The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 130 NM east of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. A French rower aboard his 21-foot row boat, CALISTE, departed Orleans, Massachusetts en route to France. The rower called the Coast Guard on his satellite phone requesting assistance. The Coast Guard directed the rower to activate his EPIRB. Coast Guard District 1 launched both a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter to the SARSAT position. The helicopter arrived on the scene and hoisted the individual out of his boat and brought him safely to shore.
One SARSAT Rescue.
5/18/2009
55 miles east of Barrow, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 55 miles east of Barrow, Alaska. The SARSAT alert was sent to North Slope Borough Search and Rescue which launched a helicopter to the scene. The crew of the helicopter found a man whose snow machine had broken through the ice after he had crossed the Chip River. The helicopter crew reported that the individual was stuck on the opposite side of the river from his cabin. He had activated his PLB to get assistance to cross the river.
One SARSAT Rescue.
5/3/2009
20 NM south of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico
The power fishing vessel Doris Jean, with one person on board, caught fire. Coast Guard San Juan Rescue Coordination Center received the alert and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Cushing to the SARSAT location. In addition a request for assistance message was broadcast. A Good Samaritan vessel responded and found the fishing boat on fire and a nearby life raft. The Good Samaritan vessel picked up the one person and transferred him to the CGC Cushing when it arrived.
