Coast Guard Responding to SE Missouri Flooding
April 4th, 2008
ST. LOUIS - The Coast Guard activated two of its Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) after a request for assistance was received from the State of Missouri.
At approximately 12 p.m. yesterday, the Missouri’s State Emergency Management Agency contacted the Coast Guard and requested assistance. As of 4:30 a.m. this morning, two DARTs have been deployed to southeast Missouri in the vicinity Sikeston. In addition to the DARTs, two Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopters have been mobilized for state and local support.
A DART consists of three flat bottom boats known as flood punts, capable of navigating in shallow flood waters. Eight crewman trained in flood response accompany each DART.
<Tags: Search and Rescue