Six rescued from Sinking Vessel off Bahamas

Watchstanders with the Coast Guard 7th District Command Center received a 406 megahertz personal locator beacon distress alert and the Halifax Joint Rescue Coordination Centre received a report from the sailing vessel Serenity, within the same area as the PLB alert, stating they were taking on water and abandoning ship. The Serenity crew stated they had two adults, four children and two dogs aboard.

 

The watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew to search. The airplane crew arrived on scene and saw an SOS signal from the Serenity crew.

 

The aircrew vectored in the good Samaritan sailing vessel Wyburn, who arrived on scene and embarked the six people and two dogs with no reported injuries.

 

“This case highlights the quick reaction of both our Coast Guard crews, our partners at the Halifax Joint Rescue Coordination Centre and the crew of the good Samaritan vessel Wyburn to rescue and save fellow mariners,” said Sean Connett, 7th District command duty office. “With the maritime environment covering such large areas, it’s critical that all mariners look out for one another and this case embodies that willingness to help each other within the maritime community.”