Archive image: Coast Guard crews refuel a MH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter in-between flights during Hurricane Florence at Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
The helicopter was being refueled while the blades were still running for quick re-deployment and response.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ronald Hodges.
The Coast Guard crews rescue a sailor from a disabled sailboat reportedly taking on water approximately 74 nautical miles off the coast of Beaufort Inlet, North Carolina. Monday, May 15, 2023.
A transiting container ship reported the vessel to Sector North Carolina watchstanders, who initiated the launch of a Station Fort Macon 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boatcrew, an HC-130 Hercules aircrew and an MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City.
Once on scene, the MH-60 Jayhawk MRR helicopter aircrew was unable to deliver a dewatering pump or deploy a rescue swimmer due to the sea state. The initial responding boatcrew took the vessel in tow upon arrival and was relieved of the tow by another station MLB crew closer to shore.
The two crews towed the vessel for a combined 10 hours in 4 to 6-foot seas and more than 20 mph winds, before passing the tow Tuesday to commercial salvage inside Beaufort Inlet.
“When operating offshore every prudent mariner should check and ensure their vessel is equipped with proper safety gear, such as life jackets, flares and marine band VHF radio,” said Lt. Cmdr. Mark Allen, a search and rescue mission coordinator with Sector North Carolina. “We highly recommend carrying an operable—and properly registered—emergency position indicating radio beacon, or EPRIB, which can make a huge difference in a maritime emergency. We also recommend always filing a float plan and check on the weather and sea conditions prior to leaving the dock.”
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–USCG–
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