Archive image: Two MH-60T Jayhawk helicopters sit on the flight line at Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, May 16, 2024.
The Sikorsky MH-60T Jayhawk is a multi-mission, twin-engine, medium-range recovery helicopter operated by the United States Coast Guard for search and rescue, law enforcement, military readiness and marine environmental protection missions.
U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan L. Noel.
WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew rescue two sailors (men) approximately 103 nautical miles east of Wilmington, N.C., Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
The pair called for help when their 32-foot sailboat, Walrus, began sinking and they were unable to keep up with flooding.
The men activated their emergency equipment, including a VHF-DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Distress Alert and a satellite emergency notification device (SENDs), to alert the Coast Guard of their situation.
The Coast Guard 5th District Command Center coordinated the rescue operation by directing the launch of a HC-130 Hercules airplane and MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City.
The MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew hoisted the 2 individuals from the sinking vessel and transported them to shore where they were reported in stable condition with no injuries.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
U.S. Coast Guard Mid-Atlantic.
Department of Homeland Security.
The HC-130J Super Hercules was first on the scene, assessed the situation, and deployed a dewatering pump to help manage the flooding aboard the vessel. Despite these efforts, the boat remained at risk of sinking, prompting the need for immediate extraction of the mariners.
The MH-60 Jayhawk MRR Helicopter aircrew arrived shortly afterward, deployed the rescue swimmer, hoisted the 2 sailors from the sinking vessel, and transported them to shore. The men were reported in stable condition with no injuries and the vessel was abandoned at sea.
The Salvation Army Wilmington, NC – Harrelson Center provided clothing for the survivors, while Modern Aviation/FBO arranged transportation to the main terminal at Wilmington Airport to assist with their journey home.
«This rescue highlights the critical importance of properly registered communication equipment,» said Lt. Sheena Bannon, a search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard 5th District. «The mariners’ VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling, their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, and SENDs device allowed us to respond quickly. By ensuring their equipment was registered, we had precise distress information, enabling a timely and successful rescue. I cannot stress enough how essential it is for all mariners to register their communications gear to improve safety on the water.»
-USCG-
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