The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal 800 NM northeast of Midway Island. The vessel California, with 19 persons on board, was dismasted and started taking on water due to bad weather. This vessel was competing in a round the world sailing contest, the Clipper Round the World. This was leg 7 from China to San Francisco. Using SARSAT data, Coast Guard District 14 launched a fixed wing aircraft from Air Station Kodiak and diverted the Danish vessel Nord Nightingale to the scene. Two persons were injured and were taken on board the Nord Nightingale. The remaining 17 persons stayed on their vessel.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
03/19/2010
84 miles west southwest of Anchorage, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz ELT distress signal 84 miles west southwest of Anchorage, Alaska. The ELT activated when a Cessna 182 crashed. Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) received the SARSAT alert and dispatched two units of the Alaska Air Guard to the scene. These units flew a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter to the scene. Later, due to deteriorating weather conditions the pilot also called AKRCC with his sat phone and activated his PLB. The crew of the helicopter located the pilot and transported him to an Anchorage hospital.
One SARSAT Rescue.
03/19/2010
10 NM south of Plana Cay, Bahamas
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 10 NM south of Plana Cay, Bahamas. The vessel Sullivan Bay began to take on water. The crew activated their PLB and then the EPIRB. Coast Guard District 7 received the SARSAT alert and launched a helicopter to the scene. The crew of the helicopter located two people in a life boat. The crew of the distressed vessel was transported to safety with no injuries.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
03/04/2010
34 miles east of Barrow, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 34 miles east of Barrow, Alaska. An individual was traveling in his truck from Prudhoe Bay to Barrow with his son. They activated their PLB when the truck ran out of gas. The North Slope Borough dispatched a helicopter to the SARSAT location. The flight crew reported that the individuals were in good health. The Barrow Search and Rescue volunteers dispatched a rescue vehicle with fuel to assist the individuals. After refueling the father drove them to safety.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
03/03/2010
Approx. 10 miles west of Kodiak, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal approximately 10 miles west of Kodiak, Alaska. The PLB was activated when the travelers became lost due to snow and fog. The travelers wanted some assistance with their location so they could get back to town. Coast Guard District 17 Rescue Coordination Center provided them with their location. The travelers were able to get to their vehicle and drive back to town.
