A Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo (WPC-1112) smallboat crew approaches a disabled sport fishing vessel approximately 70 southwest of Key West, Oct. 7, 2019. (Coast Guard Photo)
KEY WEST, Fla. — The Coast Guard assisted four mariners aboard two separate disabled vessels 70 miles southwest of Key West, Sunday.
The Coast Guard 7th District watchstanders received an unregistered 406 MHz emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) distress alert Sunday morning. Watchstanders launched a Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater HC-130 Hercules airplane crew and diverted Coast Guard Cutter Isaac Mayo (WPC-1112) crew to the distress position. The cutter Isaac Mayo crew arrived on scene and located two disabled sport fishing vessels, both named “Ya Ya”.
Coast Guard Sector Key West watchstanders coordinated with commercial assistance providers to tow one of the disabled vessels in to Key West. The other vessel was towed in by the cutter Isaac Mayo crew.
“This is a great example of a prudent mariner being prepared for the worst,” said Lt. Cmdr. Michael Viles, Sector Key West command center chief. “When they encountered an emergency situation, they used their EPIRB and appropriate survival equipment to call the Coast Guard for assistance.”
Mariners can register their 406 MHz EPIRBs here.
