due to loss of power. The crew activated their EPIRB. The Coast Guard District 8 Rescue Coordination Center (CGD08) contacted them via VHF radio. CSD08 vectored in the two sister vessel’s, Southern Gale and Windward Way to lend assistance.
Four SARSAT Rescues.
12/12/2009
Approx. 25 NM south of Haiti
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal approximately 25 NM south of Haiti. Coast Guard District 7 Rescue Coordination Center (CGD07) received a SARSAT alert for the French sailing vessel Monbato, which was taking on water. CGD07 launch both a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter ro the scene. The crew of one of the aircraft located the distressed vessel. The helicopter hoisted the two people from the Monbato onto the helicopter. Both people were uninjuredjoe and were transported to Port Au prince, Haiti.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
12/09/2009
15 NM south of Haiti
The Cospas-Sarsat system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 15 NM south of Haiti. The Vessel Morning Star was disabled. The owner of the vessel had manually activated his EPIRB. Coast Guard District 7 received the SARSAT alert and then sent a fixed wing aircraft to the SARSAT position. The crew of the aircraft located the disabled vessel. The owner of the vessel was recovered with no injuries.
One SARSAT Rescue.
12/06/2009
Near Barrow, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal near Barrow, Alaska. A snow machine operator became stuck in difficult winter conditions. He was able to free the snow machine. He continued on for a few miles when he became stuck again. This time he was not able to free the snow machine and he activated his PLB. A ground rescue team from Wainwright arrived and assisted the operator.
