On the heels of a yesterday’s rescue of a man who fell overboard, Coast Guard rescuers were back at it again today conducting a late morning rescue of a 49 foot motor yacht taking on water with three people on board.
At 11:00 a.m., Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach received a distress call via VHF Channel 16 from the vessel Fevik advising that the vessel was taking on water through hull damage.
Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach immediately launched a 47-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Channel Islands and an HH-65 rescue helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) was also initiated.
A nearby vessel, Mr. Clean III, responded to the UMIB and provided assistance to the distressed vessel by utilizing their pump but that pump could not keep up with the flow of incoming water.
A Coast Guard rescue swimmer was lowered from the rescue helicopter with a pump that was able to keep up with the flooding. “The vessel owner said he had about 3′ of water on board and it was rising so we immediately pulled in to a hover to deliver a rescue swimmer and pump. Due to the vessel’s inability to maneuver it required excellent team coordination between the flight mechanic, rescue swimmer, and pilots making for a very successful mission.” Stated, LT. Arron Mader, the rescue helicopter pilot.
Once the flooding was stabilized the vessel was towed safely to Santa Barbara Harbor.
Yesterday’s rescue prompted a surprise telephone call from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen. “”I was very honored to hear from the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and the Commandant of the Coast Guard on behalf of the crew. I am just very grateful we could assist in saving a man’s life. It feels good when all our hard work and training pays off.” said rescue swimmer Petty Officer Mitch Latta.
