Saginaw Bay, Mich. – U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary transported two mariners to shore after responding to a reported engine fire, here, at approximately 3 p.m. Saturday.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary crew anchored the distressed vessel, turned off its engines and brought the mariners to shore.
Once the engines were turned off, the smoke subsided and no injuries were reported.
A commercial salvage company towed the disabled vessel to shore.
The mariners aboard the disabled vessel contacted the Coast Guard using a marine-band radio.
“The fact that these mariners had a marine-band radio onboard their vessel directly resulted in a quick response and the safe recovery of both people on that distressed vessel,” said Chief Petty Officer Exor Padro, Executive Petty Officer of Coast Guard Station Saginaw.
A marine band radio is the best way to contact the Coast Guard or marine response agencies if you are in distress on the water. When a Mayday is sent out via VHF-FM radio it is a broadcast, not just a one-to-one party distress call; any nearby boaters can hear the distress call and offer immediate assistance. Channel 16 is the Coast Guard distress channel and should be used for emergencies only.
