Posts Tagged ‘Sector Northern New England’
Men questioned while hunting near power plant
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - Two Coast Guard boats and local police responded this morning when Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant security guards reported that a boat carrying three hunters was observed near a security zone around the power plant.
Disabled New Bedford boat towed to safety
BOSTON- The Coast Guard is towing a New Bedford-based fishing vessel after the boat lost propulsion about 130 miles southeast of Cape Cod, Mass., around 7:30 a.m. Friday.
Search Suspended for Missing Maine Lobsterman
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - The Coast Guard suspended its search at about 6 p.m., today for a Maine lobsterman last seen about noon Monday in a 21-foot skiff near Zephyr Ledges, Maine.
Chris Whittaker, 24, left Matinicus Island, Maine, at about 8:45 Monday morning and was expected to return by 2 p.m. His sister contacted Coast Guard Station Rockland, Maine, at 3:30 p.m., concerned because he had not arrived.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Whittaker’s family and friends,” said Capt. James McPherson, commander of Sector Northern New England.
Responders searched for 28 hours and covered more than 100 square miles using a 47-foot rescue boat from Station Rockland; the Coast Guard Cutters Moray and Jefferson Island; a Falcon jet and a Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Cape Cod, Mass.; a Navy plane from Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine; two Maine Marine Patrol boats using side-scan sonar, and about 20 local lobstermen.
“It’s always heart-breaking when we have to suspend a search,” said McPherson. “We realize this is an extremely difficult time for the community, but the local support was a real asset in this case, and we appreciate all of the time and effort of those who helped.”
Editors’ Note: Chris Whittaker’s last name was spelled incorrectly in the initial story. The correct spelling is Whittaker.
Storm ravages moored sailboats, Coast Guard responds
BOSTON - The Coast Guard responded to two sailboats broken loose from their moorings near Kittery, Maine, following a powerful storm that blew through the area Saturday night.
Winter Boat Living Adds Additional Dangers
PORTLAND, Maine - The Coast Guard, the Portland and South Portland Fire Departments, and the Portland Harbormaster are joining forces to educate the public of the hazards of living aboard boats during the winter.
Coast Guard wraps up summer boating season, reminds mariners to prepare for cold
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - As the air and water temperatures in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont grow colder each day, Coast Guard Sector Northern New England reminds mariners to take extra precautions on the water.
Although summer officially ended just two weeks ago, the Northeast is already experiencing colder weather, which means boaters, paddlers, sailors, fishermen and hunters should carry extra gear to protect them from the cold. They should plan for what might go wrong and be equipped and prepared for survival.
Kayakers safety gear enables quick Coast Guard rescue
SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine - A Newcastle, Maine, man is home safe today because of survival equipment he carried with him while kayaking in the Sheepscot River, in Maine Sunday.
Robert Yarmey, of Newcastle, Maine, used a handheld radio to call the Coast Guard for help at 7:38 p.m., Sunday, when he was forced to swim to shore in 53-degree water after his kayak overturned near Reversing Falls in Sheepscot, Maine. Read the rest of this entry »
Coast Guard rescues overdue lobsterman
BOSTON - The Coast Guard rescued a 50-year-old lobsterman Monday after his boat became disabled and adrift in Broad Cove, Maine.
Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor received phone calls from the man’s father and friend after he did not return from his fishing trip when expected.
A 47-foot and 25-foot boat crew from Station Boothbay Harbor and two boats from the Maine Marine Patrol searched the area and found the man aboard the 24-foot lobster boat.
He was reported as not injured and the 25-foot boat crew is towing his boat to Thomaston, Maine.
“This is a great example of why it’s important to tell a friend or loved one where you are going and when you are expected to return,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Sperry from Coast Guard Sector Northern New England. “We would also like to thank the MMP for their assistance with this case.”