Archive image: A U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65E Dolphin helicopter aircrew flew over Miami Beach, Florida, Sept. 14, 2025.
The MH-65E Dolphin is a Short-Range Recovery Helicopter (SRR) used for search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, and homeland security missions.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Jessica Walker.
MIAMI — A Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65E Dolphin helicopter aircrew and a Navy NAS Key West MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter aircrew (Marlin SAR Team) conducted the rescue of four boaters after their 28-foot vessel capsized approximately 31 nautical miles north of Key West. Wednesday, December 31, 2016.
The four boaters were in stable condition and safely transported to awaiting emergency medical services (EMS) personnel at Key West International Airport.
An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew self-diverted from a routine patrol and located the boaters after hearing an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) issued by Sector Key West watchstanders. After the capsized vessel started smoking, the boaters tied their life jackets to each other to remain together in the water among the 2 to 4-foot seas and 18 mph winds.
One of the boaters managed to grab a handheld radio to call for help on Channel 16 before the boat capsized.
The exercise was designed to educate Aviation Rescue Swimmer School and Aviation Enlisted Aircrew rating functions.
U.S. Navy photo by Heather Fields.
The MH-65E Dolphin Short-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew arrived on scene and deployed the rescue swimmer who assisted in the hoist of three survivors. The MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter aircrew arrived on scene and hoisted the Coast Guard rescue swimmer and the fourth survivor.
“We’re proud of our crews and our Navy partners for helping save four lives after their vessel capsized,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Tabitha Pearigen, Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstander. “This is what we do. We want to save lives; we train to save lives.
“The boaters did a lot of things right—wearing life jackets and staying in communication—which made a real difference in keeping everyone safe,” Pearigan continued. “As we head into the new year, this is a good reminder to check the weather, wear your gear, and make sure you have a way to call for help before getting underway.”
–USCG–
For more Hlcopters Magazine breaking news, stories, images and videos visit hlcopters.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
