Boaters rescued after using flares
20/10/2022
Two boaters have been rescued in Alabama, USA, after using flares to alert a nearby tug crew when their raft sank.
The rescue happened one October morning off Dauphin Island, after the raft took on water.
Coast Guard Sector Mobile watchstanders received a call over VHF channel 16 from the crew of commercial tug Linda Moran reporting that they rescued two boaters from a raft after seeing a flare.
Watchstanders coordinated the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Jacob Poroo to assist.
The helicopter crew arrived on the scene, airlifted the two boaters and transferred them to emergency medical services personnel at Pensacola Regional Airport.
Cmdr. Kathleen Sullivan, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator says, “The Coast Guard commends the assistance rendered by Tug Linda Moran to the two distressed mariners.
“This event highlights the importance of proper utilization of safety equipment, to include the use of rafts and flares, by all mariners.”
The two boaters were reported to be in stable condition.
The image shows the Coast Guard Air Station MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew flying towards the Linda Moran and is courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard.
