U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Corinne Zilnicki.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Coast Guard helicopter aircrew rescue a stranded mariner in Smith Island Inlet near Fisherman Island Thursday morning.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Virginia Command Center received a call from Sea Tow that a mariner on a disabled 22-foot sailing vessel appeared distressed and required assistance. A crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles launched a 45-foot Response Boat–Medium, and Virginia Beach EMS Marine Rescue Team also launched a shallow surface craft to assist.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
Once on scene, the Coast Guard found the sailing vessel anchored in shallow water. Neither responding vessels were able to get close enough to establish communications with the mariner. Sector Virginia watchstanders launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, who lowered a radio down to the sailing vessel.
Upon determining that the mariner’s situation was likely to get worse, the MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter aircrew hoisted the mariner off his vessel and transported him to the Air Station Elizabeth City. No medical assistance was required.
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