Coast Guard helicopter and boat crews work together, rescue three people off St. Mary's, Ga.

DATE: June 28, 2009 11:03:28 AM EDT

DHS USCG Banner

News Release

Date:
June 28, 2009

Contact:
Petty Officer Cindy Beckert
(305) 318-1864

Coast Guard helicopter and boat crews work together, rescue three people off St. Mary's, Ga.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Coast Guard rescued three people Sunday morning after a 23-foot fishing boat capsized approximately 20-miles east of St. Marys, Ga.

Rescued are Kevin Gilman, 25, Allan White, 48, and Lawrence White, 44.

The men reported they were fishing when their boat capsized, causing them to fall into the water. Two of the men made there way onto the floating hull, while another remained in the water until rescue crews arrived on-scene.

The Coast Guard received a distress signal from the boat' s emergency position indicating radio beacon more commonly known as an EPIRB. An HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Savannah, Ga., and a 47-foot motor life boat crew from Coast Guard Station Mayport, Fla., responded the the distress.

The helicopter crew hoisted the man from the water and the rescue boat crew rescued the two men from the capsized boat's hull. The survivors were taken to a local marina where they were reported to be in good condition.

This is the second rescue in two days where an EPIRB played a pivotal role in a rescue. Nine boaters were rescued Friday and Saturday as a result. The Coast Guard cannot emphasize enough of the importance of having a registered EPIRB on board when boating.

###

Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.

The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

printer friendly