The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal approximately 14 miles west of Deadhorse, Alaska. The snow machine of a volunteer assisting in a search for a person overdue traveling from Prudhoe Bay, broke down. The volunteer activated his PLB. Alaska Rescue Coordination Center received the SARSAT alert and forwarded the information to the North Slope Borough (NSB) search and rescue. NSB dispatched a helicopter to the coordinates received from AKRCC. The crew of the helicopter picked the individual up and transported him to Nuisut. He was reported to be in good health by the flight crew.
One SARSAT Rescue.
02/23/2010
24 miles east of Point Lay, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 24 miles east of Point Lay, Alaska. The Point Lay Search and Rescue Volunteers dispatched two searchers on snow machines to the last known PLB Position. They also dispatched a helicopter with a medical team on board. The helicopter arrived on scene and found two individuals that were in good health and also found their disabled snow machine. They were transported by helicopter to Barrow Alaska because of the weather conditions in the area. The Point Lay SAR volunteers were notified of the recovery and the searchers returned back to Point Lay.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
02/18/2010
49 miles west of Staunton, Virginia in the Monongahela National Forest
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress 49 miles west of Staunton, Virginia in the Monongahela National Forest. A mayday call was made to the West Virginia Army National Guard from a Navy helicopter as it was experiencing mechanical difficulties. The helicopter later crashed. The helicopter’s ELT was severely damaged and could not be activated. Air Force Coordination Center (AFRCC) received the Sarsat alert from two PLBs that were on the helicopter. AFRCC began to investigate the alert when a call was received from a Army National Guard unit regarding a helicopter that had crashed. The Army National Guard dispatched a Navy helicopter unit to begin the search for survivors. Army National Guard unit requested the SARSAT coordinates of the AFRCC alert. Thirteen individuals were transported to the Elkins West Virginia Hospital. Four other individuals required more medical attention and were transported to University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia.
