SAN FRANCISCO — Coast Guard members and local agencies responded to a fishing vessel taking on water with two people aboard west of Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay Wednesday afternoon.
At 1:28 p.m., Coast Guard Station Golden Gate watchstanders received a VHF-FM radio transmission on channel 16 from a person aboard a 49-foot fishing vessel taking on water.
Two rescue boatcrews were launched from Station Golden Gate, and marine units were dispatched from San Francisco Fire, Tiburon Fire and Richmond Fire departments. Personnel from the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers vessel, Racoon, also responded.
“The rapid response by multiple agencies ensured help was on scene within minutes,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Whitlow, boatswain’s mate at Station Golden Gate. “Water was coming in fast, and the vessel’s pumps weren’t able to keep up. By transferring two crew members onto the vessel with dewatering pumps, we were able to safely escort the vessel to Pier 45.”
The Coast Guard reminds mariners to always be prepared for emergencies while on the water. Ensure communications and life-saving equipment are operable, and operators and passengers are able to respond appropriately.
For more information on safe boating practices and complimentary vessel safety checks through the Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit the Coast Guard Boating Safety Resource Center at www.uscgboating.org.