Approx. 40 miles southwest of Aur Atoll, Republic of Marshall Islands
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ EPIRB distress signal approximately 40 miles southwest of Aur Atoll, Republic of Marshall Islands. Seventeen people on board a Republic of Marshall Island (RMI)government landing craft unit (LCU) vessel JEJELET AE, activated their EPIRB when their vessel began to sink due to rough weather. The vessel was en route to Likiep Atoll with heavy equipment and construction materials. Coast Guard District Fourteen (CGD14) launched a fixed wing aircraft and contacted the RMI after they were alerted through the SARSAT system. The RMI informed CGD14 another vessel, RIBUUK AE, was en route to the location to assist. CGD14 also diverted the US Army vessel, WORTHY, to the distress location. The crew of the aircraft contacted CGD14 and informed them the RMI vessel RIBUUKE AE arrived at the scene and recovered all 17 people from the life rafts. The aircraft stayed with the vessel RIBUUKE AE until the vessel reached Aur Atoll. There were no injuries reported.
17 SARSAT Rescues.
12/30/2010
70 miles southeast of Sacramento, California
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ PLB distress signal in the Stanislaus National Forest, about 70 miles southeast of Sacramento, California. Two hikers which were lost in a snow stormy activated their PLB. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received the SARSAT alert and notified the California Emergency Management Association (EMA) of the location of the PLB. EMA located the two hikers. The hikers had minor frost bite but no injuries.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
12/25/2010
61 NM northeast of Jacksonville, Florida
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ EPIRB distress signal 61 NM northeast of Jacksonville, Florida. Two people on the fishing vessel Carol Ann activated their EPIRB due to an engine problem. Coast Guard District 7 (CGD7) issued a request for assistance to any nearby vessels and launched a fixed wing aircraft to the scene. The crew of the Coast Guard aircraft located the disabled vessel and confirmed that a Good Samaritan vessel had responded to the request for assistance. The Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon was diverted to provide additional assistance.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
12/17/2010
Approx. 15 miles east of Wainwright, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ PLB distress signal about 15 miles east of Wainwright, Alaska. The owner of a new snowmobile ran out of fuel before reaching his home in Wainwright. The owner activated his PLB. The Alaska rescue Coordination Center received the SARSAT alert and contacted the North Slope Borough Search and Rescue (NSB). NSB was able to locate the owner and transport him to his home.
One SARSAT Rescue.
12/14/2010
Approx. 3 14 NM east of Wilmington, North Carolina
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz PLB about 14 NM east of Wilmington, North Carolina. The two people on board the vessel Odyssey activated their PLB when they were unable to pump out water that was collecting in the bilges. Coast Guard District 5 received the SARSAT alert and dispatched a small vessel to the scene. The small boat had pumps to aid in removing the water. The Odyssey was able to make it to port under its own power and escorted by the Coast Guard small boat.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
12/09/2010
Approx. 3 NM offshore of the northwest coast of Costa Rica
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ PLB distress signal about 3 NM offshore of the northwest coast of Costa Rica. The sailing vessel Trinity had sunk and the two people on board had taken to a life raft. The crew of the distressed vessel activated both a PLB and a EPIRB. After several attempts to locate the people had failed the USMCC changed configuration such the the Coast Guard PACAREA rescue Coordination center would receive the alert data for these beacons. PACAREA launched a fixed wing aircraft to the scene. The crew of the aircraft located the life raft with two persons. The crew of the aircraft asked for assistance from the car carrier Sunbelt Spirit. The Sunbelt Spirit went to the scene and recovered the two persons.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
12/09/2010
Approx. 4 NM off the northern coast of the island of Oahu
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz PLB distress signal about 4 NM off the northern coast of the island of Oahu. The PLB owner injured his back on a reef after falling off his jet ski, and activated his PLB. Coast Guard District 14 received the alert and contacted an Ocean Safety Lifeguard unit in the vicinity of the PLB activation. Ocean Safety was able to locate the injured jet skier, and bring him safely to shore to be treated for injuries.
One SARSAT Rescue.
12/06/2010
86 NM southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal about 86 NM southeast of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The sailing vessel Raw Faith lost all power. The crew manually activated the ships EPIRB. Coast Guard District 1 received the alert and dispatched a fixed wing aircraft to the scene. The crew of the aircraft made visual and radio contact with the Raw Faith. A helicopter was also used to maintain contact with the Raw Faith until the CG Cutter Tybee arrived on site. The original plan was for the Tybee to begin towing operations at sunrise on the 7th. However, weather conditions prevented the towing operation and at 2pm on the 7th the crew made the decision to evacuate the vessel. Survival gear was passed to the crew. The crew of the Raw Faith donned the survival suits and went in the water. The crew of the helicopter hoisted the two individuals on board the helicopter. The men were safely delivered to Air Station Cape Cod.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
12/04/2010
7 miles northwest of Superior, Arizona
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz PLB distress signal 7 miles northwest of Superior, Arizona. A person riding a four-wheeled vehicle was injured and activated his PLB. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) received the SARSAT alert and passed the location coordinates to the Arizona Department of Emergency Management. This agency used a helicopter to transport the injured individual to Scottsdale Osborne Hospital.
One SARSAT Rescue.
12/03/2010
Approx. 100 NM southeast of Virginia Beach, Virginia
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz EPIRB distress signal approximately 100 NM southeast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. The sailing vessel Shangrila was on route to the British Virgin Islands when its sails were damaged by high winds. The sailing vessel then ran out of fuel. The crew of the disabled vessel activated their EPIRB. Coast Guard requested assistance by the nearby USS George W Bush aircraft carrier. The Navy was able to provide fuel to Shangrila. No injuries were reported.
Four SARSAT Rescues.
12/02/2010
Approx. 115 NM southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ PLB distress signal about 115 NM southeast of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The sailing vessel Queen Bee was disabled and needed assistance. Coast Guard District 5 diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Escanaba to the scene. The cutter was able to tow the disabled vessel to Virginia Beach.
