LOS ANGELES — A Coast Guard crew assisted in the rescue of four boaters in distress near the south jetty of Morro Bay Harbor Sunday.
At 1 p.m., Sunday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach Command Center received a mayday call over VHF channel 16 from a 18-foot pleasure craft. It was reported that the vessel had capsized with three adults and one child aboard.
The Coast Guard immediately launched a 47-foot rescue boat from Coast Guard Station Morro Bay. Morro Bay Harbor Patrol also launched a boat to assist in the rescue.
The Coast Guard rescued two of the four boaters, Morro Bay Harbor Patrol rescued one, while the child was reported to have made it to shore. Morro Bay Harbor Patrol safely recovered the child and brought them back to the pier to meet their family. The boaters were safely transferred to Sierra Vista Medical Center and were reported to have minor injuries.
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.