Blogs

03-03-13 HILO, HI Coast Guard crewmembers aid disabled boat off Big Island The crew of the USCG Cutter Kiska assisted the crew aboard a disabled vessel approximately 6 miles east of Pohokiki, off the Big Island Sun. (03-03) CG watchstanders in the Sector Honolulu Command Center were notified that the 24-ft. Mellow Yellow had lost steering at 7:15 a.m. Sun. Two people were aboard the vessel. The Kiska crew arrived to the vessel's location and transferred engineers to make temporary repairs on the Mellow Yellow's steering system. Coast Guardsmen made a very basic rudder system using wood and rope. CG engineers remained aboard the vessel and ensured its safe return to Hilo Harbor, using the makeshift rudder. As the CG is America's maritime first responder, the CG professional workforce and locally based units are always ready to respond. The CG readiness and constant presence on America's coasts and waterways enable fast, flexible response to assist those in need. Read full story here.

03-04-13 LINOLN CITY, OR Jet skier's body found off Depoe Bay Oregon State Police say the body of missing jet skier has been found floating in the ocean off Depoe Bay. The 24-y/o man was reported missing by his girlfriend late Mon. (03-04), and Lincoln Co. authorities discovered his vehicle and Jet Ski trailer at Knight Park near the mouth of the Salmon River. The USCG launched a boat and helicopter to search the ocean off Lincoln City. An abandoned jet ski was spotted in the ocean early Tue. and the continuing search led to the body. State police Lt. Gregg Hastings identified the man as Daniel Lee Ahlers of Lincoln City. An autopsy was planned. Read full story here.

03-06-13 HAMPTON, VA Coast Guard forced to rescue dog and owner off coast of Virginia A dog and his owner were stranded after his sailboat became disabled in the river, near Hampton. The USCG rescued the pair Wed. (03-06). The boat was found about half a mile away from the coast. The man and his dog were taken to the Langley Air Force Base Marina. The CG says that the sailboat can still be salvaged. Read full story here.

03-04-13 PACIFICA, CA Three arrested for stealing sailboat from Sausalito Two men and a woman were arrested in connection with the theft of a yacht that ran aground at a Pacifica beach early Mon. morning (03-04), a police spokesman said. Leslie Gardner, 63, Dario Mora, 54, and Lisa Modawell, 56, were arrested at about noon on suspicion of grand theft and conspiracy, Pacifica police Capt. Joe Spanheimer said. The North Co. Fire Authority received a report of an 82-ft. boat in distress in shallow water near Linda Mar Beach at 5:18 a.m. The vessel "Darling" had run aground there. No injuries were reported. The CG dispatched a swimmer to supply the sailboat crew with a radio. Sausalito police received a call just before 8 a.m. from the owner of the boat saying it had been stolen from the Sausalito Yacht Harbor. The boat's owner was watching the news broadcast of the beached vessel when he recognized the boat as his own. The CG ordered the occupants off the vessel for their safety but did not receive a response. San Mateo Co. sheriff's deputies used jet skis to help remove the trio from the boat. One of the three suspects had prosthetic leg. It was low tide that morning, and the boat was stuck in about 4 ft. of water. High tide will not peak until 10 p.m. The owner of the yacht was at the scene and had contracted a salvage team to help free the vessel. Read full story here.

03-05-13 ELLOREE, SC Man dies when boat flips over A fishing trip turned tragic Tue. afternoon (03-05) after a boat flipped, leading to an Orangeburg man’s death. Solomon E. Thomas, 48, drowned in the incident near Elloree, Orangeburg Co. Coroner Samuetta Marshall said. The accident occurred as Thomas and a friend were fishing on a Carriage Hill Road pond. A chair one of the men was using broke, jostling the boat, S.C. DNR Capt. Robert McCullough said. “The boat flipped and both occupants fell out of the boat,” he said. The 2 clung to the side of the boat until Thomas’ friend decided to swim to shore for help. About halfway to shore, he discovered the water was shallow enough to stand. He looked back toward Thomas and the boat. He stated he did not see him anywhere around the pond. Fearing the worst, he located individuals close by, using their cellphone to call 911. A DNR diver recovered Thomas’ body. Neither man in the boat was wearing a life jacket. DNR is investigating the incident, although there is no indication of foul play at this point. Read full story here.

03-05-13 HILLSBORO BEACH, FL Fishing boat explodes; Captain injured One man suffered extensive burns when an explosion occurs on his 65-ft. sport fishing boat. The incident happened about 1:30 p.m. Tue. (03-05) near Hillsboro Beach. The 32-y/o captain was working or cleaning the engine when the explosion happened, sending the 1st floor of the vessel crashing onto the 2nd floor, according to Pompano Beach Fire Rescue. He was transported to Broward Health North and then Jackson Memorial Hospital with extensive burns. A salvage company will tow the boat away when the Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue finishes atmospheric monitoring at the dock. Read full story here.