SAN PEDRO, Calif. – The Coast Guard located a recreational boater last night after a concerned family member reported him overdue.
Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach received the report at 5:30 p.m. today that a mariner aboard a recreational sailing vessel had not reached his destination in Long Beach after departing Newport Harbor at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
A MH-65C Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles conducted a search Friday night and was able to locate the sailing vessel at anchor near Huntington Beach. A 41′ utility boat from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach was directed to the scene.
It was determined that the mariner was not in distress and did not require medical attention. The vessel was placed under tow by the 41′ utility boat and is currently en route to Alamitos Bay where a post-search and rescue boarding will be conducted.
The vessel did not have an engine, a VHF radio, or navigation lights. The Coast Guard strongly urges vessel operators to maintain navigation and safety equipment in proper working condition. Wear a life jacket, file a float plan with a friend or family member, have a working marine-band VHF radio, electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), and flares on board. In an emergency, these simple steps can save your life and the lives of your passengers and crew.
Additional information regarding safe boating practices can be found by visiting the Coast Guard Office of Boating Safety at: http://www.uscgboating.org/.
