Archive image: The aircrew aboard a MH-60T Jayhawk from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City prepare to hoist two Navy pilots from Navy Strike Fighter Atlantic from the Coast Guard 47-foot Motor Life Boat, crewed by members from Station Indian River Inlet during the joint service Search and Rescue Exercise, May 17, 2022, near Ocean City, Maryland.
The Search and Rescue Exercise is an annual event that prepares the Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force for search and rescue situations that may arise that involve coordination among the services.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Third Class Emily Velez.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. April 13, 2023. — The Coast Guard rescue two sailors from a disabled sailboat taking on water 8 nautical miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina Thursday morning.
Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received notification from towboat dispatch that the 22-foot sailing vessel with two people aboard was partially dismasted with an inoperable engine and taking on water.
A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew responded and remained on-scene until a Station Cape Hatteras 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew arrived.
The two sailors aboard conducted manual dewatering to keep up with the steady flow of water until help came, and they continued dewatering efforts until they were towed to shore. A station crew member embarked the sailboat to assist with damage control efforts. The exact location of the flooding was unknown.
“This case highlights the importance of ensuring that you are well prepared for any situation that may present itself during your time on the water,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Christian Ibarra, the MLB coxswain. “Along with the normal safety gear required such as life jackets, flares and sound signals, it’s also pertinent to maintain dewatering equipment and damage control supplies to provide self-help until the Coast Guard or help arrives.”
A Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew relieved the tow and the sailboat was taken to Oregon Inlet Marina. The mariners were reported to be in stable condition.
–USCG–
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