GUAM – At 10:30 a.m., agencies from Search and Rescue Group Guam rescued five people from a disabled 30-foot vessel off Tarague Beach in northern Guam. The disabled vessel was in danger as it became stuck on the reef. Responding units included the US Coast Guard, Navy Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 25 (HSC-25), Guam Fire and Rescue, the private vessel Ten Two, and the USS Frank Cable.
Two people were hoisted off the disabled vessel Headshaker by an H-60 helicopter from HSC-25 and two others were picked up by the Good Samaritan vessel Ten Two and transferred to a Guam Fire and Rescue boat which brought them to the Agana boat basin. The master of the vessel swam ashore at Tarague beach. Two of the passengers were transported to Navy Hospital where one was treated for abrasions. The other four people were reported in good condition.
Initial notification was received via a 911 call and GFR responded. As the situation deteriorated, Coast Guard Sector Guam Search and Rescue Controllers provided rescue coordination, and the Coast Guard Cutter Assateague was on scene to coordinate local efforts. The USS Frank Cable was in the area and diverted to offer additional assistance.
Search and Rescue Group Guam conducts quarterly training exercises to maintain readiness and provide the best possible assistance for people in distress on and around Guam.
The US Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of carrying safety equipment such as life jackets, flares, and other signaling devices. It is also recommended that boaters carry both VHF radios and cell phones to call for assistance.
Technorati Tags: Coast Guard, Group Guam, HH-60 helicopter