Approx. 18 miles west southwest of Wainwright Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 Hz distress signal approximately 18 miles west southwest of Wainwright Alaska. An operator of a snowmobile was traveling from Atqasuk to Wainwright. The snowmobile ran out of oil and the operator activated his PLB. Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) received the SARSAT alert and sent the alert information to North Slope Borough Police (NSBP). NSBP dispatched personnel to the SARSAT coordinates to aid the operator in distress. The operator of the snowmobile was able to return safely to Wainwright with no injuries.
One SARSAT Rescue.
11/25/2009
600 NM west northwest of Kauai, Hawaii
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal about 600 nautical miles west northwest of Kauai, Hawaii. The crew on the fishing vessel Kaimi Kai activated their beacon when the vessel became disabled and adrift due to engine problems. Coast Guard District 14 Rescue Coordination Center (RCC) could not contact the vessel. The RCC launched a fixed wing aircraft to the SARSAT position. The crew of the aircraft located the disabled vessel and contacted the vessel with VHF radio. The vessel declined assistance from the rescue forces, saying that they had resources to last for another few days. The RCC contacted the owner who arranged for the vessel to be towed.
Three SARSAT Rescues.
11/15/2009
Mount Susitna approximately 23 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal on Mount Susitna approximately 23 miles west of Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska Rescue Coordination Center launched a helicopter with a pararescue team. The crew of the helicopter located a crashed aircraft. The crew recovered three uninjured survivors. They were flown to Anchorage and released to airport security.
Three SARSAT Rescues.
11/12/2009
400 NM northeast of Hawaii Island
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 400 NM northeast of Hawaii Island. Coast Guard District 14 launched a fixed wing aircraft to the SARSAT location. The crew of the aircraft was able to establish communications with the fishing vessel Pacific Star. The crew of the fishing vessel requested to abandon ship due to rough seas. District 14 was able to contact a vessel in the area, the cruise ship Golden princess, which diverted to the fishing vessel. The cruise ship rescued the two crew members.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
11/11/2009
90 NM southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal 90 NM southeast of Cape Lookout, North Carolina. The sailing vessel Wind Song II ran into severe weather and sea conditions. Coast Guard Lantarea Rescue Coordination center had the crew of the sailing vessel activate their EPIRB. Later a helicopter and a patrol boat were sent to the scene. Two of the sailing vessel’s crew were removed form the vessel. The patrol boat towed the sailing vessel to Wilmington, North Carolina.
Four SARSAT Rescues.
11/4/2009
Pacific coast near Ferndale, California
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal just off the Pacific coast near Ferndale, California. The operator of the sailing vessel Vocalise activated his EPIRB after he became disoriented. The Coast Guard PACAREA Rescue Coordination Center launched a small boat which found and towed the Vocalise into port.
