Flare ‘greatly assists in rescue’, says USCG
08/04/2020
Three people have been airlifted from an overturned boat in Louisiana, USA, after firing a flare. This greatly assisted their rescue, say US Coast Guards.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Mobile received a report of a capsized vessel near Lake Borgne, one evening in April.
MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans attended. On arrival, they spotted a flare and three people clinging to the hull.
The trio was hoisted and transported to Gulfport Airport, where they were met by local Emergency Medical Services.
Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Hereford, operations unit controller, Sector Mobile, says, “Life-threatening situations can happen without warning on the water but there are things you can do and have aboard your vessel to increase your chances of being found.
“The survivor’s use of life jackets and a flare greatly assisted in their rescue.”
The image is a file picture of an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans.
