ALAMEDA, Calif. — A family with a sick infant rescued from a disabled sailboat approximately 1,500 miles southwest of San Diego remains stable aboard a Navy frigate and is slated to arrive in San Diego Wednesday.
The rescue follows a call from the sailing vessel Rebel Heart operator Thursday to the Coast Guard requesting assistance for a one-year-old child. A Coast Guard flight surgeon recommended the child be seen by medical personnel within two days.
The Coast Guard requested assistance from the California Air National Guard’s 129th Rescue Wing, stationed at Moffet Field, Calif. and the Navy. The 129th Rescue Wing launched an Air Force MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft and four pararescuemen. At approximately 8 p.m. they arrived on scene with Rebel Heart and provided medical aid and care for the family.
At approximately 8 a.m. Sunday, sailors from the USS Vandegrift (FFG 48) brought the family and National Guard pararescuemen aboard using one of the ship’s small boats. Navy medical personnel and National Guardsmen will continue to care for the family and monitor the condition of the child until she is transferred to medical treatment ashore.
