Archive image: A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft poses on platform after conducting fly operations.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Omar Faba.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — At the end of last month, a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew and a good Samaritan vessel conducted the rescue of a sailor from a disabled sailing vessel approximately 35 nautical miles off Cape Canaveral. Sunday, February 22, 2026.
A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft aircrew located the disabled vessel, guided the nearby container ship Polar Mexico to the scene and the ship’s crew brought the man aboard with no reported injuries.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center watchstanders received a report via VHF-FM channel 16 from the cruise ship Carnival Elation stating the Spiritus, a 34-foot sailing vessel, was disabled approximately 33 nautical miles offshore of Port Canaveral with one person aboard requesting assistance from commercial towing.
Coast Guard watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral boat crew to assist. The boat crew arrived at the vessel’s last known position and commenced searching but did not locate the vessel.
A Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew works alongside the container ship Polar Mexico’s crew to rescue a man aboard a disabled 34-foot sailing vessel, 35 nautical miles off Cape Canaveral, Florida, February 22, 2026.
Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center watchstanders received a report stating a 34-foot sailing vessel was disabled approximately 33 miles offshore of Port Canaveral with one person aboard requesting assistance from commercial towing.
U.S. Coast Guard photo.
Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew and an Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft aircrew to assist with search efforts.
While searching, the HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft aircrew located the disabled vessel and established communications with the man, who reported the vessel was taking on water and listing.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Riley Perkofski.
“We urge all mariners to carry essential safety equipment aboard their vessel, including life jackets and an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), especially when traveling far offshore, as this equipment can help protect you during an unexpected maritime emergency,” said Lt. Michelle Goebel, the Sector Jacksonville search and rescue (SAR) mission coordinator for the case. “We sincerely appreciate the crew of the Polar Mexico for their professionalism and their support in bringing this rescue to a successful outcome.”
–USCG–
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