Coast Guard Responds to Multiple Calls for Help

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – Coast Guard crews from various southern California units responded to multiple distress calls during a short period of time, Oct. 4.

Coast Guard District 11 LogoA MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles safely transported a doctor from the University of Southern California to the Catalina Dive Chamber on Catalina Island, Calif., to treat a diver that had an accident over the weekend.

The Coast Guard was contacted in the morning after local authorities were unable to fly due to inclement weather.

The Coast Guard also launched a helicopter, a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor, and the Coast Guard Cutter George Cobb to respond to a 45-foot sailboat that ran aground on Santa Cruz Island, Calif.

Vessel Assist also responded and safely towed the sailboat to Ventura Harbor. There were no injuries or signs of pollution.

On the other side of Santa Cruz Island near Smuggler’s Cove, a rescue helicopter and motor lifeboat responded to a call for help after a diver went missing.

Los Angeles County Lifeguards, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department Dive Teams also mobilized.

The diver was located by the recreational dive vessel, alive and in stable condition.

A short time later, Coast Guard watchstanders received a Mayday call over VHF Channel 16 near Marina Del Rey, Calif. A rescue helicopter and 25-foot rescue boat from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles-Long Beach searched the area extensively but found no signs of anyone distress.


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