Fishermen in life raft signal to US Coast guards with flare

12/10/2023

Two fishermen, whose boat sank off Savannah, Georgia, have been saved after signalling to coast guard rescuers with a flare.

One day in September, Coast Guard Sector Charleston watchstanders were told by Coast Guard District Seven watchstanders of Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon activation from the fishing vessel Lady Diane, 50 miles off Savannah.

Sector Charleston watchstanders tried to contact the vessel, without success. An Air Station Savannah helicopter crew diverted to the boat’s last known position.

The fishermen launched a flare which enabled the aircrew to spot their life raft. The aircrew hoisted the men and transported them to Hunter Army Airfield to waiting emergency medical personnel.

Lt. Cmdr. Sarah Anderson, aircraft commander during the case, says, “The mariners demonstrated remarkable skill in deploying their lifesaving equipment, enabling our crew to locate them within minutes upon arriving on scene.

“The mariners’ effective use of their EPIRB and signalling flare played a pivotal role in the success of this case.”

Scott Szczepaniak, recreational boating safety specialist, Coast Guard Seventh District, says, “This case demonstrates the importance of having layers of communications effectively taking the ‘search’ out of search and rescue.”