Correction: the previous news release stated that rescue vessel was a 47-foot Motor Life Boat, but the Coast Guard rescue boa was a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium.
NEW LONDON, Conn. – A Coast Guard Station New London rescue boatcrew rescued two mariners in distress near Watch Hill, Rhode Island, Friday.
At approximately 3 p.m., Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound command center received a MAYDAY call from a 32-foot pleasure craft via VHF-FM channel 16 reporting their vessel was taking on water and required Coast Guard assistance.
The pleasure craft reported both people aboard the vessel had life jackets on and the operator had a personal locator beacon (PLB).
Sector Long Island Sound watchstanders diverted a Coast Guard Station New London 45-foot Response Boat-Medium (RB-M) rescue crew to the scene, issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, and requested the operator of the vessel to activate his PLB.
An Air Station Cape Cod HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft also diverted to the scene.
The Station New London rescue crew reported being on scene at 3:20 p.m., and rescued the two men from the water.
Once safely aboard the Station New London RB-M rescue boat, the two rescued mariners were transported to Noank Shipyard where emergency medical services were awaiting their arrival.
“This is a great example of mariners being prepared prior to going out on the water,” said Chief Petty Officer Frank St. Pierre, the command duty officer at Sector Long Island Sound. “They remained calm, maintained constant communications with the Coast Guard on channel 16 VHF-FM, donned their life jackets, activated their personal locator beacon, and confirmed their position using emergency flares. The reliable gear on board the vessel and the outstanding response from Station New London and Air Station Cape Cod led to a successful rescue.”
Both mariners were taken to Pequot Hospital in Groton, Connecticut.
***Editors Note: For full size images click on the images above.***