The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 40 NM east of Jacksonville, Florida. Coast Guard District 7 RCC launched a C-130, two helicopters, a Coast Guard Cutter and a 47 foot boat to search the area. The search continued at first light with additional help from the NAVY and the Air Force. A Navy P-3 located a raft with two persons aboard. A Coast Guard helicopter arrived on scene and hoisted the two persons aboard and transported them to medical facilities. The two rescued persons told the Coast Guard that their vessel was sunk by a ten foot wave. There was no time for a radio call.
Two SARSAT Rescues
11/13/2006
400 NM East of Elizabeth City, NC
The COSPAS-SARSAT detected
a 406 MHz distress signal 400 NM east of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Coast Guard District One issued an emergency broadcast and launched a jet aircraft. When the aircraft arrived on the scene it located the sailing vessel La Bella which had lost its sails and the keel was thought to be breaking up. A helicopter launched from the Nantucket Air station hoisted all four persons aboard and transported them to Air Station Cape Cod.
Four SARSAT Rescues
11/12/2006
5 NM East of Southport, NC
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 5 NM east of Southport, North Carolina. The crew of the sailing vessel Danica activated their distress beacon after the vessel became disabled. The crew were unable to provide the Coast Guard Lantarea their location. Lantarea asked them to activate their EPIRB. The Coast Guard used the SARSAT position to locate the vessel and sent out a small boat to their location. The small boat towed the disabled sailing vessel into port.
Two SARSAT Rescues
11/9/2006
1220 Miles East of Bermuda
The COSPAS-SARSAT detected a 406 MHz distress signal 1220 miles east of Bermuda. The master of the
S/V Chanpionat 5 activated his distress beacon when he broke his shoulder and could not move. The Coast Guard Lantarea RCC received the SARSAT alert and issued an emergency broadcast. The M/V Stavanger Eagle responded and rescued the master of the sailing vessel.
One SARSAT Rescue
11/8/2006
East of Bermuda
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal east of Bermuda. The master of the S/V Jean Stalaven activated his distress beacon when his vessel capsized. The sailing vessel was a participant in the Du Rhum sailboat race. The Coast Guard Lantarea RCC received the SARSAT alert and issued an emergency broadcast for any vessels within 200 miles of the sailing vessel. The M/V Pudu responded to the broadcast and went to the area and rescued the master of the sailing vessel.
