U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo/Released.
NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two people from a capsized vessel in Joe’s Bay, Louisiana, the past Friday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New Orleans received a report at approximately 11 p.m. over Channel 16 VHF, the international distress marine radio frequency, of a capsized vessel with two people aboard, approximately 500 yards south of Tiger Pass.
Sector watchstanders directed the launch of a 45-Foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Venice and diverted an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans to rescue the people.
The aircrew arrived on scene at 11:51 p.m. and located the two people clinging to the hull of the vessel.
The aircrew hoisted the people and transported them to Air Station New Orleans in stable condition.
“Life-threatening situations can happen without warning on the water but there are things you can do to increase your chances of survival,” said Scott Talbot, a search and rescue mission coordinator at Sector New Orleans. “One of the easiest things you can do to keep yourself safe is wear a life jacket. If your vessel capsizes, staying near the vessel increases the likelihood search crews will locate you.”
-USCG-
