Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry file photo by Aux. Michael Dubin
MIAMI — The Coast Guard and a good Samaritan vessel assisted a disabled 32-foot pleasure craft Tuesday 31 miles northwest of Andros Island, Bahamas.
Assisted was Nelson Saldihna.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard 7th District Command Center received an emergency position indicating radio beacon registered to the pleasure craft Canoa, at approximately 1:45 p.m.
An HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami arrived on scene with Saldihna and his vessel at 3:07 p.m., and established he was disabled but safe and anchored. The aircrew helped direct a good Samaritan vessel to Saldihna to assist.
“Because Mr. Saldihna had a registered EPIRB aboard his vessel and filed a float plan with family, we were able to get to him quickly and verify he was not in any immediate distress,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Janie Hennen, operations unit search and rescue controller with the 7th District. “This is a great example of how an EPIRB and filing a float plan can help you in a time of a maritime emergency. The Coast Guard stresses the importance of being prepared with all the necessary emergency equipment for any trip on the water.”
