The Coast Guard saved two men as their sailboat started to sink 100 miles off the coast of North Carolina.#North Carolina #Wilmington, North Carolina #News #Rescue
Wilmington, North CarolinaWhile a 32-foot yacht named Walrus fought an unrelenting flood, the ocean turned dangerous 103 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The U.S. Coast Guard was in a race against time when two men on board the deadly ship, stranded and desperate, set off distress signals. Although the crew were powerless to stop the unrelenting water from overflowing the boat, their fate drastically changed when they had the proper distress gear on board.
Distress Signals Spark Urgent Response
In order to summon assistance, the sinking Walrus activated a satellite emergency notification device (SENDs) and sent out a VHF-DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress alert.
The Coast Guard’s District Five Command Center responded very away, sending out an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City and a C-130 Hercules aircraft.
A dewatering pump was dropped onto the struggling sailboat by the C-130, which arrived first. The pump was insufficient to keep the ship afloat in spite of the crew’s best efforts. The men were clutching to the incoming chopper as their only hope as the water kept coming in.
Helicopter Crew Hoists Survivors From Sinking Ship
The Walrus swayed severely as it battled the waves, according to Coast Guard video footage.
Just in time, the helicopter came.
Before the Walrus could go under the waves, the rescue team expertly lifted the seamen off the sinking ship and dragged them to safety, as shown in the video.
Safe Return to Shore
No injuries were reported, and both guys were returned to shore in stable condition.
To ensure the survivors could safely return home, Modern Aviation/FBO organized transportation to Wilmington Airport and the local Salvation Army supplied them with new clothes.
Coast Guard Praises Critical Equipment
Coast Guard District Five search and rescue mission coordinator Lt. Sheena Bannon stressed the importance of properly registered emergency equipment in saving lives.
We were able to react swiftly thanks to the mariner’s VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling, their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, and their SENDs device, Bannon said.
We had accurate distress information because their equipment was registered, which allowed for a prompt and effective rescue. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is for all mariners to register their communications equipment in order to increase maritime safety.
The Walrus’s abandonment at sea serves as a sobering reminder of how rapidly hazardous circumstances might arise offshore.
CONNECTED TOPICS: North Carolina Rescues and Accidents
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