The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ PLB distress signal at 70 20.8N 151 04.1W approximately 1 mile southwest of Alpine, Alaska. An individual activated his PLB when his snowmobile was damaged mechanically. Alaska Rescue Coordination Center (AKRCC) received the SARSAT alert and contacted the North Slope Borrow (NSB). NSB dispatched a search and rescue team on snowmobiles. The team located the individual and brought him safely to Nuiqsit.
One SARSAT Rescue.
10/16/2011
Approximately 40 miles northwest of Kodiak, Alaska, on Rasberry Island
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHZ PLB distress signal at 58 05.8N 153 14.2W on Raspberry Island, AK, approximately 40 miles northwest of Kodiak, Alaska. Two hunters activated their PLB due to possible hypothermia. Using the SARSAT location, the Coast Guard District 17 Rescue Coordination Center dispatched a helicopter that picked up the hunters and transported them to Kodiak. The two hunters were later taken to a hospital.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
10/09/2011
35 miles northwest of Boulder CO
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz PLB signal without location. A hiker activated his PLB when he came upon a hiker suffering from altitude sickness. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center (AFRCC) received the unlocated SARSAT alert and unsuccessfully tried to contact the registered owner. At 2327 UTC the AFRCC received a SARSAT alert with encoded position of 40 15.0N 106 00.0W, 35 miles northwest of Boulder CO. The AFRCC provided the position to the Colorado Emergency Management, which forwarded the information to the Grand County Sheriff's department. The Sheriff's Department used the SARSAT position to locate the PLB owner and sick hiker. The sick hiker was transported to a nearby hospital.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
10/08/2011
Approximately 20 miles northeast of Wainwright, Alaska
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal at 70 52.9N 159 19.1W, approximately 20 miles northeast of Wainwright, Alaska. An individual in a whaling boat manually activated his EPIRB due to engine failure. After receiving the SARSAT alert, Coast Guard District Seventeen (CGD17) contacted Wainwright Search and Rescue. Wainwright Search and Rescue launched a rescue boat that recovered the individual.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
10/01/2011
Makah Bay, WA
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected an unlocated 406 MHz distress signal in Makah Bay, WA. The fishing vessel Western Nomad got stuck between rocks and the vessel's EPIRB activated automatically when the vessel began to sink. Coast Guard District 13 (CGD13) received the SARSAT alert and called the registered owner who said that the vessel was in the vicinity of Neah Bay. The owner called the vessel's crew, who reported that vessel ran aground in Makah Bay, and the owner relayed this information to the Coast Guard. The Puget Sound sector issued a UMIB and assets were launched from Port Angeles, Neah Bay, and Wuillayute River. A helicopter from Port Angeles located two individuals sitting on rocks, hoisted them and transported them to Station Neah Bay.
Two SARSAT Rescues.
10/01/2011
Near Shasta National Forest, CA
The COSPAS-SARSAT system detected a 406 MHz distress signal at 41 08.0N, 122 05.5W, in the vicinity of Shasta National Forest, CA. A driver activated his PLB after he crashed his car. The driver was injured and could not contact anyone for help. The Air Force Rescue Coordination Center received the alert and notified the California Emergency Management Agency. The California State Police used the SARSAT location to locate the driver. The driver was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
