Correction: the previous news release stated that the mariner was transferred at approximately 4 a.m., Saturday, but the actual time was approximately 11 p.m., Friday.
ORIENT, N.Y. – A Station New London rescue boatcrew rescued a mariner from a distressed sailing vessel approximately three miles north of Orient, New York, Friday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound command center (SLIS) received a call from Southold Police Department relaying a distress call from a 50-foot sailing vessel with one person aboard, reporting the vessel was dismasted and taking on water.
SLIS watchstanders established communications with the sailing vessel via cell phone and determined an approximate position in Long Island Sound near Orient, New York.
The distressed mariner stated he was unable to communicate via radio because the vessel’s antenna was in the water.
SLIS issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast notice to mariners, requesting boaters in the area to keep a sharp lookout for the vessel in distress.
SLIS also launched a Station New London 45-foot Response Boat Medium rescue boatcrew and requested assistance from the Coast Guard Cutter Sitkinak.
The distressed sailor reported his vessel was no longer taking on water.
A good Samaritan vessel arrived first on scene and provided communications to SLIS and assisted with directing Search and Rescue units to the scene.
Once on scene, the rescue boatcrew evaluated the sailing vessel's condition and approached the sailing vessel on the port side.
At approximately 11 p.m., the distressed mariner was safely transferred aboard the rescue boat.
The sailing vessel remained adrift with navigation lights energized.
Cutter Sitkinak was released and returned to base.
Sector Long Island Sound issued a Safety Marine Information Broadcast, alerting vessels in the area to keep a lookout for the drifting sailing vessel.
The owner of the vessel has contacted a commercial salvage company.
No injuries have been reported.