LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard rescued two adults and eight Sea Scouts after their vessel lost power near Santa Rosa Island Tuesday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach received a call from a crewmember aboard a 36-foot power boat at 8 p.m., Tuesday. The source reported that their vessel had lost steering and then lost power with two adults and eight Sea Scouts aboard.
A Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point C-130 aircraft was enroute to San Diego and diverted to maintain a visual on the vessel in distress. A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Forward Operating Base Point Mugu and Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip, a 87-foot patrol boat, homeported in Channel Islands Harbor assisted in the transfer of all individuals to safety.
The cutter Blacktip arrived on scene and safely towed the vessel back to the Channel Islands Harbor entrance where Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor assumed the tow and brought them to safety.
The Sea Scouts ranged from ages 14-18 and were aboard a vessel that had a VHF-FM radio, lifejackets, and flares which all assisted in the successful search and rescue case.
The Coast Guard reminds mariners to always:
- Wear life jackets while on the water.
- Always have a working marine-band radio on board.
- Carry marine flares on board the vessel.
- Ensure bilge pumps are operational and vessels are secure for heavy winds and rain.
- Stay Informed - The public should be aware of weather conditions and monitor progress through local television, radio and internet. Check the current and expected weather and water conditions before heading out, and be aware that weather conditions can quickly change.
- File a float plan with friends, family members and local marinas before heading out. The list should include the number of passengers aboard the vessel, vessel's destination and expected time of return.
For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.
Seas were reported to be between 8-and-10 feet and winds at 30 mph. No injuries were reported.
The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip, a 87-foot patrol boat, home-ported in Channel Islands Harbor, safely towed a 36-foot power boat back to the harbor after the vessel lost steering and power. The vessel was participating in a sea expedition with two adults and eight Sea Scouts aboard.
The 36-foot power boat, Seal is safely moored at Coast Guard Station Channel Islands after losing power Tuesday, July 19, 2016. The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip, a 87-foot patrol boat, home-ported in Channel Islands Harbor towed the vessel back to the harbor with two adults and eight Sea Scouts aboard.