U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District Mid-Atlantic News - Recent Updates: Recent Episodes
None
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard warns beachgoers of life-threatening rip currents as Hurricane Lee passes Mid-Atlantic coast 09/13/2023 02:05 PM EDT
BALTIMORE – Coast Guard officials are urging beachgoers to exercise extreme caution during and after
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
VIDEO RELEASE: Coast Guard rescues kite surfer near Barnegat Light, New Jersey 08/31/2023 04:23 PM EDT
Click image to view and download video. PHILADELPHIA – The Coast Guard rescued a kite surfer from a
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard sets port condition Zulu for the Port of Morehead City, North Carolina, due to Tropical Storm Idalia 08/30/2023 06:55 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The captain of the port of North Carolina set port condition Zulu for the Port of
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Sector Virginia urges caution on the water with the passage of Hurricane Idalia 08/30/2023 03:07 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. − Coast Guard Sector Virginia urges the public to exercise caution as the region is
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard sets port condition Zulu for the Port of Wilmington due to Hurricane Idalia 08/30/2023 12:08 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The captain of the port of North Carolina set port condition Zulu for the Port of
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard sets Port Condition Yankee for Port of Wilmington & Morehead City, North Carolina due to Hurricane Idalia 08/30/2023 07:00 AM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Captain of the Port of North Carolina set Port Condition Yankee for the Port
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard changes port condition due to upcoming Hurricane Idalia 08/29/2023 10:09 AM EDT
The Captain of the Port set Port Condition X-Ray for the Port of Wilmington and Morehead City, North Carolina, Tuesday due to predicted sustained tropical storm force winds generated by Hurricane Idalia that may arrive within the next 48 hours.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues 4 people, dog from sinking boat in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey 08/28/2023 02:59 PM EDT
PHILADELPHIA — The Coast Guard rescued four people and a dog from a boat taking on water Sunday near
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Media availability: Coast Guard conducts illegal passenger vessel enforcement operation, finds safety violations 08/23/2023 02:21 PM EDT
Editor’s note: Media interested in an interview regarding the enforcement operation or details on
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Mid-Atlantic Coast Guard crews assist 34 mariners over weekend 08/21/2023 11:16 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard assisted 34 mariners during multiple emergencies in the
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard assists sailor aboard vessel taking on water near Salt Ponds, Virginia 08/18/2023 06:42 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies assisted a 42-year-old man today after his
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard saves 2 kayakers stranded on island in Indian River, Delaware 08/18/2023 02:49 PM EDT
PHILADELPHIA – The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two kayakers Thursday after they were beset by weather
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
NEWS FEATURE: Mid-Atlantic Coast Guard lawyer wins outstanding young military award 08/18/2023 11:39 AM EDT
(Photos available HERE) The American Bar Association and Judge Advocate Association recently awarded
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
MULTIMEDIA RELEASE: Coast Guard, Navy rescue 4 missing male divers 46 miles southeast of Cape Fear River 08/14/2023 02:54 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and Navy rescued four missing male divers Monday 46 miles
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard searching for 4 missing male divers 50 miles south of Cape Fear, North Carolina 08/13/2023 09:32 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is searching for four missing male divers Sunday 50 miles south of
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues 4 on disabled vessel in Delaware River, cites numerous safety violations 07/31/2023 01:05 PM EDT
Stock Image of a 29-foot Response Boat from Station Philadelphia underway in the Delaware
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues 11 after boat capsizes west of Oregon Inlet, North Carolina 07/26/2023 04:03 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard rescued 11 people from the water Wednesday after an airboat
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard relieves commander due to loss of confidence 07/26/2023 01:09 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard permanently relieved Capt. Matthew Baer of command, Tuesday, July
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues 1 from water after boat catches fire in Delaware Bay, locals extinguish flames 07/18/2023 06:18 PM EDT
PHILADELPHIA – The Coast Guard rescued a man from the water Tuesday after his boat caught fire in
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City holds change-of-command, retirement ceremony 07/07/2023 03:29 PM EDT
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Coast Guard Capt. Catherine T. Carabine relieved Capt. William “Chip” A.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard assists 5 people aboard disabled vessel in Chincoteague Bay 07/05/2023 03:00 PM EDT
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. — The Coast Guard assisted a disabled boat with five people aboard just after
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit holds change of command ceremony 06/29/2023 06:53 PM EDT
NEWPORT NEWS, Virginia — U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit 305 (PSU 305) held a change of command ceremony, Tuesday, at the Mariner’s Museum of Newport News. Cmdr. John Elkins relieved Cmdr. James Lovenstein as the commanding officer of PSU 305. Capt. Jason Ryan, chief of Pacific Area operations, presided over the ceremony.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE: Coast Guard, local agencies suspend search in Chesapeake Bay after tractor-trailer goes off Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel 06/23/2023 06:41 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and local agencies suspended their search Friday for the driver of
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Force Readiness Command holds change-of-command ceremony in Yorktown 06/23/2023 02:34 PM EDT
NORFOLK, Va. — Coast Guard Rear Adm. Jeffrey K. Randall relieved Rear Adm. M. W. (Joe) Raymond as
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, local agencies search Chesapeake Bay after tractor-trailer goes off Chesapeake Bay Bridge 06/22/2023 08:19 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard and local agencies are searching for one person, Thursday, after a
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Port Security Unit returns home following nine-month overseas deployment 06/21/2023 07:11 PM EDT
JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS, Va. — U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 305 servicemembers returned to Joint Base Langley Eustis Thursday following a nine-month deployment to Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, where the unit served as the Maritime Security Detachment (MARSECDET) in support of Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO).
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard relieves commander of Sector North Carolina 06/21/2023 03:54 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard temporarily relieved Capt. Matthew Baer from command of Coast
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard relieves commanding officer of Sector North Carolina 06/21/2023 03:54 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – The Coast Guard temporarily relieved Capt. Matthew Baer from command of Coast
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay holds change-of-command ceremony in Philadelphia 06/16/2023 04:29 PM EDT
PHILADELPHIA — Coast Guard Capt. Kate Higgins-Bloom relieved Capt. Johnathan Theel as commander of
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown holds change-of-command ceremony 06/15/2023 12:56 PM EDT
YORKTOWN, Va. — Coast Guard Training Center (TRACEN) Yorktown held a change-of-command ceremony
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit conducts a casing of the colors ceremony at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay 06/14/2023 06:32 PM EDT
NAVAL BASE GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba — U.S. Coast Guard Port Security Unit (PSU) 305 members conducted a casing of the colors ceremony at Naval Base Guantanamo Bay Tuesday, marking the end of the Coast Guard’s 21-year mission supporting Joint Task Force Guantanamo (JTF-GTMO). Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan presided over the historical ceremony and presented a Coast Guard Unit Commendation award to the men and women of PSU 305.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard Port Security Unit 305 returns home after 9-month deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba 06/14/2023 11:26 AM EDT
WHO: Coast Guard Port Security Unit 305 and families.WHAT: Coast Guard Port Security Unit 305
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Media Availability: Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay to hold change-of-command ceremony 06/13/2023 02:10 PM EDT
Editor’s note: Media interested in attending must RSVP to Lt. Malia Hindle at 609-224-0237 no later
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City celebrates 25 years of service, honors founding sentinels and robust lifesaving history 06/12/2023 12:27 PM EDT
By Lt. Gillian Gerton & Chief Petty Officer Cynthia OldhamThe Coast Guard is celebrating 25
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard to enforce safety zone, urges safe boating during Norfolk Harborfest 2023 06/07/2023 04:19 PM EDT
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to conduct safety patrols and enforce safety zones
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard holds special status ceremony for Cutter Bayberry 06/07/2023 03:03 PM EDT
Editor’s note: click the photo to download a high resolution version.PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Three adults and one teen rescued from disabled sailboat
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued three adults and a 15-year-old from a sinking sailing vessel Thursday approximately 98 miles from Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
The 41-foot sailboat Rojodan crew contacted Coast Guard Sector North Carolina at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday, stating that they had lost the use of both their engines and jib. The Coast Guard was unable to tow the vessel because of the distance from shore and weather conditions with wind gusts up to 40 knots and sea swells up to 8 feet.
A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew responded and hoisted the four mariners from the vessel that had begun taking on water.
"These mariners were sailing prepared with a satellite phone which made way for a successful rescue," said Stephen Sawyer, Sector North Carolina command duty officer. "Vessels that travel over 20 miles offshore should ensure they have an alternate method of communication equipment beyond a VHF radio, such as an HF radio or satellite phone."
The mariners were transported to Air Station Elizabeth City where they were given dry clothing and transportation to a local hotel. There were no reported injuries.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
The Coast Guard rescues crew of sinking fishing vessel
Editors' Note: Click on image to download high resolution version.
Editor's Note: More details about the rescue of the two mariners.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued two people who jumped from a sinking commercial fishing vessel Thursday approximately five miles from Engelhard, North Carolina, in the Pamlico Sound.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received notification at approximately 2 a.m. from the 35-foot fishing vessel, Heathers Breeze, stating they were taking on water.
A Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet 47-foot Motor Lifeboat responded and passed over a P-6 pump to assist with dewatering. The mariners were unable to operate the pump so a Coast Guard member embarked the vessel to help. Once aboard the member explained how to prime the pump then disembarked. Approximately ten minutes later the vessel began sinking and the two mariners abandoned ship.
Both members were recovered from the water with no reported injuries and taken to Station Hatteras Inlet.
“The maritime environment is often unpredictable and preparedness is crucial,” said Stephen Sawyer, Sector North Carolina command duty officer. “We recommend commercial fishing vessels contact their local Coast Guard commercial fishing safety examiner for a comprehensive safety exam, have a reliable means of communication, and always wear a life jacket.”
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
The Coast Guard rescues crew of sinking fishing vessel
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued two people from a sinking commercial fishing vessel Thursday approximately five miles from Engelhard, North Carolina, in the Pamlico Sound.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received notification at approximately 2 a.m. from the 35-foot fishing vessel, Heathers Breeze, stating they were taking on water.
A Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet 47-foot Motor Lifeboat responded and transferred a crew member to the vessel to assist.
The fishing vessel sank despite attempts to dewater and the mariners were taken to Station Hatteras Inlet.
“The maritime environment is often unpredictable and preparedness is crucial,” said Stephen Sawyer, Sector North Carolina Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator. “We recommend commercial fishing vessels contact their local Coast Guard commercial fishing safety examiner for a comprehensive safety exam, have a reliable means of communication, and always wear a life jacket.”
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
The Coast Guard rescues crew of disabled sail boat
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued two people from a disabled sail boat Tuesday approximately 218 miles east of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received notification at approximately 8 a.m. Monday from a good Samaritan that the 46-foot sailing vessel Big Adventure participating in the Salty Dawg Caribbean Rally from Hampton, Virginia to Antigua, had struck an object causing rudder failure. The shoreside coordinator of the rally was able to establish communications with the vessel via email.
The District Five command center directed Coast Guard Cutter Lawrence Lawson to the scene where they embarked the two mariners and towed the vessel to Chesapeake Bay where it was transferred to a commercial towboat.
"We encourage all boaters to outfit their vessels with appropriate communications and safety equipment, such as a satellite phone and EPIRB," said Lt. Sheena Bannon, District Five command duty officer. "When operating more than 20 miles offshore, VHF and cellphone communications become unreliable. Vessels participating in the Salty Dawg Caribbean Rally received a search and rescue briefing from command center personnel prior to their departure, and provided us with emergency contact information, offering many ways to establish communication with the mariners."
The mariners have no reported injuries.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
The Coast Guard rescues four people from a disabled sailing vessel
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued four people from a disabled sailing vessel Monday approximately two miles east of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Virginia received notification at approximately 2 a.m. from a good Samaritan that the 48-foot sailing vessel Irish Tango was sailing erratically and impeding oncoming traffic in Thimble Shoal Channel two miles east of Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The sailing vessel then proceeded to cross back and forth across the bow of a container ship. They did not respond to communication attempts made by the Coast Guard, Virginia pilots, or the container ship.
A Coast Guard Station Little Creek 45-foot Response Boat-Medium responded and towed the Irish Tango to Little Creek. The vessel had been on the sea for the last 48 hours with an inoperable autopilot system and were set off track due to weather.
“This crew was lucky,” said Petty Officer 1st class Michael Anderson, Station Little Creek coxswain on duty. “Fatigue can be just as dangerous as any storm or hazard to navigation. On the water things don’t often go like you planned, so always have a back-up plan.”
The Irish Tango and its crew were taken to Cobbs Marina where they were examined by EMS with no reported injuries.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard presents public service awards to mariners for fire response
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
NORFOLK, Va. — The Coast Guard presented the final of 18 public service awards this week to the good Samaritans who responded to the Spirit of Norfolk fire.
On June 7, 2022, the passenger vessel Spirit of Norfolk was on a sightseeing cruise on the Elizabeth River with 108 passengers and crew, including two large groups of school-age children on field trips, when the vessel experienced a fire. The fire caused the vessel to become disabled and adrift in the main ship channel. The crew issued a mayday call and 15 commercial vessels from the area responded to assist with rescue and firefighting efforts.
During the evacuation, a 600-foot cargo vessel suffered an engineering casualty and was on a collision course with the Spirit of Norfolk. The crews of the responding vessels and tugs coordinated assets to maneuver both the Spirit of Norfolk and the cargo vessel before any further damage could occur.
The Coast Guard recognized the crews of the involved vessels with public service awards, including the Distinguished Public Service Award, Meritorious Public Service Award and Certificate of Merit. Five of the awards were presented at the Virginia Maritime Association Annual Banquet on Sept. 29, 2022, 12 awards at the offices of McAllister and Moran Towing companies Wednesday, as well as one at the Virginia Pilot Association Thursday.
"This community is truly fortunate for the professionalism and quick actions of these extraordinary people," said Capt. Jennifer Stockwell, commander, Sector Virginia. "Each and every one played a valuable part in saving the lives of 108 people. These awards recognize and celebrate their selfless actions to save others."
The parties who received awards were:
Distinguished Public Service Award:
- The crew of the Victory Rover
- The crew of the Rosemary Mcallister
Meritorious Public Service Award:
- The crew of the Ohio River
- The crew of the Condor
- The crew of the Challenger
- The crew of the Z One
- The crew of the Fort Bragg
- Captain Roger Warren, Docking Pilot
Certificate of Merit:
- The crew of the Karen Moran
- The crew of the Wendy Moran
- The crew of the Patricia Moran
- The crew of the Surrie Moran
- The crew of the Marci Moran
- The crew of the Maxwell Paul Moran
- The crew of the Clayton W. Moran
- The crew of the Gm Mcallister
- Captain Chadwick Jamison, Virginia Pilot
The cause of the incident is under investigation.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard responds to smoking sailing vessel 13 miles south of Cape May
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard responded to smoke aboard a sailing vessel Wednesday 13 miles south of Cape May, New Jersey.
Watchstanders with Sector Delaware Bay received a call via radio at approximately 7 p.m. from the 56-foot sailing vessel, Adelaide, with two people aboard who reported heavy smoke. The mariners secured the engine and used a fire extinguisher as a preventative measure.
The watchstanders launched a Coast Guard Station Cape May 45-foot Response Boat-Medium to assist. When the RB-M crew arrived on scene, they confirmed the vessel was not on fire or taking on water. The cause of the smoke was determined to be excess oil burning.
“The mariner being prepared and having all required safety gear onboard played a critical role in the successful outcome of this case,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jonathan Morrison, station officer of the Day.
Station Cape May towed the vessel to Cape May Inlet where it was anchored and the people were taken to South Jersey Marina until a towboat can be arranged.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, good Samaritans rescue 13 people from sinking fishing vessel 63 miles southeast of Chincoteague
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
Editor's Note: Correction to who received the mayday call and involvement of the good Samaritan vessels during the rescue.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and two good Samaritans rescued 13 people from a sinking commercial fishing vessel Friday approximately 63 miles southeast of Chincoteague.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Virginia received a mayday call at approximately 2 a.m. from the 115-foot commercial fishing vessel, Tremont, stating they were reportedly involved in a collision with the 1000-foot Panamanian-flagged container vessel, MSC Rita. The Tremont crew also reported they were sinking with 13 people aboard and abandoning the vessel.
The watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of two Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina aircraft, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, a Coast Guard Station Chincoteague 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew, as well as diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch to assist. The good Samaritan vessels, research vessel Atlantis and motor vessel Drystan arrived on scene to assist. The Atlantis launched their smallboat to transfer 12 Tremont crewmembers to the Drystan. The helicopter crew hoisted the Tremont captain from the sinking vessel.
"Safety of life at sea is the Coast Guard's top priority," said Capt. Jennifer Stockwell, commander of Sector Virginia. "These are the life-saving missions for which we train each and every day. While this morning's events were unfortunate, 13 people were rescued from an extremely perilous situation. The combined efforts of good Samaritans and Coast Guard response assets demonstrates a selfless commitment to others."
The Tremont crewmembers were transferred to the MLB and taken to the station with no reported injuries. The fishing vessel captain was taken to Coast Guard Sector Virginia with no reported injuries.
The cause of the collision is being investigated.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, good Samaritans rescue 13 people from sinking fishing vessel 63 miles southeast of Chincoteague
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and two good Samaritans rescued 13 people from a sinking commercial fishing vessel Friday approximately 63 miles southeast of Chincoteague.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Virginia received a mayday relay call from good Samaritan vessel RV Atlantis at approximately 2 a.m. stating the 115-foot commercial fishing vessel Tremont and the 1000-foot Panamanian-flagged container vessel, MSC Rita, reportedly collided. The fishing vessel reported they were taking on water and sinking with 13 people aboard.
The watchstanders directed the launch of two Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina aircraft, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, a Coast Guard Station Chinoteague 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew, as well as diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch to assist. The good Samaritan vessel, Drystan, arrived on scene and rescued 12 Tremont crewmembers and the helicopter crew hoisted the captain.
"Safety of life at sea is the Coast Guard's top priority," said Capt. Jennifer Stockwell, commander of Sector Virginia. "These are the life-saving missions for which we train each and every day. While this morning's events were unfortunate, 13 people were rescued from an extremely perilous situation. The combined efforts of good Samaritans and Coast Guard response assets demonstrates a selfless commitment to others."
The Tremont crewmembers were transferred to the MLB and taken to the station with no reported injuries. The fishing vessel captain was taken to Coast Guard Sector Virginia with no reported injuries.
The cause of the collision is being investigated.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
MEDIA ADVISORY: Coast Guard to hold 75th Anniversary of Aviation Logistics Center in Elizabeth City
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
Click here for video package.
*Editor's Note: For more information or to RSVP please contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Mikaela McGee, at 757-478-4833. Media must RSVP by Wednesday at 9 a.m.*
WHO: Adm. Steven D. Poulin, Coast Guard Vice Commandant, Vice Adm. Paul F. Thomas, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics Rear Adm. Carola J. List, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center Capt. Tad Wilson
WHAT: Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center 75th Anniversary ceremony to take place in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center, 1664 Weeksville Rd, Elizabeth City, NC, 27909
PORTSMOUTH, Va. – Coast Guard celebrates 75th anniversary of the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center Thursday at 10 a.m. in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Adm. Steven D. Poulin, Coast Guard Vice Commandant, is scheduled to attend the event along with Vice Adm. Paul F. Thomas, Deputy Commandant for Mission Support, and Rear Adm. Carola J. List, Assistant Commandant for Engineering and Logistics.
The ALC serves as the logistical support for all USCG aviation including approximately 42 aircraft overhauls every year. This includes depot level maintenance, engineering, supply, procurement, information services, and acquisition project management. This event celebrates 75 years of workforce dedication and modernization.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic AreaContact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public AffairsOffice: 757-398-6608After Hours: 757-374-7991Atlantic Area online newsroom |
USCGC Bear (WMEC 901) returns home after 74-day deployment
B-roll video of the cutter's return, available here
Editors' Note: To view more or download high-resolution imagery, click on the photos above.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the USCGC Bear (WMEC 901) returned to their homeport in Portsmouth Tuesday, after a 74-day patrol in the northern regions of the Atlantic Ocean.
During the deployment, Bear sailed more than 10,000 nautical miles while simultaneously working in tandem with allied and partner nations as a part of the naval convoy in Operation Nanook, a signature military exercise coordinated by the Canadian Armed Forces. Bear also completed a living marine resource enforcement patrol for commercial fishing vessels as part of the North Atlantic Fisheries Organization, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while safeguarding natural resources.
For approximately two weeks, American, Canadian, Danish and French forces navigated the waters of the North Atlantic Ocean performing multiple training evolutions that included search-and-rescue, close quarters maneuvering, fleet steaming and gunnery exercises. Additionally, personnel from Maritime Security Response Team East, a specialized Coast Guard law enforcement unit, embedded with Bear to exercise their capabilities and assist with enhancing the training curriculums for other nations.
At the conclusion of Operation Nanook, Bear moored in Nuuk, Greenland, for three days hosting the first public tours of a U.S. Coast Guard asset in over four years for the local residents.
“Bear’s deployment was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to train with partners and allies while visiting remote places,” said Cmdr. Brooke Millard, commanding officer of Bear. “From close-quarters maneuvering in areas with icebergs to navigating into the fjords of Labrador, Bear’s crew performed.”
Bear is a 270-foot medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth with 100 crewmembers. The cutter’s primary mission areas include homeland security, law enforcement, counterdrug, search and rescue, migrant interdiction, and fisheries enforcement in support of U.S. Coast Guard operations throughout the Western Hemisphere.
For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit www.GoCoastGuard.com to learn more about active duty and reserve officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found at www.uscga.edu.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard medevacs 60-year-old man nearly 104 miles east of Atlantic City
Editors' Note: CORRECTION to the video and additional imagery. Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced an injured 60-year-old man Sunday from a vessel nearly 104 miles east of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a notification from the 31-foot pleasure craft, Reely, stating a 60-year-old man fell aboard the vessel and reportedly injured his back. The watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, an Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma crew to assist.
The cutter Tahoma crew arrived on scene and launched an Over-the-Horizon smallboat crew with a health service technician aboard to provide medical care. The helicopter crew arrived on scene, lowered a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, who helped the cutter’s health service technician safely hoist the man.
The helicopter crew took the man to Jersey Shore Medical Center for further medical care.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard medevacs 60-year-old man nearly 104 miles east of Atlantic City
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced an injured 60-year-old man Sunday from a vessel nearly 104 miles east of Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a notification from the 31-foot pleasure craft, Reely, stating a 60-year-old man fell aboard the vessel and reportedly injured his back. The watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules airplane crew, an Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma crew to assist.
The cutter Tahoma crew arrived on scene and launched an Over-the-Horizon smallboat crew with a health service technician aboard to provide medical care. The helicopter crew arrived on scene, lowered a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, who helped the cutter’s health service technician safely hoist the man.
The helicopter crew took the man to Jersey Shore Medical Center for further medical care.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic AreaContact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6608After Hours: (757) 374-7991Atlantic Area online newsroom |
Coast Guard offloads more than $475 million in illegal narcotics in Miami
Editors' Note: To view more or download high-resolution imagery, click on the photos above.
MIAMI — The crew of the USCGC Legare (WMEC 912) offloaded approximately 24,700 pounds of cocaine and 3,892 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $475 million, Thursday at Base Miami Beach.
The drugs were interdicted in the international waters of the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean by crews from:
- His Netherlands Majesty’s Ship HNLMS Groningen (P843) of the Royal Netherlands Navy and embarked U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment 101
- U.S. Navy ship USS Billings (LCS 15) and embarked USCG LEDET 401
- Coast Guard Cutter James (WMSL 754)
- Coast Guard Cutter Legare (WMEC 912)
"I am proud of the crew’s continued devotion to duty that made this offload possible,” said Cdr. Jeremy M. Greenwood, commanding officer of Legare. “Through the coordinated efforts of the Legare, the LEDETs, HNLMS Groningen, CGC James, and the USS Billings crews, we significantly contributed to the counter-drug mission and the dismantling of transnational criminal organizations. The drugs seized through this coordinated effort will result in significantly fewer drug-related overdoses.”
The fight against drug cartels in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific Ocean, and the transnational criminal organizations they are associated with, requires a unity of effort in all phases; from detection and monitoring to interdiction and apprehension, and on to criminal prosecutions by international partners and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in districts across the nation.
Detecting and interdicting illegal drug traffickers on the high seas involves significant interagency and international coordination. The Joint Interagency Task Force South in Key West, Florida conducts detection and monitoring of aerial and maritime transit of illegal drugs. Maritime interdiction of illicit smuggling activity in the Caribbean Sea is coordinated by the Seventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Miami. The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard also coordinates maritime interdiction of illicit smuggling activity with deployed Royal Netherlands Navy ships and their embarked Dutch Fleet Marine Corps squadrons and U.S. Coast Guard LEDETs in the Eastern Caribbean Sea near the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba. Maritime interdiction of illicit smuggling activity in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is coordinated by the Eleventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, California. The U.S. Navy and allied foreign ships conduct law enforcement missions under the authority of embarked Coast Guard LEDETs from Tactical Law Enforcement Teams based in Miami and San Diego.
The Legare is a 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter stationed in Portsmouth, Virginia. Legare's missions include Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Protection of Living Marine Resources, Homeland Security and Defense Operations, international training, and humanitarian operations. Legare patrols the offshore waters from Maine to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, the Eastern Pacific, and the Caribbean.
For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit www.GoCoastGuard.com to learn more about active duty and reserve officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found at www.uscga.edu.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard suspends search for 27-year-old missing kayaker near Lynnhaven Inlet, Va.
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard suspended its search Wednesday at 7 p.m. for a missing 27-year-old kayaker who went missing near Lynnhaven Inlet early Tuesday morning.
Coast Guard and local partner agencies searched for two days, covering more than 1,873 square miles.
Coast Guard watchstanders received a notification Tuesday at 10 a.m. reporting Ryan Tew, 27, last seen leaving Crab Creek in Lynnhaven Inlet around 11:30 p.m. Monday in a red single-person kayak. Tew was expected to return around 3 a.m. Tuesday. Search crews located the kayak Tuesday afternoon approximately 4 miles east of 65th Street in Virginia Beach.
“After exhaustively combing the search area with multiple air and on-water crews, we made the difficult decision to suspend our search for this missing kayaker,” said Capt. Jennifer Stockwell, Coast Guard Sector Virginia commander. "We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Tew."
Rescue crews that searched:
- Two Coast Guard Station Little Creek 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boats
- Two Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters
- Two Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 Hercules airplanes
- Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch crew
- Coast Guard Cutter Seahawk crew
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Police Department
- Virginia Beach Police Department
- Virginia Beach Fire Department
- Virginia Emergency Medical Service
- Port of Virginia
- Department of Wildlife Resources
- Three U.S. Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field HSC-28 squadron MH-60 Seahawk helicopters
- False Cape State Park Rangers
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE: Coast Guard continues search for overdue kayaker near Lynnhaven, Va.
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and local partner agencies continue to search for an overdue kayaker near Lynnhaven.
Missing is Ryan Tew, 27-year-old male, last seen leaving at Crab Creek in Lynnhaven Inlet around 11:30 p.m. Monday in a red single-person kayak. Tew was expected to return around 3 a.m.
Search crews located the kayak approximately 4 miles east of 65th Street in Virginia Beach.
An incident command post has been established by the Port of Virginia on Joint Expeditionary Base-Fort Story.
Rescue crews involved in the search are:
- Coast Guard Station Little Creek 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew
- Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch crew
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and HC-130 Hercules airplane crews
- Two U.S. Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field HSC-28 squadron MH-60 Seahawk helicopter crews
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Police Department
- Virginia Beach Police Department
- Virginia Beach Fire Department
- Virginia Emergency Medical Service
- Port of Virginia
- Department of Wildlife Resources
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
*Coast Guard searching for overdue kayaker near Lynnhaven, Va.*
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is searching for an overdue kayaker Tuesday near Lynnhaven.
Missing is Ryan Tew, 27-year-old male, last seen on a red single-person kayak. Tew reportedly departed on his kayak from Crab Creek in Lynnhaven Inlet around 11:30 p.m., Monday evening and was scheduled to return around 3 a.m. Tuesday.
Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector Virginia received a call from Virginia Beach 911 dispatch around 10 a.m. Tuesday reporting Tew overdue.
Rescue crews searching are:
- Coast Guard Station Little Creek
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Police Department
- Virginia Beach Police Department
- Virginia Beach Fire Department
If you have any information, please contact Coast Guard Sector Virginia at 757-483-8567
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard searching for overdue boater near Cape May Villas, N.J.
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and New Jersey State Police are searching for an overdue boater Tuesday approximately 1 miles east of Cape May Villas, New Jersey.
Missing is Christian Johnathon Hosford, Jr., 33, last seen around sunset on Monday in a 10-foot John boat near his home in Cape May Villas. Hosford reportedly did not have a life jacket, a whistle or any other safety gear with him at the time.
Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay watchstanders received a call at 9:50 p.m. Monday, from Hosford’s friend stating he had not come back in at his expected time of about 6:30 p.m.
Rescue crews searching:
- Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter
- Coast Guard Station Cape May 29-foot Response Boat-Small
- Coast Guard Station Fortesque 29-foot Response Boat-Small
- Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch
- New Jersey State Police helicopter
- New Jersey State Police boatcrew
If you have any information contact Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center at 215-271-4940.
For more information follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, state, locals rescue 5 after boat capsizes near Barnegat Inlet
BARNEGAT INLET, N.J. – The Coast Guard, along with state and local responders, rescued five people from the water Sunday after their personal boat capsized at the entrance to Barnegat Inlet.
At approximately 6:57 p.m. Sunday watchstanders at Sector Delaware Bay were informed that a vessel had capsized, stranding six people in the water.
A 29-foot Response Boat – Small crew and a 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew launched from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Inlet to assist the stranded boaters. Coast Guard boat crews rescued three people, an off-duty lifeguard rescued two and the remaining boater swam to shore.
New Jersey State Police personnel, Tow Boat crews, and a good Samaritan also assisted with rescue efforts.
All five rescued boaters were transported ashore to awaiting emergency medical services personnel. The survivors were reported to be in stable condition.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Media Availability: Coast Guard Sector North Carolina to host Coast Guard event in downtown Wilmington
Editor’s note: Media interested in attending the event are requested to RSVP to LT. Andrew Jacot by 3 p.m., Friday, August 5, at 910-515-6897, and should arrive no later than 11:45 a.m. on the day of the event for interview opportunity.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Coast Guard Sector North Carolina is scheduled to host a public event at the Wilmington Riverwalk Saturday to celebrate the Coast Guard’s 232 birthday and promote safe boating.
WHO: Servicemembers from Coast Guard Sector North Carolina, and Capt. Matt Baer, commander, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina.
WHAT: Coast Guard event to celebrate the 232nd birthday of our country’s oldest continuous sea-going service, and raise awareness of safe boating practices.
WHEN: Event is Saturday, August 6, 2022, from 9:30 A.M. until 4 P.M., interviews with the sector commander will be at noon.
WHERE: Wilmington Riverwalk in downtown Wilmington, N.C., at the intersection of Market Street and South Water Street.
During the event, Capt. Baer will be available for interviews to share Coast Guard history and discuss missions and members, as well as offer critical safe boating tips for the public.
Media who attend will be invited to tour a Coast Guard 47-foot Motor Life Boat immediately following interviews.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard searches for missing boater in Pamlico Sound, North Carolina
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard is searching Pamlico Sound for a missing boater Wednesday after he did not return to shore as expected Tuesday evening.
The missing boater has been identified as 38-year-old John Hess, from Buxton.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received notification of the situation from Carteret County Emergency Dispatch at 10:15 a.m. Wednesday.
It was relayed that Hess took a friend's 23-foot boat from a private residence in Beaufort onto the South River at about 4:30 p.m Tuesday and did not return at night as expected.
The boat’s owner searched for Hess overnight with no results, then alerted authorities.
A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter crew and response boat crews from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet and Coast Guard Station Hobucken are searching for Hess.
Also assisting in the search are personnel from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Harkers Island Fire Department, North Carolina Marine Patrol, and the South River-Merrimon Fire Department.
Anyone with additional information regarding this case should contact the Sector North Carolina command center at 910-343-3880.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Cutter Seneca returns to homeport following 54-day patrol
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. —The USCGC Seneca (WMEC 906) returned to homeport in Portsmouth Thursday, after a 54-day deployment in the North Atlantic Ocean.
The Seneca crew supported the U.S. Coast Guard 1st District as they conducted a series of commercial fishing vessel boardings from New York to Maine to ensure compliance with federal safety, fisheries, and environmental regulations. The boardings conducted by Seneca’s crew resulted in 17 notices of violation and two voyage terminations.
“This rewarding patrol showcased the devotion and hard work of an amazing crew,” said Cmdr. James F. McCormack, commanding officer of Seneca. “The crew exhibited selfless service during a high-tempo patrol. The 53 boardings promoted safety at sea and sustainability of marine life for generations to come. Our presence strengthens trust between the Coast Guard and the fishing fleet, while setting the standard for Coast Guard operations in the North-Atlantic Ocean.”
Additionally, the Seneca’s crew responded to seven search and rescue cases, three of which resulted in lives saved or assisted.
During one of the search and rescue cases, the crew of Seneca worked in partnership with a Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod MH-60T helicopter crew to medically evacuate two critically injured people from a sailing vessel 350 nautical miles offshore. The Seneca crew also rescued the two remaining stranded sailors.
During a second search and rescue case, the cutter crew rendered assistance and towed a disabled fishing vessel 70 miles.
Additionally, the Seneca crew performed training scenarios and drills to build their proficiency and remain operationally ready to respond to a variety of situations. Their underway training included towing exercises with USCGC Tybee, a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Woods Hole, Mass., and helicopter operations with crews from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. The crew also took part in several major and minor caliber gun evolutions, damage control drills, pyrotechnic training, and small boat training.
These operations are essential to protecting the $5.6 billion commercial fishing industry, a major economic driver throughout the United States’ eastern seaboard. The Coast Guard’s presence in the Northern Atlantic is vital to maintain the critical ecosystems and fish stocks to include scallop, sole, cod, haddock, monkfish, redfish, pollock and lobster.
The Seneca is a 270-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth with 100 crew members. The cutter’s primary missions include search and rescue, living marine resources, illegal drug interdictions, counter narcotics, migrant interdictions, ensuring the safety of life at sea and enforcing international and domestic maritime laws in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, partner agencies search for missing swimmer near Deep Point, Maryland
DEEP POINT, Md. — The Coast Guard is searching for a 10-year old female swimmer who went missing in waters near Deep Point Sunday evening.
The swimmer was last seen wearing a white shirt and sweatpants.
The St. Mary's County dispatch notified Coast Guard Sector Maryland National Capitol Region Command Center watchstanders of two family members swimming together who lost sight of one another. The missing swimmer was last seen struggling while swimming and a nearby Good Samaritan rescued the other swimmer and took her to shore.
An Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter aircrew and a Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew launched to search the area.
Also assisting with search efforts are:
- Coast Guard Cutter Mako
- St. Mary's County Volunteer Fire Department boat crews
- Maryland Natural Resources Police boat crews
- Maryland State Police helicopter aircrew
- Virginia Airborne helicopter aircrew
Anyone with additional information regarding this case should contact the Sector Maryland command center at 410-576-2525.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard stresses boating safety following busy weekend on Mid-Atlantic waterways
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is urging boaters to prioritize preparedness and safety this summer following a busy holiday weekend throughout the Mid-Atlantic region’s waterways.
Over the July 4th weekend, watchstanders at the Fifth Coast Guard District’s command centers received 44 distress calls that resulted in Coast Guard members assisting the lives of 55 people.
Many of the calls for help were from people aboard disabled, grounded or capsized vessels. Other distress notifications were for medical emergencies, boaters beset by heavy weather, and reported fires.
Additionally, Coast Guard enforcement teams from Station Cape Charles and Station Little Creek each terminated the voyage of an intoxicated boat operator on Virginia waterways.
Alcohol is a significant contributing factor in boating deaths, and its effects are compounded by water movement, exposure to the elements, and dynamic operating conditions. People operating vessels under the influence of alcohol, drugs or impairing medication pose a serious threat to anyone else aboard or on the waterway.
Boating safety precautions are essential for all boaters, whether you are fishing, sailing, kayaking, or motoring. Everyone is urged to take a boating safety class, have a reliable means of communication, and to always wear a life jacket to protect yourself and your loved ones.
To find a boating safety class near you, get a free vessel safety exam, or learn more about boating safely, please visit https://uscgboating.org/.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Cutter Northland returns home after 76-day Eastern Pacific counter-narcotics patrol; Offloads contraband in Miami
| | | | |
Editors' Note: Click on images to download.
PORTSMOUTH, Va.– The Coast Guard Cutter Northland (WMEC 904) returned to homeport Sunday, following a 76-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of the Eleventh Coast Guard District.
Throughout the deployment, the ship patrolled the waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean in search of vessels suspected of smuggling illicit narcotics across international boundaries. In addition to the cutter’s permanently assigned crewmembers, Northland was augmented by an aviation detachment from Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) and a Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Detachment (TACLET). A true force multiplier, Northland’s HITRON detachment operated an MH-65E Dolphin helicopter, capable of conducting overhead reconnaissance and employing aerial use of force by precision marksmen upon narcotics smuggling vessels. As law enforcement and interdiction specialists, the TACLET personnel augmented the ship’s pursuit teams, and provided specialized training to crewmembers to better prepare the cutter for interdiction and boarding operations.
While on patrol, Northland interdicted a low-profile vessel (LPV) and one go-fast panga-style vessel suspected of trafficking illicit narcotics. The interdictions resulted in 6,223 pounds of suspected cocaine seized and 761 pounds of suspected marijuana seized with an estimated street value of nearly $83 million and the detention of six individuals suspected of the illegal transport of narcotics. On June 30, the cutter offloaded the seized narcotics at Coast Guard Base Miami.
In addition to maintaining a sentinel presence in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, the Northland conducted an Exercise Contingent to Operations with Ecuadorian Naval and Coast Guard personnel in San Cristobal, Galapagos, Ecuador. Northland arrived in the Galapagos for the first time in the cutter’s 38-year history on May 10, and became only the second Coast Guard ship to anchor in the pristine waters of the Galapagos Islands in over a decade. The exercise served as a critical step toward strengthening United States-Ecuador strategic relations in the region and was attended by the U.S. Consul General to Ecuador and the President of the Governing Council of the Galapagos Province. Joint training operations between Northland and Ecuadorian Naval and Coast Guard personnel included a joint patrol with the LAE Isla San Cristobal (LG-30); small boat tactics and training; tours of Northland and the Isla San Cristobal; a joint leadership luncheon; and a discussion on tactics and procedures for combatting illegal narcotics smuggling and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Galapagos region. Following the exercise’s official events, Northland crewmembers had the opportunity to explore the island of San Cristobal and enjoy Ecuador’s sights, snorkeling and cuisine.
Following Northland’s northbound transit through the Panama Canal, the ship rescued six stranded Cuban nationals from a deserted island in Cay Sal Bank, Bahamas. The rescue was carried out while Northland conducted migrant interdiction operations in support of the Seventh Coast Guard District.
“This deployment was a success thanks to the efforts of our crew and our HITRON and TACLET detachments, who we were thrilled to have aboard with us. Between crossing the Equator, visiting the Galapagos Islands and deterring the illicit activity of transnational criminal organizations, our crew is returning home with both once-in-a-lifetime sea stories and a validated sense of accomplishment,” said Cmdr. Patricia M. Bennett, Northland’s commanding officer. “As my last patrol in command of this ship, I am extremely proud of the adaptability, ingenuity and determination demonstrated by this remarkable crew on a daily basis.”
Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security cooperate in an effort to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, along with allied and international partner agencies, play a role in counter-drug operations.
The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean requires unity of effort in all phases from detection, monitoring and interdictions, to criminal prosecutions for interdictions by United States Attorney’s Offices throughout the nation. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the Eleventh Coast Guard District, headquartered in Alameda, California. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by members of the Coast Guard.
The Northland is a 270-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth, Virginia and routinely deploys in support of counter-drug, alien migrant interdiction, fisheries, search and rescue, and homeland security missions.
For information on how to join the U.S. Coast Guard, visit www.GoCoastGuard.com to learn more about active duty and reserve officer and enlisted opportunities. Information on how to apply the U.S. Coast Guard Academy can be found at www.uscga.edu.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE/FINAL: Overdue boaters have been located safely approximately 80 miles east of Chincoteague, Virginia
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The two boaters who were reported overdue after failing to return to Hampton have been located safely Friday approximately 80 miles east of Chincoteague.
The overdue boaters, Yanni Nikopoulos and Dale Jones, contacted watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Virginia command center to inform them of their safety and are now en route to Hampton.
The pair reportedly were struck by lightning after sailing through inclement weather. After rigging a spare sail, the pair sailed to Virginia.
The two mariners are not in distress and have not requested Coast Guard assistance. All concerned parties have been informed of the mariners safety.
“We are extremely happy to learn Yanni and Dale are found and are safe," said James Cifers, operations unit watchstander in the Fifth District Command Center. "It is truly wonderful the pair will be reunited with their friends and family soon.”
Editor's note: To maintain the privacy of the boaters and their families we will not be releasing the date, time, or exact location of the vessel’s arrival.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE: Coast Guard continues to investigate whereabouts of overdue boaters
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The U.S. Coast Guard continues to investigate the whereabouts of two sailors who were reported overdue after failing to return to Hampton, Virginia as planned.
The overdue boaters, Yanni Nikopoulos and Dale Jones, departed Hampton June 8 on the 36-foot sailboat Kyklades, headed to the Azores. Jones’ daughter reported the pair overdue June 17 after they did not return to Hampton, Monday as expected.
Coast Guard Fifth District watchstanders are currently working with the First Coast Guard District, and authorities in the Azores, Bermuda and Canada to help locate the overdue boaters.
“We have not received any signs of distress, however, we encourage the public to keep a sharp eye out for Yanni Nikopoulos and Dale Jones," said Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Pulliam, the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator in the Fifth District Command Center. "We encourage anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of the two boaters to contact the Fifth Coast Guard District at 757-398-6390."
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard searching for 2 overdue boaters
Correction: The previous release identified the missing female as "Gale Jones." Her name is Dale Jones.Update: Included is the date and location from which the overdue boaters departed and the events leading to their last received transmission.
| | | |
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is searching for two 65-year olds who are reported overdue after failing to return Monday from a sailing trip to the Azores, Portugal.
Missing are Virginia Beach natives Yanni Nikopoulos and Dale Jones.
Nikopoulos and Jones departed from Hampton, Virginia on June 8 for the Azores. The boaters reported to Jones's daughter on June 13 that heavy weather had damaged their vessel and that they were headed back to Hampton. The missing boaters were approximately 460 miles east of Virginia Beach at the time of the call. No further communications were received.
Two overflights conducted by HC-130 Hercules crews from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City have been conducted of the approximate area of the missing boaters. An Urgent Marine Information Broadcast has been issued by the Fifth Coast Guard District Command Center to alert boaters in the area to the situation.
Coast Guard Fifth District command center watchstanders received a report on June 17 from Jones’ daughter stating that she hadn’t received any communication from her mother since they departed and was concerned for their well being. While no date had been established for their return, an anticipated return date of June 20 was communicated by the daughter.
“In situations like this, where there are so many unknowns, our coordination efforts need to cast a wide and intentional net,” said Chief Brian Gainey, command duty officer. “We’re tracking cell phone and radio pings as we work with our counterparts in Bermuda to accurately determine the most intelligent search area for our air crews. It’s a lot of detective work, but it’s all in service to finding these two individuals and bringing them home to their families.”
The Coast Guard is asking that anyone with information related to the search for these two men to please call the Fifth District Command Center at 757-398-6390.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard searching for 2 overdue boaters
| | | |
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is searching for two 65-year olds who are reported overdue after failing to return Monday from a sailing trip to the Azores, Portugal.
Missing are Virginia Beach natives Yanni Nikopoulos and Gale Jones.
Coast Guard Fifth District command center watchstanders received a report on June 17 from Jones’ daughter stating that she hadn’t received any communication from her mother since they departed and was concerned for their well being. While no date had been established for their return, an anticipated return date of June 20 was communicated by the daughter.
“In situations like this, where there are so many unknowns, our coordination efforts need to cast a wide and intentional net,” said Chief Brian Gainey, command duty officer. “We’re tracking cell phone and radio pings as we work with our counterparts in Bermuda to accurately determine the most intelligent search area for our air crews. It’s a lot of detective work, but it’s all in service to finding these two individuals and bringing them home to their families.”
The Coast Guard is asking that anyone with information related to the search for these two men to please call the Fifth District Command Center at 757-398-6390.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues 3 after catarmaran capsized in New Point, Virginia.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued three people after a catamaran capsized Saturday night near New Point, Virginia.
A family member of the three missing people called the Coast Guard Sector Virginia command center at approximately 8 p.m. Saturday to report their vessel overdue for their scheduled return.
Virginia Marine Police recovered two of the three individuals clinging to New Point Spit Channel Light #2, a nearby aid to navigation.
A Coast Guard Station Milford Haven 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew recovered the third survivor who had also been separated from the vessel. All three people were wearing life jackets and were recovered without injury and transported to Davis Creek for EMS evaluation.
“This family is celebrating Father’s Day, because everyone was wearing a life jacket,” said Lt. Cmdr. Erica Elfguinn, search and rescue coordinator for Sector Virginia. “They were successfully located in large part because of that decision. The Coast Guard appreciates the local partnerships in locating the survivors and quickly returning them all home.”
The following units and agencies participated in the search of Dyers Creek, Mobjack Bay and portions of the Chesapeake Bay for the missing persons:
- Coast Guard Station Milford Haven
- Coast Guard Station Cape Charles
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- Virginia Marine Police
- Mathews County Sheriff’s Office
- Abingdon County Fire Department
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Sector Virginia holds Change-of-Command Ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia
| | |
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Coast Guard Capt. Jennifer Stockwell relieved Capt. Samson Stevens as commander of Coast Guard Sector Virginia during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Sector Virginia, Wednesday.
Rear Adm. Shannon N. Gilreath, commander of the Fifth Coast Guard District, presided over the ceremony.
Capt. Stockwell has served as the deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector Virginia since June 2020. Her prior assignments include Chief of Prevention at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco.
She graduated from the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, in 1998, with a Bachelor of Science in Marine and Environmental Science and earned a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering in 2002 from Johns Hopkins University. She has served in a broad array of operational, marine safety, and staff assignments throughout her career.
Sector Virginia is comprised of nearly 530 active duty, civilian, and Reservists, along with over 550 Coast Guard Auxiliary members. The sector’s sub-units include six multi-mission boat stations, three 87-foot patrol boats, three aids to navigation teams, and one sector field office.
Its area of responsibility encompasses the Atlantic coast along the entire state of Virginia and all navigable waters including the Chesapeake Bay; the Elizabeth, James, York, and Rappahannock rivers; the Intracoastal Waterway; and several inland lakes. It also encompasses the Port of Virginia and is the gateway to vessels entering Baltimore and Washington D.C.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic AreaContact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6521After Hours: (757) 641-0763Atlantic Area online newsroom |
New commanding officer at the helm of USCGC Legare
Editors' Note: To view more or download high-resolution imagery, click on the photos above.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Cmdr. Jeremy Greenwood relieved Cmdr. Malcolm Belt as the commanding officer of USCGC Legare (WMEC 912), during a formal change of command ceremony at the unit, Tuesday.
Capt. Brian Anderson, chief of operations for the U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area, presided over the ceremony.
"When cuttermen talk about how much they love going to sea, it is not only the beautiful sunsets, going too far off lands, or the sea stories of battling storms, saving lives, and busting bad guys that fuel their passions,” Belt. “That is not what fuels a cutterman’s passion. It is not what fuel’s my passion for this crew and this ship. More than anything, it is the crew and the people you serve with while doing all those things which truly capture the heart of a cutterman. Legare you have captured my heart, I am extremely proud of you and honored to have been able to watch you do it all.”
Belt will report for duty as the Naval Engineering Department head at Base Charleston. Of note, during Belt’s time on the Legare, he and his crew completed four patrols in the Eastern Pacific and one in the Caribbean, supporting District Eleven, District Seven, and Joint Interagency Task Force South in combating the trafficking of illicit narcotics on the high seas. During the 2020 Eastern Pacific deployment, Belt and his crew supported the U.S. Navy’s 4th Fleet as the sole U.S. Coast Guard asset in UNITAS LXI, the longest-running annual international cooperative military exercise, off the coast of Manta, Ecuador.
Belt reported to the Legare after serving as the Coast Guard detachment lead at the U.S. Navy’s commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Forces in Norfolk, Virginia. His afloat tours include USCGC Northland (WMEC 904), USCGC Forward (WMEC 911), and USCGC Gallatin (WHEC 721). Other shoreside tours include Surface Forces Logistics Center, Small Boat Product Line; Surface Force Logistics Center, Icebreaker, Buoy, and Construction Tender Product Line; Coast Guard Headquarters, Office of Naval Engineering (CG-45) and Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic, Vessel Repair Division. Belt is a 2002 U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate with two master's degrees in engineering from the University of Michigan.
Greenwood is arriving from Washington, D.C., where he served as a Federal Executive Fellow at The Brookings Institution. He was a part of the Coast Guard’s Senior Education and Fellowship program. Greenwood has published extensively on Coast Guard operations and their impact on U.S. foreign relations.
Greenwood graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 2004. Following the Coast Guard Academy, he served aboard the USCGC Jarvis (WHEC 725) in Honolulu. Greenwood also received a Juris Doctor from Tulane University Law School in New Orleans with a specialty certificate in admiralty law. He is a member in good standing of the Florida State Bar, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Jeremy, Legare is going to be 32 years old in just a few months,” Belt added. “The prime of her life for a Coast Guard cutter, maybe perhaps a little over the hill. And this crew is, in my biased opinion, the best you will ever have. They will serve the country, the Coast Guard, the ship, and you well. I know you will do the same for them.”
This change of command comes at the heels of a very successful patrol in the Eastern Pacific. Legare crew worked with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partner nation agencies to interdict over $171 million of illicit narcotics. During this deployment, the crew patrolled over 19,500 miles, stopped six go-fast vessels with over 13,500 lbs of illegal narcotics, and detained 17 smugglers. Legare’s team also demonstrated the service’s multi-mission capability and assisted eight Colombian fishers whose vessel was adrift more than 100 nautical miles from shore.
The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and formal ritual conducted before the assembled company of a command to confirm to the unit's men and women that the authority of command is maintained. The ceremony is a transfer of total responsibility, authority, and accountability from one individual to another.
-USCG-
| Multimedia Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Final update: Spirit of Norfolk Unified Command crews complete tow
| | | | | | | |
Editors' Note: Click on images and videos to download high resolution version.
NORFOLK, Va. — Spirit of Norfolk salvage crews completed the tow of the vessel to Colonna's Shipyard Sunday morning where the joint Coast Guard and National Transportation Safety Board investigation team will continue to work towards determining the cause of the fire.
The Unified Command overseeing the response has stood down. The Coast Guard will continue to maintain oversight and monitor the vessel, which must request permission from the Captain of the Port for any future movement.
City Cruises will work to determine the final disposition of the Spirit of Norfolk.
-USCG-
| News Release | Spirit of Norfolk Unified CommandContact: Kelly WirfelPhone: (757) 438-4245 |
Update 2: Unified Command continues response to Spirit of Norfolk fire
NORFOLK, Va. — The Unified Command for the Spirit of Norfolk fire response confirmed that, as of 9:58 a.m. Saturday, the fire aboard the vessel was extinguished and they are currently working on the final stages of a towing plan to remove the boat from Naval Station Norfolk.
Crews are continuing dewatering efforts, conducting final surveys and assessing stability to ensure the vessel is safe to tow. Divers have inspected the hull and sealed off access points so no more water will enter.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board.
| Video Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, port partners stress boating safety during Norfolk Harborfest 2022
Editors' Note: Click on image to download video.
Norfolk, Va. — Coast Guard crews will be conducting safety patrols and enforcing safety zones during Norfolk Harborfest 2022 to ensure the safety of the public and the mariners participating in the event June 10-12 at Town Point Park at the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront, Virginia.
This event is expected to draw a large number of spectator vessels in the vicinity of Town Point Reach. To assist in maintaining a safe waterway, Coast Guard Sector Virginia crews will be enforcing a safety zone limiting the use of the Elizabeth River Channel from Friday, June 10, through Sunday, June 12, 2022. Additional details are listed below:
Waterway closures will be in effect during the following dates and times:
- June 10, 1:45 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. during a search and rescue demonstration
- June 10, 9:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. during a drone show
- June 11, 1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. during a search and rescue demonstration
- June 11 (rain date), 8:15 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. for a drone show
Additionally, a fireworks safety zone will be in effect during the following dates and times:
- June 11, 9:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
- June 12 (rain date), 9:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
During these times, vessels will be directed not to enter the regulated area. Operators must stop their vessel immediately upon being directed to do so and must proceed as directed by any law enforcement vessels. A Coast Guard patrol will be on scene monitoring VHF channels 13 and 16 during these events. Mariners are requested to use extreme caution when transiting Town Point Reach.
The Coast Guard recommends mariners heed the following safety tips below to help ensure their safety while on the water:
- Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway. 80% of boating deaths are due to drowning and 86% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket. Just like there’s no time to put on a seatbelt in an automobile crash, people do not typically have time to locate and put on a life jacket during an emergency.
- Make sure your life jacket is properly fitted. People can slip out of improperly-fitted life jackets when they hit the water, which decreases their chances of survival.
- Don’t drink and boat. Aside from wearing a life jacket, not drinking and boating is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidental deaths on the water. People operating vessels under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medication pose a serious threat to you and anyone else aboard.
- Make a VHF radio your go-to means of communicating in an emergency. Cell phones may go out of range or lose battery power when needed most. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the operation of your radio.
- Take a boating safety course. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is one of many organizations that offer valuable boating safety courses ranging from electronic navigation to boat handling.
- Get a vessel safety check. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free boating safety checks. Get a free safety inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary to make sure you have all the gear and safety equipment required by your state and federal laws.
- Check the weather and tides before you head out. It might look like a nice day, but squalls and shifting tides can change suddenly.
- File a float plan. Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back. Float plans provide a starting point to help find you if something happens.
- Dress for the water, not for the weather. Check water temperatures before you go out and dress accordingly.
- Know your navigation rules. Know how to properly navigate waterways and maintain lookouts to keep yourself and everyone else around you safe.
- Locator beacons can help us find you faster. Attaching a functioning emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) to your boat, or a personal EPIRB (PPIRB) to your life jacket, and knowing how to use them can help rescuers locate and assist you. In order to be most effective, these should be registered with the owner’s information and emergency contacts.
-USCG-
| News Release | Spirit of Norfolk Unified CommandContact: Kelly WirfelPhone: (757) 438-4245 |
Update 1: Unified Command continues response to Spirit of Norfolk Fire
Click image below for video:
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Unified Command and supporting agencies for the Spirit of Norfolk fire continue their efforts to extinguish the fire and salvage the vessel, Wednesday evening.
Crews put a dewatering pump aboard the vessel to begin removing the water from inside the Spirit of Norfolk from the firefighting efforts. The dewatering efforts are anticipated to continue overnight. The water is currently being pumped into tanks, however a barge is scheduled to arrive Thursday to increase the storage capacity for the water. All contaminated water is being handled in accordance with clean environmental standards.
There is no pollution at this time, but the area is being continuously monitored.
The vessel is currently smoldering and crews remain on site in the event the fire reignites. A survey to determine if the fire is completely extinguished will be conducted once the vessel is deemed safe and stable enough to allow crews on board.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board.
A press conference is scheduled for Thursday, June 9, at 11 a.m. at Naval Station Norfolk. Media should arrive at the Naval Station Tour and Information Office located at 9079 Hampton Blvd., Norfolk, Va., by 10:15 a.m. to be escorted on base.
| News Release | Spirit of Norfolk Unified CommandContact: Kelly WirfelPhone: (757) 438-4245 |
Unified Command continues response to Spirit of Norfolk salvage operations
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Unified Command was established to Tuesday evening in response to the fire aboard the Spirit of Norfolk and continues firefighting and salvage operations, Wednesday.
The Unified Command consists of:
- U.S. Coast Guard
- Naval Station Norfolk
- City Cruises
- Virginia Department of Emergency Management/Department of Environmental Quality
The City of Norfolk, Port of Virginia, and NOAA are supporting the Unified Command.
Crews are continuing firefighting measures to extinguish the fire. Due to ongoing firefighting operations, the vessel is considered too unstable for crews to enter, however, exterior firefighting measures continue. Based on the instability of the ship, salvage contractors are developing a plan to safely enter the ship.
The Spirit of Norfolk caught fire, Tuesday near Naval Station Norfolk. Tugs pushed the vessel to a mooring at the Naval Station to continue firefighting efforts and keep the waterway clear for traffic. The 106 people, which includes passengers and crew members, aboard were safely evacuated.
For further questions, contact Naval Station Norfolk Public Affairs Officer Kelly Wirfel at 757-438-4245.
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues boaters stranded in Tropical Storm Alex
Editors' Note: Click on video to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies rescued three boaters approximately 395 miles southeast of Virginia Beach Monday night.
Coast Guard Fifth District Command Center watchstanders received an Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacon alert from the sailing vessel Faule Haut. The location of the signal indicated the boaters were in the center of Tropical Storm Alex. There was no response to calls made to the boater's cell phone numbers provided by Rescue Coordination Center Bremen.
An Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130J Hercules aircraft crew and MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew were launched. The Hercules crew arrived first on scene and located the vessel, observed that their main mast had been broken with the crew on deck signaling with flashlights, and dropped a radio to establish communications.
An Air Station Clearwater HC-130J Hercules aircraft crew took over rescue support operations as the Elizabeth City Hercules aircrew returned to refuel. The Aegean Harmony, a motor vessel in the area, arrived on scene to provide additional assistance.
The Fifth District Command Center watchstanders coordinated refueling operations with a U.S. Navy vessel, and the MH-60 Jayhawk landed on the ship to refuel halfway offshore along the approximately 460-mile trek out to the sailing vessel. The helicopter crew then continued to the stranded boaters, safely hoisting all three and returning them safely ashore.
The entities involved in the rescue were:
- Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130J Hercules aircraft
- Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter
- Air Station Clearwater HC-130J Hercules aircraft
- Rescue Coordination Center Bremen
- Motor Vessel Aegean Harmony
- Fifth District Command Center
- Coast Guard Atlantic Area
- NOAA Weather Prediction Center
- U.S. Naval Fleet Forces Command
The weather on scene was 10 to 12-foot seas, with 40 mph winds. There were no reported injuries to the boaters.
"The Coast Guard was able to quickly locate these stranded mariners because they activated the on board EPIRB to signal that they were in distress," said Lt. Andrew Grady, Fifth District Command Center Command Duty Officer. "As we enter the busy boating season, the Coast Guard would like to remind the boating public on the importance of having safety gear and emergency signaling devices on board in case of distress."
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Cutter Spencer returns to Portsmouth after patrolling Eastern Pacific
| |
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer returned to its homeport in Portsmouth after a 78-day patrol off the shores of Central America.
USCGC Spencer departed Portsmouth Feb. 12, 2022 and headed south, making a stop in Mayport, Florida to bring aboard a Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron (HITRON) crew. From Mayport, the medium endurance cutter steamed to Honduran territorial seas and conducted tactical demonstrations with members of the Honduran Naval Special Forces.
After transiting through the Panama Canal, USCGC Spencer conducted operations in the Eastern Pacific ocean with the objective of disrupting illicit narcotics trafficking. Law enforcement teams from USCGC Spencer successfully interdicted a go-fast vessel with over 300 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 pounds of marijuana. Later during the patrol, the embarked HITRON element spotted another smuggling vessel near USCGC Spencer's location. The boat caught on fire and USCGC Spencer’s crew recovered three survivors along with several bales of cocaine that were thrown off the boat shortly before it sank. USCGC Spencer also assisted Costa Rican authorities in the detention of six suspected narco-traffickers who were caught smuggling laundered money on a fishing vessel in the region.
Transnational criminal organizations pose a serious threat to the national security of the United States and are funded primarily through the trade of illicit narcotics. While in the Pacific theater, USCGC Spencer's crew worked with regional law enforcement authorities to deter the flow of contraband to the United States and to hold lawbreakers accountable.
“We were able to provide effective coverage of known drug smuggling routes alongside our domestic and foreign partners during this patrol,” said Cmdr. Corey Kerns, Commanding Officer of USCGC Spencer. “I am grateful that we were able to support the counter narcotics mission in the Eastern Pacific and most importantly that everyone returned home safely. These deployments are undoubtedly the most challenging for our members due to their stressful operational tempo and distance from home. The crew demonstrated incredible perseverance day in and day out, worked as a team, and had fun along the way, which made the experience meaningful and memorable for us all.”
U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spencer is a 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutter with a 100 person crew complement.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard suspends search for possible person in the water in the Chesapeake Bay
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a possible person in the water in the Chesapeake Bay, Sunday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Virginia command center initially received a report of a 20-foot Boston Whaler beached in the vicinity of Factory Point, Virginia with signs of recent occupancy.
The multiagency search covered an area of approximately 1,310 square miles over the course of 33 hours.
“It is always a difficult decision to suspend a search and rescue case,” said Christopher Scraba, the active search suspension authority at the Coast Guard District Five command center. “Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Young during this difficult time.”
Poquoson Fire, Hampton Fire and Virginia Marine Resources Commission also contributed to the search efforts with aircraft and small boats.
Coast Guard assets involved in the search were:
- 29-foot Response Boat-Small II from Station Cape Charles
- MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City
- 29-foot Response Boat-Small II from Station Oxford
- 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Milfordhaven
- 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Crisfield
- HC-130J Hercules aircraft from Air Station Elizabeth City
- CGC Angela Mcshan
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, partner agencies search for possible person in the water in the Chesapeake Bay
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for a possible person in the water in the Chesapeake Bay, Saturday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Virginia command center initially received a report of a 20-foot Boston Whaler beached in the vicinity of Factory Point, Virginia with signs of recent occupancy.
Crews are searching for Christopher Martin Young, a 63-year old white male weighing approximately 200 pounds.
Currently searching are an HC-130J Hercules aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City along with the CGC Angela Mcshan.
The search area for Young includes the Chesapeake Bay from Annapolis, Maryland to Hampton, Virginia.
Cell phone data indicated the vessel departed Annapolis, Maryland yesterday evening and transited south.
Poquoson Fire, Hampton Fire and Virginia Marine Resources Commission are also responding to the search efforts with aircraft and small boats.
Additional Coast Guard assets involved in the search are:
- 29-foot Response Boat-Small II from Station Cape Charles
- MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City
- 29-foot Response Boat-Small II from Station Oxford
- 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Milfordhaven
- 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Crisfield
If you have any information pertaining to this case, contact the Coast Guard Fifth District Five command center at (757) 398-6390.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard medevacs two crewmembers from cruise ship off the coast of Virginia Beach
PORTSMOUTH, VA — A Coast Guard helicopter crew medevaced two crew members from a cruise ship approximately 69 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach, Wednesday.
The cruise ship Celebrity Summit contacted the Coast Guard Fifth District Command Center to get assistance for the crew members who were suffering from chemical burns and were in need of further medical care.
A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the two crew members as well as the physician from the Celebrity Summit and transported them to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.
"The Coast Guard trains daily for situations like this," said Mr. Ryan Langley, a Fifth District Coast Guard Command Center operations watchstander. "Being that there are so many hazards on the water, we remain always ready so that we can respond effectively to answer the public's call."
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard celebrates National Safe Boating Week
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard is celebrating National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 21 through May 27.
Memorial Day weekend is considered by many as the unofficial start to the recreational boating season. As boaters take to the water, there is an increased likelihood for search and rescue situations, mechanical failures and accidents. The Coast Guard is reminding recreational boaters to always wear a life jacket while underway and use an engine cut-off switch when installed.
“Boaters should always wear a life jacket on any vessel while underway,” said Lt. Josh Gilbert, command center chief for Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. “It is also encouraged to have life jackets on children under the age of 13 while swimming or during other activities on open water.”
In 2021, 80% of boating deaths were due to drowning and 86% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket.
“In addition to life jackets, an engine cut-off switch should always be used on any personal watercraft with a motor,” said Gilbert. “This may be a cord lanyard that is attached to the operator’s wrist or life jacket, or a wireless switch that includes a wristband or visible fob for the boat operator and/or passengers. An engine cut-off switch will immediately stop the boat’s engine should the operator fall overboard.”
On April 1, 2021 a federal law went into effect that requires the operator of a boat with an installed Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) to use the ECOS link.
In addition to these tips, the Coast Guard recommends:
Locator beacons can help us find you faster. Attaching a functioning Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to your boat, or a Personal EPIRB (PPIRB), also known as a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), to your life jacket, and knowing how to use them can help rescuers find and help you.
Use a marine VHF radio. A cell phone may go out of range or run out of battery power when you need it the most. Make sure you familiarize yourself with how to use and properly maintain your radio.
Never operate a boat under the influence. People operating vessels under the influence of alcohol, drugs or impairing medication pose a serious threat to you and anyone else aboard.
Get a vessel safety check. The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free boating safety checks. Get a free safety inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary to make sure you have all the gear and safety equipment required by your state and federal laws. Click here to find one near you.
Take a boating safety course. The Coast Guard Auxiliary is one of many organizations that offer valuable boating safety courses ranging from electronic navigation to boat handling. Click here to register for a boating safety course.
Know your navigation rules. Know how to properly navigate waterways and maintain lookouts to keep yourself and everyone else around you safe.
File a float plan. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Float plans provide a starting point to help find you if something happens.
Check out the Coast Guard Boating Safety app. You can file a float plan, request assistance, request a vessel safety check, and report pollution and hazards to navigation.
Look at the weather and tides before you head out. It might look like a nice day, but squalls and shifting tides can change suddenly.
Dress for the water, not for the weather. Check water temperatures before you go out and dress accordingly.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard and local fire agencies respond to barge fire in Delaware Bay
BOWERS, Del. — The Coast Guard and local fire agencies are responding to a barge fire approximately 9 miles south of Port Mahon, Monday morning.
Watchstanders at the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call at approximately 1 a.m. reporting a barge on fire in the Delaware River. The barge was reportedly carrying household appliances for scrap.
The Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small boatcrew to assist and continue to monitor the situation. There are six fire boats on scene from local fire agencies actively fighting the fire.
“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of firefighters and response personnel on scene,” said Capt. Jonathan Theel, Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port. “We will also work to mitigate any environmental threats and protect the flow of commerce within this vital port.”
There are no injuries and no evidence of pollution impacting the waterway. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
The Coast Guard requests that all mariners avoid the area of the incident.
For more information contact District 5 Public Affairs at (757) 295-8435. Additional inquiries can be made to uscgD5publicaffairs@gmail.com.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
*Coast Guard and Local Fire Agencies Respond to Barge Fire near Delaware Bay*
BOWERS, Del. — The Coast Guard and local fire agencies are responding to a barge fire approximately 9 miles south of Port Mahon Monday morning.
Watchstanders at the Sector Delaware Bay Command Center received a call at approximately 1 a.m. reporting a barge on fire in the Delaware River. The barge was reportedly carrying household appliances for scrap.
The Coast Guard launched a 29-foot Response Boat Small-boat crew to assist and continue to monitor the situation. There are six fire boats on scene from local fire agencies actively fighting the fire.
“Our highest priority is ensuring the safety of firefighters and response personnel on scene,” said Capt. Jonathan Theel, Sector Delaware Bay Captain of the Port. “We will also work to mitigate any environmental threats and protect the flow of commerce within this vital port.”
There are no injuries and no evidence of pollution impacting the waterway. The cause of the fire is not known at this time.
The Coast Guard requests that all mariners avoid the area of the incident.
For more information contact District 5 Public Affairs at (757) 295-8435. Additional inquiries can be made to uscgD5publicaffairs@gmail.com.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard establishes new waterway in Hatteras Inlet
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A new navigational channel, the Hatteras Connector, has been established in Hatteras Inlet by Coast Guard Sector North Carolina allowing unimpeded vessel traffic offshore.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredge, Merritt, finished a two-week dredging project in Hatteras Inlet on May 6 to create the new waterway.
On March 22, 2022 the Coast Guard issued a safety notice to mariners and removed buoys marking the South Ferry Channel. In recent months, the South Ferry Channel has experienced heavy shoaling due to storms which have left portions of the channel measuring a depth of three to four feet. As a result, the Coast Guard has taken, and is taking, proactive steps to safeguard the public. The removal of these aids to navigation ensures recreational boaters are not mislead or given the false impression that they are marking a safe and navigable channel.
“The safety of mariners navigating Hatteras Inlet remains a top priority of the Coast Guard," said Lt. Greg Kennerley, Waterways Management Chief for Sector North Carolina. "The establishment of the Hatteras Connector will ensure mariners have a safe route to navigate offshore. The Coast Guard will continue to actively monitor the shoaling and position aids to navigation to mark best and safest water.”
The previous South Ferry Channel has been disestablished and will not be marked by aids to navigation. Mariners are advised to continue using caution while transiting this newly established as shoaling remains present in several areas.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Public Affairs NorthD5 Public Affairs North, Baltimore, MdOffice: (410) 576-2541 After Hours: (757) 295-8435D5 Public Affairs North online newsroom |
Joint military exercise to take place off Delaware, Maryland coast
BALTIMORE — The U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, Air Force, and the Marines will be conducting a routine search and rescue exercise off the coasts of Delaware and Maryland Tuesday.
The exercise will simulate an aircraft incident, the need to search for and rescue crew, and respond to debris in the water. This is an annual exercise. In the case of inclement weather, the activity will shift to Thursday.
Mariners are advised to avoid or use extreme caution while transiting in the exercise area. The exercise center point will be 38-14.961N 074-52.299W, approximately 23 miles east of Ocean City, Maryland. Additional active exercise location information for mariners will be available in the latest Broadcast Notice to Mariners on VHF-FM Channel 16.
Additionally, mariners are asked not to disturb any debris or participants involved physically. The exercise will include the recovery of in-water objects, low-flying aircraft, helicopter hoists, use of flares, and mass search and rescue operations.
The purpose of the exercise is two-fold first, to further interoperability and the ability to communicate quickly, coordinate resources, and collaborate to respond to emergencies.
Secondly, to test and provide realistic feedback on existing policies, plans, procedures, and agreements with the Coast Guard and partner Department of Defense units within the U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District’s area of responsibility.
Mariners who need to contact members of the exercise as it takes place may reach safety vessel personnel on VHF-FM Channel 16.
The 2021 exercise took place off Cape Lookout, N.C. coast, testing the satellite notification system, stressing internal and external communications plans, and safely recovering two simulated downed aviators using Coast Guard and Navy aircraft.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath assumes command of the Coast Guard Fifth District
| |
Click the above image for high resolution imagery of the event.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath assumed the duties and responsibilities of Coast Guard Fifth District Commander from Rear Adm. Laura Dickey at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, Virginia, Wednesday.
As commander of the Fifth District, Gilreath will serve as the operational commander for all U.S. Coast Guard missions from the North Carolina/South Carolina border to New Jersey, encompassing nearly 5,600 Coast Guard active duty, Reserve, and civilian personnel and spanning 1.4 million square miles of oceans, bays, and rivers. The Fifth District also includes several mid-Atlantic ports, the largest U.S. Naval base in the world, and our National Capital Region.
Prior to assuming command of the Fifth District, Gilreath most recently served as Commander, Personnel Service Center, in Washington, D.C., where he was responsible for executing the Coast Guard’s human resource policies by recruiting, accessing, assigning, developing careers, maintaining well-being, compensating, separating and retiring the nearly 45,000 members of the active duty and reserve workforces.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the Fifth District Commander,” said Dickey. “The Fifth District is pivotal to the Nation’s security and the complex needs of the Mid-Atlantic Maritime Transportation System. Every day, Fifth District active-duty, civilian, Reserve and Auxiliary men and women exhibit the values and traditions of our service and ensure the continued safety of mariners.”
Dickey served as the Fifth District Commander since 2020 and oversaw Coast Guard response operations throughout the region, including response efforts to oil spills, search and rescue cases and numerous critical marine transportation issues. She will go on to assume the role of Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, based out of Portsmouth, Virginia.
-USCG-
| Feature Story | U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic AreaContact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6521After Hours: (757) 641-0763Atlantic Area online newsroom |
International Ice Patrol: Remembering the Titanic 110 years later
Editors' Note: To view video or download high-resolution imagery, click on the photos above.
by Petty Officer 3rd Class Kim Reaves
Water stretches as far as the eye can see, and the air is chilled. The ocean’s surface is studded with memorial wreaths as the shadow of a fixed-wing plane passes just ahead. This is the sight of the famous sinking of the Royal Mail Ship Titanic. The ship met its tragic fate at the hands of an iceberg 110 years prior.
When the seemingly unsinkable Titanic slipped below the waves on April 15, 1912, killing 1,505 people aboard, the loss of life was devastating. The disaster, however, evoked the conception of the international ice patrol to monitor the presence of icebergs in the Atlantic and Sub-Arctic Oceans and report their movements for safety purposes. This mission continues to this day, conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard and partners.
“The International Ice Patrol (IIP) was officially established in 1913 to monitor the iceberg danger in the North Atlantic Ocean and provide relevant iceberg warning products to the maritime community,” said Lt. Cmdr. Don Rudnickas, the deputy commander for the U.S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol. “Icebergs continue to be a threat today, and the U.S Coast Guard continues to carry out the International Ice Patrol on behalf of the maritime nations that conduct trade across the Atlantic in accordance with international treaties.”
The mission of the IIP today is to promote safe navigation of the North Atlantic Ocean during the ice season, which runs from February 1 through July 31, when the danger of iceberg collision is greatest. The IIP monitors the iceberg danger during this time and provides relevant iceberg warning products daily to the maritime community.
The IIP’s most recent operation included the crew’s routine locating and logging of icebergs in the trans-Atlantic shipping lanes and deploying a Surface Velocity Program Drifting Buoy into the channel to monitor currents. The week-long reconnaissance patrol of the North Atlantic Ocean led the crew to search the Grand Banks of Newfoundland area to locate icebergs and monitor the extent of iceberg danger. It’s a unique and lesser-known mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.
This trip also included an additional mission, honoring the lives lost during the Titanic tragedy by participating in a ceremony commemorating the 110th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The crew’s first stop was in Halifax to kick off the multi-mission patrol. They were greeted by the welcoming faces of the Titanic Society of Atlantic Canada at the Local Women’s Council house. A sense of melancholy and reverence filled the room as the events of the Titanic were revisited.
“One of the most famous tragedies in history, the sinking of the Titanic, continues to teach us lessons,” said Councilor Rebecca Kent, a member of the Halifax Regional Municipality District 3. “Lessons about being prepared and adhering to the warnings and the information shared with us.”
The crew toured the cemetery where many of those lost passengers and crew aboard the Titanic were laid to rest. They then departed for St. John's, Newfoundland, and en route, deployed four memorial wreaths blessed by a priest during the ceremony in Halifax, at the site of the Titanic’s iceberg collision. The wind carried the wreaths as they left the U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane ramp and landed gently on the cold water that was filled with tragedy more than a century ago. The crew’s next task, patrol for the next week and confirm reports on iceberg movement to prevent another disaster.
Taking off from Newfoundland in the Hercules on April 22, the crews of the IIP and the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City-based Hercules were eager to begin finding icebergs. Still, the day's first task was deploying a Surface Velocity Program Drifting buoy from the aircraft into the ocean.
Safely strapped into the aircraft by gunner’s belts, two aircrew members opened the rear ramp of the Hercules, letting in a wall of frigid North Atlantic air. The crew members deployed the buoy with one swift push out the back of the plane. A bright orange parachute opened to allow for the safe deposit of the buoy into the ocean. The crew was ecstatic about the ideal outcome of the evolution. It was a success!
“For us to effectively predict where the icebergs will drift, we need to know what the ocean currents are doing at the 50-meter depth,” said Rudnickas. “So, today, we dropped an oceanographic buoy. The buoy will float in the water carried by the currents at the 50-meter depth where the majority of an iceberg’s mass sits, and we will track its position as an input to our drift model.”
After the successful buoy deployment, the crews began iceberg reconnaissance over the Labrador Current, which carries icebergs from Greenland and Eastern Canada’s glaciers toward the Trans-Atlantic shipping lanes. Over approximately eight hours, the crew observed 239 icebergs of varying sizes drifting southward.
“Icebergs are still a real hazard to trans-Atlantic shipping,” said Rudnickas. “Our job is to mitigate the risk by going up to find these icebergs and sending out a daily iceberg limit to warn ships at sea.”
The iceberg observations are sent back to the IIP Operations Center in Suitland, Maryland. A computer model uses ocean currents provided by the buoy and other environmental data to predict iceberg drift and deterioration. Established by the first Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention in 1914, the International Ice Patrol operates today under regulations outlined in SOLAS by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the federal statutes codified in Title 46, Section 738a. Seventeen nations' signatory funds the International Ice Patrol to the SOLAS agreement.
The periodic searching of nearly 500,000 square miles of ocean is just one part of a much larger monitoring apparatus requiring an in-depth understanding of the dynamic weather and ocean currents on the Grand Banks; monitoring and predicting the movements of thousands of icebergs; continuous operation of a sophisticated computer model known as the Berg Analysis and Prediction System (BAPS); transmission of warnings and ice charts to ships at sea in a host of different formats; and nearly daily cooperation with over 30 organizations and agencies in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The IIP initially relied on ships to gather data, but after World War II transitioned to aircraft. As technology continues to advance, the program is being modernized. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is partnering with Service and the IIP to augment the U.S. Coast Guard's ability to protect infrastructure and improve maritime safety and navigation in the Arctic region by fusing satellite-based radar imagery and commercial Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imagery with ship reporting systems to enable analysts to identify significant ice throughout the North Atlantic Ocean in real-time.
Although the IIP was founded due to a historic disaster, the U.S. Coast Guard women and men who serve in the IIP today and partner nations understand the importance of protecting global shipping and the environment and ultimately lives through this work. Their commitment mitigates the risk of another tragedy like the Titanic sinking.
-USCG-
| Media Availability | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard 5th District Change-of-Command Ceremony to take place in Portsmouth, Virginia
Who: Rear Adm. Laura Dickey and Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath
What: Official change of command ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Fifth District
Where: Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, 4000 Coast Guard Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23703
When: Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 1 p.m.
Media interested in attending are required RSVP by 3 p.m. on May 10 by calling 757-295-8435.
NORFOLK, Va. — Coast Guard Rear Adm. Shannon Gilreath is scheduled to relieve Rear Adm. Laura Dickey as District Commander, Coast Guard Fifth District, during a change-of-command ceremony at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, Wednesday at 1 p.m.
The ceremony will be presided over by Vice Adm. Steven D. Poulin, Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area.
As commander of the 5th District, Gilreath will serve as the operational commander for all U.S. Coast Guard missions from the North Carolina/South Carolina border to New Jersey, encompassing nearly 5,600 Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel and spanning 1.4 million square miles of oceans, bays, and rivers. The Fifth District also includes several mid-Atlantic ports, the largest U.S. Naval base in the world, and our National Capital Region.
Prior to assuming command of the Fifth District, Gilreath most recently served as Commander, Personnel Service Center, in Washington, DC., where he was responsible for executing the Coast Guard’s human resource policies by recruiting, accessing, assigning, developing careers, maintaining well-being, compensating, separating and retiring the nearly 45,000 members of the active duty and reserve workforces.
Dickey served as the Fifth District Commander since 2020 and oversaw Coast Guard response operations throughout the region, including response efforts oil spills, search and rescue cases and numerous critical marine transportation issues. Dickey will go on to assume the role of Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Atlantic Area, based out of Portsmouth, Virginia.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard hoists 2 mariners approximately 86 miles southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina
Editors' Note: Click on the images to view or download a high-resolution version.
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The Coast Guard hoisted two mariners from a damaged sailing
vessel approximately 86 miles southeast of Cape Fear on Friday.
Following the host, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew safely transported the mariners back
to Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
Watchstanders from the U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District command center received notification
from the International Emergency Rescue Coordination Center stating that they received a
distress alert from the 34-foot sailing vessel Spin Drift crew.
The Fifth District command center team directed the launch of crews and the Jayhawk and an
HC-130 Hercules airplane from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
The USCGC Richard Dixon (WPC 1113) crew, based in Puerto Rico, was 50 miles away,
transiting to the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore and diverted to the scene to assist.
The Hercules crew arrived on the scene first and confirmed that the Spin Drift was dismasted and
adrift in 12-foot seas and 21 mph winds. The Jayhawk arrived shortly after and conducted the
hoist.
There are no reports of injuries or pollution. The vessel remains a possible hazard to navigation.
An emergency Broadcast Notice to Mariners was issued, alerting mariners in the area to keep a
sharp lookout to avoid a collision. The owners of the vessel will coordinate salvage.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
CORRECTION: Coast Guard begins multi-month fisheries enforcement operation with Bermuda
Editors' Note: Click on image to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. —U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Angela McShan (WPC-1135) is scheduled to arrive in Bermuda on April 6 as part of a multi-month fisheries enforcement operation in concert with the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Royal Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Coast Guard, and Bermuda Police Services.
The cutter will be the first of three Coast Guard ships that will patrol seaward of the Bermuda Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 230 miles from shore. The joint operation will expand upon the long-standing U.S.-Bermuda partnership, as well as emphasize protection of the environment and living marine resources in this region.
The operation is a result of recent meetings between Bermuda's Deputy Governor Alison Crocket, Deputy Premier Walter Roban, Permanent Secretary in Bermuda's Ministry of Home Affairs Rozy Azhar, United States Consul General in Bermuda Karen Grissette and Rear Admiral Laura Dickey, the U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District Commander. The professional exchange focused on increasing efforts to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a global issue recently detected in the Mid-Atlantic.
“It was an honor to meet Rear Admiral Dickey and her staff, along with the U.S. Consul and her staff,” noted Deputy Premier Roban. “This operation begins a new chapter of cooperation with the U.S. Government in supporting illegal, unreported fishing and other unacceptable activity in our waters. All is as a result of a meeting held with the National Climate Advisor to U.S. President Biden, Gina McCarthy, at COP26 where we discussed matters important to Bermuda and the United States. The willingness of the United States to support Bermuda in our effort to oversee our EEZ is in step with our centuries’ long relationship as neighbors. My gratitude on behalf of the people of Bermuda extends to the U.S. Consul’s Office in Bermuda for facilitating these meetings and the support we will get from the United States Coast Guard.”
As the worldwide demand for fish as a protein source continues to grow, IUU fishing will have a profound impact on the security of all countries with a maritime boundary. Left unenforced, IUU fishing will threaten global geo-political security, undermine maritime governance, and impact a nation’s ability to achieve domestic food security.
“We’re excited to join with Bermuda to help detect and monitor potential IUU fishing in the region," said Rear Admiral Dickey. "As we each work to safeguard our respective Exclusive Economic Zones, we’re fortunate to build on our long-standing relationship to partner together in this effort to protect global fish stocks and promote adherence to international rules.”
“The United States is proud to partner with Bermuda to promote security and lawful conduct in the Atlantic region,” added U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette. “Reinforcing the United States’ security partnership with Bermuda is one of my top priorities, so I am proud to welcome these U.S. Coast Guard cutters to advance our shared interests. This important operation is one more tangible demonstration of the close security collaboration between Bermuda and the United States.”
The Sentinel-class fast response cutter (WPC) is a key component of the Coast Guard’s offshore fleet that is capable of deploying independently to conduct missions that include port, waterways and coastal security, fishery patrols, search and rescue, and national defense.
*The original press release listed the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch as the cutter arriving on April 6, but it is the Angela McShan
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard begins multi-month fisheries enforcement operation with Bermuda
Editors' Note: Click on image to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch (WPC-1119) is scheduled to arrive in Bermuda on April 6 as part of a multi-month fisheries enforcement operation in concert with the Bermuda Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Royal Bermuda Regiment, Bermuda Coast Guard, and Bermuda Police Services.
The cutter will be the first of four Coast Guard ships that will patrol seaward of the Bermuda Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends 230 miles from shore. The joint operation will expand upon the long-standing U.S.-Bermuda partnership, as well as emphasize protection of the environment and living marine resources in this region.
The operation is a result of recent meetings between Bermuda's Deputy Governor Alison Crocket, Deputy Premier Walter Roban, Permanent Secretary in Bermuda's Ministry of Home Affairs Rozy Azhar, United States Consul General in Bermuda Karen Grissette and Rear Admiral Laura Dickey, the U.S. Coast Guard Fifth District Commander. The professional exchange focused on increasing efforts to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, a global issue recently detected in the Mid-Atlantic.
“It was an honor to meet Rear Admiral Dickey and her staff, along with the U.S. Consul and her staff,” noted Deputy Premier Roban. “This operation begins a new chapter of cooperation with the U.S. Government in supporting illegal, unreported fishing and other unacceptable activity in our waters. All is as a result of a meeting held with the National Climate Advisor to U.S. President Biden, Gina McCarthy, at COP26 where we discussed matters important to Bermuda and the United States. The willingness of the United States to support Bermuda in our effort to oversee our EEZ is in step with our centuries’ long relationship as neighbors. My gratitude on behalf of the people of Bermuda extends to the U.S. Consul’s Office in Bermuda for facilitating these meetings and the support we will get from the United States Coast Guard.”
As the worldwide demand for fish as a protein source continues to grow, IUU fishing will have a profound impact on the security of all countries with a maritime boundary. Left unenforced, IUU fishing will threaten global geo-political security, undermine maritime governance, and impact a nation’s ability to achieve domestic food security.
“We’re excited to join with Bermuda to help detect and monitor potential IUU fishing in the region," said Rear Admiral Dickey. "As we each work to safeguard our respective Exclusive Economic Zones, we’re fortunate to build on our long-standing relationship to partner together in this effort to protect global fish stocks and promote adherence to international rules.”
“The United States is proud to partner with Bermuda to promote security and lawful conduct in the Atlantic region,” added U.S. Consul General Karen Grissette. “Reinforcing the United States’ security partnership with Bermuda is one of my top priorities, so I am proud to welcome these U.S. Coast Guard cutters to advance our shared interests. This important operation is one more tangible demonstration of the close security collaboration between Bermuda and the United States.”
The Sentinel-class fast response cutter (WPC) is a key component of the Coast Guard’s offshore fleet that is capable of deploying independently to conduct missions that include port, waterways and coastal security, fishery patrols, search and rescue, and national defense.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues 3 mariners who activated their emergency beacons east of Pamlico Sound
HATTERAS, N.C. — The Coast Guard rescued three mariners who activated their emergency beacons when their 27-foot sailing vessel lost propulsion 35 miles east of Pamlico Sound Tuesday morning.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard District Five command center received a report shortly after 7 a.m. from the International Emergency Rescue Control Center that a Satellite Emergency Notification Device (SENDS) registered to the owner of the sailing vessel Abide had been activated.
Coast Guard watchstanders correlated the given position to the Abide's Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) location and contacted the registered emergency contact. The emergency devices and information provided by the emergency contact all helped to corroborate the position and nature of distress.
District Five watchstanders launched an aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City and a boat crew aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Fort Macon to respond. The aircrew arrived on scene and confirmed with the master of the sailing vessel that it had lost both its sails and its engine.
“We can’t stress enough how important it is to have an emergency notification beacon on board your vessel any time you take to the water,” said Lt. Andrew Grady, operations unit watchstander at the District Five command center. “The master of this sailing vessel not only had two forms of alert, but also an updated emergency contact who was able to share with us his float plan, allowing us to get to his vessel quickly and get him and his passengers to safety.”
The aircrew hoisted the three mariners aboard and flew them back to Elizabeth City. No injuries were reported.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE: Coast Guard ends search for 58-year-old female in the water at Deep Creek near James River, VA
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Coast Guard ends its search for the 58-year-old female who was reported to have fallen in the water at Deep Creek near the James River Sunday evening in Newport News.
A good Samaritan discovered a body matching the description of the female near the Menchville Marina and notified the Newport News Police Department.
Coast Guard assets, including a 45-foot Response Boat–Medium crew from Station Portsmouth and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City searched 518 square miles for over 16 hours.
Other agencies involved in the search included:
- Newport News Police Department
- Newport News Fire Department
- York County Police Department
- York County Fire Department
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- Suffolk County Fire Department
- James City County Fire Department
- Port of Virginia
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, partner agencies searching for 58-year-old female in the water at Deep Creek near James River, VA
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are currently searching for a 58-year-old female who was reported to have fallen in the water at Deep Creek near the James River Sunday evening in Newport News.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Virginia command center received a notification from Warwick Marina at 8:34 p.m of the confirmed person in the water and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast for the area.
Sector Virginia launched a crew from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth aboard a 45-foot Response Boat–Medium, as well as an aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City to search the area. Additionally, Newport News Police and York County Police Departments have multiple assets on scene to include drones, sonar scanners and small boats.
Newport News Fire Department, York County Fire Department, Virginia Marine Resources Commission, Suffolk County Fire Department and James City County Fire Department are also assisting in the search.
-USCG-
| Media Availability | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, Port of Virginia to host search and rescue demonstration in Hampton, Va.
WHO: Coast Guard Sector Virginia, Port of Virginia Maritime Incident Response Team, other agencies
WHAT: Search and rescue (SAR) demonstration as a part of the 16th annual Steven Todd Dooley SAR Forum
WHEN: Thursday, March 3, 2022, 9 a.m. through 1 p.m.
WHERE: The Landing at Hampton Marina by Hilton, 700 Settlers Landing Rd., Hampton, VA, 23669
WHY: To strengthen partnerships and communication, as well as to improve the life-saving processes and skills required of SAR agencies
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Port of Virginia and Coast Guard Sector Virginia are scheduled to hold a search and rescue demonstration as a part of the 16th Annual Steven Todd Dooley Search and Rescue Forum in Hampton, Thursday.
The SAR Forum is an annual event that strives to strengthen regional interagency partnerships and communication, as well as to improve the life-saving processes and skills required of SAR agencies. More than 130 students, 30 agencies, and 20 boats from law enforcement and fire departments across the Commonwealth of Virginia are scheduled to come together and participate in the weeklong event.
Media members are invited to attend the SAR Forum training event at The Landing at Hampton Marina by Hilton in Hampton, Va. A Coast Guard helicopter demonstration is scheduled for Thursday and boats will be available for media ride-along requests. The boats are scheduled to leave the marina at 9:30 a.m., with the demonstration beginning at approximately 10:30 a.m. Media are requested to arrive at the hotel at 9 a.m. for interviews before the start of the demonstration.
Capt. Samson Stevens, commander, Sector Virginia, along with Mr. Bill Burket, Director, Virginia Port Authority Maritime Incident Response Team, will be available for interviews before the demonstration at The Landing at Hampton Marina.
Media interested in attending should contact Sector Virginia public affairs at (757) 903-1842 for more information and to RSVP.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
*Coast Guard presents Public Service Commendation award to good Samaritans*
| | | | | |
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Capt. Timothy Eason, on behalf of Rear Adm. Laura Dickey, Coast Guard District Five Commander, presented the Coast Guard Public Service Commendation Award to three crewmembers from the motor vessel Weekend Warrior Monday. The three men were recognized for their heroic efforts rescuing two individuals from a vessel fire last February.
The awards were presented to Mark Clemens, Shawn Shapiro Sr., and Shawn Shapiro Jr. at the 16th Annual Steven Todd Dooley Search and Rescue Forum, hosted by the Port of Virginia and Coast Guard Sector Virginia at The Landing at Hampton Marina Hotel.
“The standing ovation from over 130 first responders from 35 different Fire, Police and Emergency Management departments within the Hampton Roads region warmed my heart, and affirmed the strong sense of public safety and unity of effort this region is known for,” said Capt. Samson Stevens, commander of Coast Guard Sector Virginia. "Most importantly, we recognized the everyday heroes – the mariners – who live and operate in our Tidewater region. Our waterways are safer because of good Samaritans like Mr. Shapiro, Sr., Mr. Shapiro, Jr., and Mr. Clemens."
On February 9th, 2021, a recreational vessel 45 miles east of Cape Charles caught fire, forcing the two persons aboard into the water. The men were badly burned and hypothermic in the fifty degree water while hanging on to their rapidly sinking vessel. The motor vessel Weekend Warrior quickly diverted after noticing smoke on the horizon and was the first vessel on scene.
The men were pulled from the water moments before their vessel sank and transported to the Coast Guard Cutter Dependable where they received first aid. The two men were later medevaced to Norfolk General Hospital by a Coast Guard helicopter.
The crew aboard the Weekend Warrior were applauded for their dedication and judgment, noting that this selfless action could have very likely prevented the loss of two lives.
-USCG-
| Video Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard medevacs injured crew member from container ship near Hatteras, NC
Editors' Note: Click on image to view and download video.
PORTSMOUTH, V.A. — The Coast Guard medevaced a woman from a container ship 57 miles east of Hatteras, North Carolina, Sunday morning.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard District Five Command Center in Portsmouth received a call just before 4 a.m. from the container vessel Ivar Reefer stating a crew member had sustained a serious hand injury while working in the engine room and required medical assistance.
The command center launched an aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City, who met the Ivar Reefer offshore and hoisted the crew member aboard.
The injured crew member was taken to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital in Norfolk.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Public Affairs NorthD5 Public Affairs North, Baltimore, MdOffice: (410) 576-2541 After Hours: (757) 295-8435D5 Public Affairs North online newsroom |
Coast Guard suspends search for passengers of downed aircraft near Drum Inlet, North Carolina
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. – The Coast Guard has suspended the search for the passengers of a downed aircraft approximately 4 miles east of Drum Inlet. Tuesday afternoon.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received a report at 2:13 p.m. Sunday, of a possible downed aircraft from an air traffic controller at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point informing that the aircraft was seen behaving erratically on radar and then disappeared from the radar screen.
A total of 8 people were aboard the Pilatus PC-12 single engine passenger aircraft. The Coast Guard searched 2,014 square miles over a period of 48 hours.
“The Coast Guard will continue to work alongside our local partners through ongoing recovery operations. Our deepest sympathies are with the Down East community,” said Capt. Matt Baer, sector commander, Sector North Carolina. “We are grateful for the outstanding collaboration we have had with our state and local partners, as well as numerous volunteers.”
Involved in the search were:
- Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch
- Coast Guard Cutter Richard Snyder
- Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft
- Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk
- Coast Guard Station Fort Macon Motor Lifeboat
- Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet Response Boat-Small
- National Park Service beach crews
- Towboat U.S.
- Carteret County Sheriff's Office
- Carteret County Emergency Services
- Down East Fire Department
- Morehead City Fire Department
- Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point units
The Coast Guard Cutter Richard Snyder will assist local law enforcement with recovery efforts. The National Transportation Safety Board will be conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE 1: Coast Guard responds to report of downed aircraft near Drum Inlet, North Carolina
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. – The Coast Guard is searching the area of a downed aircraft approximately 4 miles east of Drum Inlet Sunday evening.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received a report of a possible downed aircraft from an air traffic controller at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point informing that the aircraft was seen behaving erratically on radar and then disappeared from the radar screen.
A Coast Guard Station Fort Macon Motor Lifeboat crew was launched along with a Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet Response Boat-Small boat crew. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City was also launched to search the area.
A total of 8 people have been confirmed to have been aboard the Pilatus PC-12 single engine passenger aircraft.
Also involved in the search are:
- Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch
- National Park Service beach crews
- Towboat U.S.
- Carteret County Sheriffs Office
- Down East Fire Department
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard responds to report of downed aircraft near Drum Inlet, North Carolina
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. – The Coast Guard is responding to a report of a downed aircraft approximately 4 miles east of Drum Inlet Sunday evening.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received a report of a possible downed aircraft from an air traffic controller at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point informing that the aircraft was seen behaving erratically on radar and then disappeared from the radar screen.
A Coast Guard Station Fort Macon Motor Lifeboat crew was launched along with a Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet Response Boat-Small boat crew. An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City was also launched to search the area.
The Coast Guard Cutter Rollin Fritch, local fire department and national park service beach crews are also assisting with response efforts.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard sets normal port condition for the Port of Virginia
PORTSMOUTH, VA— The Captain of the Port orders the return to normal port condition for the coastal waters of Virginia from Cape Charles Light south to the Virginia-North Carolina border effective 7:00 a.m. Monday.
While vessel traffic is permitted to resume on the waterways, mariners are advised to monitor the latest forecasts as high winds are expected for the duration of the day.
Please report any observed navigational hazards or aids to navigation discrepancies to the Sector Virginia Command Center at (757) 483-8567.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard sets modified Port Condition Zulu for the Port of Virginia
PORTSMOUTH, VA– The Captain of the Port set modified Port Condition Zulu for the coastal waters of Virginia from Cape Charles Light south to the Virginia-North Carolina border effective 3:00 p.m., Sunday, January 16, 2022.
Other than vessels designated by the Captain of the Port, no vessels may enter, transit, move, or anchor within the closed area. The Port of Virginia within Chesapeake Bay and northern Virginia coastal waters remains open to all vessel traffic and commercial activities.
The Coast Guard strongly cautions the maritime community to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions as the winter storm approaches.
The Coast Guard encourages the public to:
- Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
- Secure small watercraft, life rings, lifejackets and belongings. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
- Stay informed. The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio and the Internet. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
For urgent safety of life issues, please contact the Sector Virginia Command Center on VHF-FM Channel 16 or call (757) 483-8567.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard medevacs mariner near Manasquan, New Jersey
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Coast Guard medevaced a mariner Thursday night approximately 11 miles east of Manasquan.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a call from the captain of the vessel Peter Farber that a crewmember aboard was experiencing abdominal pains and needed medical assistance.
A Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew was launched to medevac the crewmember.
The aircrew arrived on scene, hoisted the crewmember, and transported him to the Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, local partners suspend maritime search for missing 73-year-old kayaker
WILMINGTON, N.C. — Coast Guard crewmembers and local agencies suspended maritime search efforts for a missing kayaker Saturday, who was reported missing in the area of Bogue Inlet, North Carolina.
Rescue crews saturated a search area of 268 square miles for approximately 24 hours.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received the initial report from the Onslow County 911 dispatcher on Dec. 31 that a man had been reported missing by his spouse after not returning from a kayaking trip. His kayak was found on Bear Island Friday afternoon.
“Tonight's decision to suspend the search for Mr. Liner was tough,” said Capt. Matt Baer, commander, Sector North Carolina. "Our crews and the crews of our state and local partners did their best to find him, and we will keep his family in our thoughts."
The Coast Guard searched with crews aboard the following assets:
- an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City
- a 24-foot Response Boat-Small from Station Emerald Isle
- a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Fort Macon
- Coast Guard Cutter Steelhead, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat
Assisting with the search were crews and assets from the following agencies and municipalities:
- Hammocks Beach State Park Rangers
- Onslow County
- North Carolina Marine Patrol
- Town of Swansboro
- Town of Emerald Isle
- City of Jacksonville
- Pender County
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, local partners search for missing 73-year-old kayaker
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies are searching for a missing kayaker Saturday, who was reported missing in the area of Bogue Inlet, North Carolina.
Missing is Warren Liner, 73, last seen on Bear Island in Hammocks Beach State Park.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received the initial report from the Onslow County 911 dispatcher on Dec. 31 that a man had been reported missing by his spouse after not returning from a kayaking trip. His kayak was found on Bear Island Friday afternoon.
The Coast Guard is searching with crews aboard the following assets:
- an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City
- a 24-foot Response Boat-Small from Station Emerald Isle
- a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Fort Macon
- Coast Guard Cutter Steelhead, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat
Also searching are crews and assets from the following agencies and municipalities:
- Hammocks Beach State Park Rangers
- Onslow County
- North Carolina Marine Patrol
- Town of Swansboro
- Town of Emerald Isle
- City of Jacksonville
- Pender County
Anyone with information relating to the case is asked to reach out to Sector North Carolina Command Center watchstanders at (910) 343-3880.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE: Coast Guard completes fishing vessel salvage near Duck, N.C.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard, along with state and local partners, completed salvage efforts of the fishing vessel Bald Eagle II Wednesday after it ran aground near Duck late last week.
At 3:10 p.m. the tug boat John Joseph, with the assistance of Ocean Rescue, refloated the vessel and prepared it for tow. Shortly after 4 p.m. the vessels began their journey to Newport News, Virginia, for repairs.
Prior to the tow, Moran Environmental Recovery was contracted by the vessel owner to facilitate the removal of hazardous substances. Overall, 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel and 1,000 gallons of oily water mixture were removed from the vessel.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard aircrew conducts medevac from cruise ship 140 miles east of Wilmington, N.C.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a 76-year-old man from a cruise ship approximately 140 miles east of Wilmington, N.C., Monday evening.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Fifth District Command Center received the request for medevac from the captain of the Carnival Legend stating that a man aboard was suffering from symptoms of kidney failure.
An MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City rendezvoused with the cruise ship and hoisted the man into the aircraft. The man was taken to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington for treatment.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE: Coast Guard oversees fishing vessel salvage near Duck, N.C.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard is overseeing the removal of fuel and hazardous substances from a grounded fishing vessel as part of salvage operations near Duck, N.C., Sunday.
The Coast Guard is continuing to work with the owner of the fishing vessel Bald Eagle II in coordination with state and local partners to mitigate impacts to the environment.
Moran Environmental Recovery has been contracted by the vessel owner to facilitate the removal of hazardous substances. Currently, 6,500 gallons of diesel fuel and 1,000 gallons of oily water mixture have been removed from the vessel. The majority of fuel on board has been recovered and focus has shifted to finding remaining pockets of oily water in the fuel tanks. All oil and hazardous substances are expected to be removed today.
After the product in the fuel tanks is recovered, operations will shift to towing the vessel off the beach. A towing vessel from Charleston, South Carolina is currently enroute to Duck. The owner has made plans to have the vessel towed to Hampton, Virginia for repairs.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard oversees fishing vessel salvage near Duck, N.C.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard is overseeing the salvage and removal of a fishing vessel, Friday, that became grounded near Duck, N.C.
On December 7, 2021, the Coast Guard rescued four fisherman from the disabled fishing vessel Bald Eagle II off the North Carolina coast.
The Coast Guard is working with the vessel owner and in coordination with state and local partners to mitigate impacts to the environment after the vessel ran aground near Southern Shores. The owner is continuing efforts to salvage the vessel and is working with an Oil Spill Removal Organization to safely remove the 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel on board.
The cause of the grounding is currently under investigation by Coast Guard Sector North Carolina.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard aircrew hoists 4 from disabled fishing vessel
| | |
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version. Video can be downloaded at the following link: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/824292/coast-guard-aircrew-hoists-4-disabled-fishing-vessel
WILMINGTON, N.C. — A Coast Guard aircrew hoisted four fishermen from a disabled fishing vessel off the coast of Duck, N.C., Tuesday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received a call at approximately 7:30 a.m. from the captain of the fishing vessel Bald Eagle II stating that his vessel was disabled and drifting towards shore.
A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and a Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew were launched to assist. Once on scene, the aircrew hoisted all four men and transported them to the air station. No injuries were reported.
"The water temperature near Southern Shores is currently 56 degrees, which is dangerous had these four men not been prepared," said Petty Officer 1st Class Timothy Hall, operations unit controller for Sector North Carolina. "Fortunately, these men were wearing survival suits to prevent hypothermia when our rescue helicopter arrived.”
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard medevacs man suffering from heart attack symptoms
| |
Editors' Note: Click on the image above to download video of the rescue.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a 57-year-old man reportedly suffering from symptoms of a heart attack approximately 18 miles northeast of Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, Wednesday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Virginia received the initial report at approximately 2 p.m. from the captain of the 75-foot fishing vessel Rudee Mariner, stating that a member aboard the ship was experiencing heart attack symptoms.
Coast Guard Sector Virginia’s Command Center issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, launched a boatcrew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Little Creek and an aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina. A boatcrew from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also responded to the scene.
The man was hoisted aboard the rescue helicopter. The aircrew transported him to Norfolk Sentara General Hospital for medical care.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE: Coast Guard suspends search for overdue boater in the vicinity of Frying Pan Shoals, North Carolina****
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a 44-year-old man in the vicinity of Frying Pan Shoals, North Carolina, Monday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received a report from a friend of the boater.
The mariner was seen on surveillance footage leaving the Federal Point Yacht Club on Monday, November 22 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on his 19-foot SeaCraft vessel.
The Coast Guard searched a total of approximately 7,498 square miles over the course of 53 hours.
Assets that conducted searches are:
- A C-130 Hercules aircraft aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- A 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Oak Island
- A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Wrightsville Beach
- Coast Guard Cutter Richard Snyder
- Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill
"The decision to suspend a search is made after careful consideration of all aspects of a case," said Cmdr. Corrie Sergent, the Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator for this case. "Our sincere thoughts go out to the family and friends of the individual involved in this case."
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
INITIAL: The Coast Guard is searching for an overdue boater in the vicinity of Frying Pan Shoals, North Carolina
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard is searching for a 44-year-old man in the vicinity of Frying Pan Shoals, North Carolina, Saturday.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received a report from a friend of the boater. He was scheduled to meet with the man approximately 3 miles West of Frying Pan Tower Saturday, but he never showed.
The mariner is a 44 year-old caucasian male who is 6 feet, 2 inches tall with red hair weighing 220 pounds.
The mariner was seen on surveillance footage leaving the Federal Point Yacht Club between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on his 19-foot SeaCraft vessel.
Friends of the mariner reported that he has life jackets and a radio on board his vessel.
Sector North Carolina command center watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched multiple Coast Guard assets.
Searching are:
A C-130 Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Oak Island
A 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Wrightsville Beach
Coast Guard Cutter Richard Snyder
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard honors service's first African American diver
| | | |
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
For b-roll video of the ceremony, click the following link
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The Coast Guard honored Ralph Berry, the service's first African American diver, Tuesday, in a ceremony at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
In 1979, Berry became the first African American to graduate from the Navy Dive and Salvage Center in Panama City, Florida. He was assigned to the Atlantic Strike Team in Elizabeth City, and dove on the sunken Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn in 1980. Berry was also attached to the Coast Guard Cutter Basswood in Guam, and the Coast Guard Cutter Sassafras in Hawaii.
Altogether Berry's family has more than 400 years of combined service in the Coast Guard, which includes Richard Etheridge, the first African American to command a Life-Saving Station.
The ceremony saw active duty members of the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard’s dive program and family and friends of Berry in attendance.
“The Coast Guard is proud to celebrate and recognize a member who continually challenged himself and kept true to the Coast Guard core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty,” said Capt. Lamont Bazemore, chief of enlisted personnel for the Fifth District. “In 1994 I was attending Elizabeth City State University when I received a flyer over the Christmas break about the Minority Officer Recruitment Effort program. Chief Berry shepherded me through the recruitment process, but more importantly, seeing a Black man in a leadership position helped me to see myself in the Coast Guard. Chief Berry was always a soft-spoken, supportive leader. It was my honor today to shake his hand and thank him for opening a door to my more than 27 years of service.”
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard: Waders will not save your life. Life jackets will.VIDEO: Public Service Announcement available
| |
Editors' Note: The image above is a screen shot of a one-minute Public Service Announcement demonstrating the benefit of wearing a life jacket while wearing waders. Click the image to download a high-resolution version of the PSA.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — As temperatures continue to fall across the Mid-Atlantic, the Coast Guard would like to remind you that waders are not a substitute for life jackets.
Waders are great at keeping you warm and dry, but if you fall into the water they can act as an anchor, making a precarious situation much more dangerous if not paired with a life jacket.
Coast Guard-approved life jackets can be worn over waders and will allow you valuable time to get to safety if you happen to end up in the water. In 2020, 75% of victims from boating accidents drowned as a result. Of that 75%, 86% were not wearing life jackets.
“Whether you’re fishing or hunting, on land or by boat, the most important thing you can bring with you is a life jacket,” said Lt. Cmdr. Katherine Blue, Coast Guard Fifth District Public Affairs Officer. “We see it time and time again. A good day out on the water can turn bad very quickly. Having a life jacket on makes our job easier and increases your chance of getting back home to your loved ones.”
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard holds ceremony to honor first African American diver
WHO: Ralph Berry, first African American Coast Guard diver
WHAT: Coast Guard ceremony
WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, Weeksville Road Building 47, Elizabeth City, N.C.
ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a ceremony honoring the services first African American diver Tuesday morning.
Media interested in attending the event are requested to RSVP at 757-295-8435 by 8 p.m. November 22, and should arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Government-issued identification and media credentials are required as well as a vaccination card.
In 1979, Ralph Berry became the first African American to graduate from the Navy Dive and Salvage Center in Panama City, Florida. He was assigned to the Atlantic Strike Team in Elizabeth City, and dove on the sunken Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn in 1980. Mr. Berry was also attached to the Coast Guard Cutter Basswood in Guam, and the Coast Guard Cutter Sassafras in Hawaii. Altogether his family has over 400 years of combined service in the Coast Guard, which includes Richard Etheridge, the first African American to command a Life-Saving Station.
The Coast Guard is proud to celebrate and recognize a member who continually challenged himself and kept true to the Coast Guard core values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
VIDEO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard medevacs passenger from cruise ship 231 miles southeast of Wilmington, N.C.
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard medevaced a woman from a cruise ship approximately 231 miles southeast of Wilmington, North Carolina, Friday evening.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Fifth District command center received a medical evacuation request from crewmembers aboard the cruise ship Anthem Of The Sea, requesting assistance for an ailing woman who was reportedly suffering from internal bleeding.
Watchstanders dispatched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew and an HC-130 Hercules aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
The rescue helicopter crew arrived on-scene and hoisted the woman and a family member aboard while simultaneously the Hercules crew provided aerial coverage.
The Jayhawk aircrew then transferred the woman and her family member to New Hanover Regional Hospital in Wilmington, North Carolina.
"Launching far offshore and at night can be complex and challenging," said Chief Petty Officer Brian Gainey, operations unit watchstander at the Fifth District command center. "Cases like this demonstrate how the hard work and consistent training from our members allow us to safely carry out missions and successfully help those in need."
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Photo Available: Coast Guard Cutter Spencer returns to Portsmouth after patrolling the Eastern U.S. coast
| |
Editors Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Spencer returned home to Portsmouth after a 33 day patrol Wednesday.
During the patrol, the crew conducted operations south of Key West, Florida, in support of efforts to deter illegal immigration and conduct safety of life at sea operations. Shifting gears halfway through the patrol, Spencer’s crew exercised their multi-mission capability in the Northeast to enforce federal commercial fishing regulations in an effort to deter over-fishing and illegal fishing. The crew also assisted in multiple search and rescue cases off the coast of New England, towing one vessel over 100 miles to safety.
Spencer also completed a routine aviation evaluation that enables the cutter to perform landings and conduct operations with a variety of military aircraft. The training exercise occurred in Miami, supported by an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida.
“Overall this was a short patrol but we accomplished a lot for the Coast Guard and for our unit,” said Cmdr. Corey Kerns, Commanding Officer of the Spencer. “This deployment included an excursion south of the Keys to support the fleet of Fast Response Cutters. Our mission then shifted to domestic fisheries, enforcing regulations that promote the longevity of this multi-billion dollar industry that our nation depends on. In between, we were able to support three search and rescue operations, conduct a lot of training, and get home before Thanksgiving.”
The Spencer is a 270-foot Medium-Endurance Cutter with a 100-person crew.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard medevacs boater near Manasquan, New Jersey
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – The Coast Guard medevaced a boater Monday morning approximately 46 miles east of Manasquan.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a call from the captain of a fishing vessel that a crewmember was losing and regaining consciousness while having difficulty breathing.
A Coast Guard Air Station MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew was launched to medevac the crewmember after it was determined that weather conditions would not allow for a boatcrew to safely transfer him ashore.
The aircrew arrived on scene, hoisted the crewmember, and transported him to Atlantic Care Hospital in Atlantic City.
-USCG-
| Media Advisory | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Sector North Carolina brings awareness to dangers of colder water temperatures
| |
Editors' Note: Click on image to download the b-roll package.
Who: Lt Josh Gilbert, Command Duty Officer with Coast Guard Sector North Carolina
What: A media event communicating the dangers of colder water temperatures and the precautions boaters should take to prevent injury or death.
When: November 2 at 10 a.m., interested media should contact Lt. Andrew Jacot at (910) 515-6897 no later than 8 a.m., November 2 to facilitate access.
Where: Coast Guard Station Wrightsville Beach, 912 Water St., Wrightsville Beach, N.C. 28480
B-roll of Coast Guard cold water operations is available here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/819131/cold-water-campaign-b-roll
WILMINGTON, N.C. — As temperatures drop along the mid-Atlantic coast, the Coast Guard urges all boaters to prepare for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature.
Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The average water temp along the mid-Atlantic during the winter months is 53 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause unconsciousness in about an hour and estimated survivability is between one and six hours.
A Coast Guard spokesperson will be available to speak to the following best practices:
- Dress for the water, not the weather. Warmer days during late fall, winter, and spring can deceive boaters into thinking that the water temperature is warm, just because the air may be. Water temperatures at 70 degrees or below can cause hypothermia.
- Check the water temperatures, if they are anywhere near 70 degrees, wear a wetsuit, drysuit, float coat or some sort of waterproof, insulated gear.
- Roughly 20 percent of people who fall into cold water die within the first minute due to cold-water shock. Cold-water shock causes an involuntary gasp and an immediate loss in breath control, which increases the risk of sudden drowning.
- Wearing a life jacket can keep you afloat, provide insulation and make you visible. Even the strongest swimmers lose muscle control after 10 minutes of being exposed to cold water, making it nearly impossible to locate and put on a life jacket after-the-fact.
- File a float plan. Letting people know when and where you are going, and when you are expected to be back, exponentially increases the odds of being rescued if something unfortunate happens. You can create a float plan quickly and easily on the U.S. Coast Guard’s official app for smartphones.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues boaters near Morehead City, North Carolina
MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. –The Coast Guard rescued two boaters Saturday evening near Cedar Island.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received information from Carteret County dispatchers that a small boat had capsized after taking waves over its side, stranding the two boaters.
A Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew launched along with a Coast Guard Station Hobucken Response Boat-Small boatcrew to locate the boaters.
Harkers Island Fire Department boatcrews launched along with two good samaritan vessels to assist with rescue efforts.
Once on scene the Jayhawk aircrew helped to vector in the location of the boaters to boatcrews. The boaters were taken to awaiting emergency medical services personnel at the Cedar Island Ferry Terminal after one was observed to potentially exhibit symptoms of hypothermia.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
*Coast Guard suspends search for missing fisherman near Cobb Island, Maryland*
COBB ISLAND, Md. — The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing fisherman in the vicinity of Cobb Island on the Potomac River, Thursday morning.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Maryland-National Capital Region received a report Wednesday evening from the Charles County Fire Department of an overdue fisherman.
A Response Boat-Medium boat crew was launched from Coast Guard Station St. Inigoes along with an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City.
After launching, Towboat Cobb Island crewmembers located the fisherman’s vessel aground on the shoreline of Westmoreland County, Virginia.
Coast Guard Cutter Bluefin was launched to further assist with search efforts along with Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City MH-60 Jayhawk and MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrews, and Naval Air Station Patuxent River aircrews.
The Coast Guard searched approximately 663 square miles for 35 search hours.
The following partner agencies also launched to assist with search efforts:
- Maryland State Troopers
- Maryland Natural Resources Police
- Cobb Island Fire Department
- St. Mary's County Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue
- Towboat Cobb Island
“The Cobb Island Volunteer Fire Department and other marine assets will continue search operations, weather allowing,” said Bill Smith, Charles County Fire and Emergency Medical Services Public Information Officer. “We ask that all boaters that are on the Potomac River over the weekend stay vigilant and safe.”
Any person with information that could assist search efforts can contact the Cobb Island Fire Department at 301-259-4258.
-USCG-
| Media Advisory | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
CORRECTION: Coast Guard Sector Virginia brings awareness to dangers of colder water temperatures
| |
Editors' Note: Click on image to download the b-roll package.
In a previous release, the media event had been scheduled for Oct. 29. The event has been shifted to Nov. 2.
Who: Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Butierries, Command Duty Officer and Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator at Sector Virginia Command Center and Jeff Orrock, National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge for Weather Forecast Office Wakefield
What: A media event communicating the dangers of colder water temperatures and the precautions boaters should take to prevent injury or death.
When: Tuesday, November 2 at 10 a.m. Interested media should contact Lt j.g. Megan Jolivette at 757-903-1842 no later than November 1 at 4 p.m. to facilitate access.
Where: 4000 Coast Guard Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23703
B-roll of Coast Guard cold water operations is available here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/819131/cold-water-campaign-b-roll
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — As temperatures drop along the mid-Atlantic coast, the Coast Guard urges all boaters to prepare for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature.
Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The average water temp along the mid-Atlantic during the winter months is 53 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause unconsciousness in about an hour and estimated survivability is between one and six hours.
A Coast Guard spokesperson will be available to speak to the following best practices:
- Dress for the water, not the weather. Warmer days during late fall, winter, and spring can deceive boaters into thinking that the water temperature is warm, just because the air may be. Water temperatures at 70 degrees or below can cause hypothermia.
- Check the water temperatures, if they are anywhere near 70 degrees, wear a wetsuit, dry suit, float coat or waterproof, insulated gear.
- Roughly 20 percent of people who fall into cold water die within the first minute due to cold-water shock. Cold-water shock causes an involuntary gasp and an immediate loss in breath control, which increases the risk of sudden drowning.
- Wearing a life jacket can keep you afloat, provide insulation and make you visible. Even the strongest swimmers lose muscle control after 10 minutes of being exposed to cold water, making it nearly impossible to locate and put on a life jacket after-the-fact.
- File a float plan. Letting people know when and where you are going, and when you are expected to be back, exponentially increases the odds of being rescued if something unfortunate happens. You can create a float plan quickly and easily on the U.S. Coast Guard’s official app.
-USCG-
| Media Advisory | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Sector Virginia brings awareness to dangers of colder water temperatures
| |
Editors' Note: Click on image to download the b-roll package.
Who: Chief Warrant Officer Daniel Butierries, Command Duty Officer and Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator at Sector Virginia Command Center and Jeff Orrock, National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge for Weather Forecast Office Wakefield
What: A media event communicating the dangers of colder water temperatures and the precautions boaters should take to prevent injury or death.
When: Friday, October 29 at 10 a.m. Interested media should contact Lt j.g. Julianne West at 757-903-1842 no later than October 28 at 11 a.m. to facilitate access.
Where: 4000 Coast Guard Blvd Portsmouth, VA 23703
B-roll of Coast Guard cold water operations is available here: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/819131/cold-water-campaign-b-roll
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — As temperatures drop along the mid-Atlantic coast, the Coast Guard urges all boaters to prepare for the water temperature, rather than the air temperature.
Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The average water temp along the mid-Atlantic during the winter months is 53 degrees Fahrenheit, which can cause unconsciousness in about an hour and estimated survivability is between one and six hours.
A Coast Guard spokesperson will be available to speak to the following best practices:
- Dress for the water, not the weather. Warmer days during late fall, winter, and spring can deceive boaters into thinking that the water temperature is warm, just because the air may be. Water temperatures at 70 degrees or below can cause hypothermia.
- Check the water temperatures, if they are anywhere near 70 degrees, wear a wetsuit, dry suit, float coat or waterproof, insulated gear.
- Roughly 20 percent of people who fall into cold water die within the first minute due to cold-water shock. Cold-water shock causes an involuntary gasp and an immediate loss in breath control, which increases the risk of sudden drowning.
- Wearing a life jacket can keep you afloat, provide insulation and make you visible. Even the strongest swimmers lose muscle control after 10 minutes of being exposed to cold water, making it nearly impossible to locate and put on a life jacket after-the-fact.
- File a float plan. Letting people know when and where you are going, and when you are expected to be back, exponentially increases the odds of being rescued if something unfortunate happens. You can create a float plan quickly and easily on the U.S. Coast Guard’s official app.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic AreaContact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6521After Hours: (757) 641-0763Atlantic Area online newsroom |
U.S. Coast Guard commissions Sentinel-class cutter named for enlisted hero, NFL great Emlen Tunnell
Editors' Note: To view more or download high-resolution imagery, click on the photos above.
To view or download broll videos from the commissioning and crew visit to Tunnell's hometown visit us on VIMEO.
PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. Coast Guard commissioned the USCGC Emlen Tunnell (WPC 1145), Patrol Forces Southwest Asia's fourth 154-foot Sentinel-class cutter, into service at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia Friday.
Adm. Karl Schultz, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, will preside over the ceremony. Ms. Yvonne Gilmore Jordan, the eldest first cousin to Tunnell, is the ship's sponsor.
"We are so thankful to the Coast Guard for this incredible honor. I can't internalize the perils Emlen, and his shipmates endured. Emlen didn't want anyone calling him a hero, but the Coast Guard said yes, he is. As a relative, it is a privilege to be a participant in this commissioning as the Coast Guard Cutter Emlen Tunnell is placed into service," said Jordan.
The cutter's namesake is Steward's Mate 1st Class Emlen Tunnell, a native of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, who served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1943 to 1946. During this time, he rescued two shipmates. The first was aboard the USS Etamin at anchor in Papua New Guinea in 1944. When a crewman became engulfed in flame following a Japanese torpedo attack, he beat out the fire, sustaining burns, and carried him to safety.
The second rescue came aboard the USCGC Tampa in 1946 when a shipmate fell overboard off Newfoundland. Tunnell risked the 32-degree Fahrenheit water suffering shock and exposure to save him. The U.S. Coast Guard awarded the Silver Lifesaving Medal to Tunnell posthumously for his heroism.
"What really defined Emlen was his character, that selflessness. It was who he was as a human being," said Schultz. "When this cutter sailed unexpectedly to avoid tropical storm Elsa, Coast Guardsmen who are going to shape the future chapters of the Emlen Tunnell story stepped to the plate, as Emlen did years ago. Maybe not with as many heroics, but they did what Coasties do. They jumped into the breach."
Tunnell was also a lauded athlete beginning in high school and then college before he joined the Service. While in the Coast Guard, he played football and basketball, and upon his departure, he resumed college. Tunnell went on to play professional football for the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers. He also served as an assistant coach for the Giants. Notably, Tunnell is the first African American to play for the N.Y. Giants, African American talent scout, and African American full-time assistant coach. He is also the first African American inducted into the Pro-Football Hall of Fame.
The Emlen Tunnell was officially delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard on July 1 in Key West, Florida. It is the 45th Sentinel-class fast response cutter. Each of these cutters carries the name of a U.S. Coast Guard enlisted hero. While the ship commissioned in Philadelphia, it will homeport in Manama, Bahrain, part of U.S. Coast Guard Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. The crew will transit to homeport alongside their sister ship, the USCGC Glen Harris (WPC 1144), later this year.
Schultz added the Sentinel-class cutter is a game-changer in a time when the demand for U.S. Coast Guard services has never been higher. The Tunnell and Glen Harris will join two Sentinel-class ships already in service in the Arabian Gulf. Two additional 154-foot cutters will join these in 2022 for a total of six in service at PATFORSWA.
Established in 2002 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, PATFORSWA played a crucial role in maritime security and maritime infrastructure protection operations. PATFORSWA is a maritime humanitarian presence on the seas, providing U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet with combat-ready assets. Utilizing the U.S. Coast Guard's unique access to foreign territorial seas and ports, our crews formulate strong and independent relationships throughout the Arabian Gulf and leverage the full spectrum of flexible vessel boarding capabilities at sea and maritime country engagements onshore.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE 2: Coast Guard suspends search for woman in the water near Portsmouth Island, North Carolina
OCRACOKE INLET, N.C. —The Coast Guard has suspended the search for a 27-year-old woman in the water in the vicinity of Portsmouth Island in Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, Monday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received a report via 911 at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Saturday of a capsized canoe with two people aboard.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew located a conscious male survivor alongside a green canoe approximately 2.8 miles offshore of Drum Inlet, North Carolina, at approximately 9:54 a.m. on Sunday.
The survivor was hoisted into the aircraft and transported to Carteret Hospital in Morehead City, North Carolina.
A second survivor, the original reporting source, was found ashore on Great Island by a good samaritan, at which point he reported swimming to shore and had last seen the missing person in the early morning hours of Sunday.
The Coast Guard searched approximately 1,635 square nautical miles for 73 search hours.
"The decision to suspend a search is the toughest part of my responsibilities," said Capt. Matt Baer, commander, Sector North Carolina. "Our hearts are with the family who lost a loved one during this incident."
The following assets and agencies searched:
- An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- An HC-130 Hercules aircraft aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- An HC-130 Hercules aircraft aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater
- An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City
- A 24-foot shallow water special purpose craft boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet
- A 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet
- A 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Fort Macon
- Coast Guard Cutter Seahawk, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat
- Hyde County Sheriff's Department
- North Carolina Wildlife
- National Park Services
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
UPDATE 1: Coast Guard searches for woman in the water near Portsmouth Island, North Carolina
OCRACOKE INLET, N.C. —The Coast Guard is searching for a 27-year-old woman in the vicinity of Portsmouth Island in Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, Sunday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received a report via 911 at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Saturday of a capsized canoe with two people aboard. Watchstanders subsequently lost communication with the reporting source, who was a member of the same group.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City launched to search for the people in the water as well as a 24-foot shallow water special purpose craft boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet.
The Jayhawk helicopter aircrew located a conscious male survivor alongside a green canoe approximately 2.8 miles offshore of Drum Inlet, North Carolina, at approximately 9:54 a.m. on Sunday.
The survivor was hoisted into the aircraft and transported to Carteret Hospital in Morehead City, North Carolina.
A second survivor, the original reporting source, was found ashore on Great Island by a good samaritan, at which point he reported swimming to shore and had last seen the missing person in the early morning hours of Sunday.
Searching are:
- An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- An HC-130 Hercules aircraft aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City
- An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City
- A 24-foot shallow water special purpose craft boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet
- A 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet
- A 47-foot Motor Life Boat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Fort Macon
- Coast Guard Cutter Seahawk, an 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, partner agencies searching for two people in the water near Portsmouth Island, North Carolina
OCRACOKE INLET, N.C. — The Coast Guard is searching for two people in the water in the vicinity of Portsmouth Island in Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, Saturday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina command center received a report via 911 at approximately 4:15 p.m. of a capsized canoe with two people aboard. The reporting source witnessed the canoe capsize but reported having one percent battery life remaining.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City was launched as well as a 24-foot shallow water special purpose craft boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet.
Also searching are:
• Hyde County Sheriff's Department
• North Carolina Wildlife
• North Carolina Park Services
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, local partners end search for missing diver on Chickahominy River
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies ended their search,Wednesday, for a 69-year-old diver who was reported missing on the Chickahominy River.
James City County dive units recovered a body matching the description of the missing man Wednesday afternoon.
The Coast Guard searched with an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina and a 29-foot Response Boat-Small from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth.
Other agencies that participated in the search:
- Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- James City County Fire Department
- James City County Police Department
- York County Fire Department
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, local partners searching for missing diver on Chickahominy River
PORTSMOUTH, Va — Coast Guard and local response crews are searching for a 70-year-old diver reported missing on the Chickahominy River, Wednesday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Virginia received initial notification from the James City County 911 Dispatcher at 6:41 p.m., Tuesday, reporting that a man was missing after diving with friends.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina was launched as well as a 29-foot Response Boat-Small from Coast Guard Station Portsmouth.
Also searching are assets from the following agencies:
- Coast Guard Auxiliary
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- James City County Fire Department
- James City County Police Department
- York County Fire Department
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic AreaContact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6521After Hours: (757) 641-0763Atlantic Area online newsroom |
USCCC Northland returns home after 80-day Eastern Pacific patrol, Miami drug offload
Editors' Note: To view more or download high-resolution imagery, click on the photos above.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — USCGC Northland (WMEC 904) returned to Portsmouth Monday, following an 80-day patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean in support of the Coast Guard Eleventh District and Joint Interagency Task Force South.
The Northland's crew patrolled the Eastern Pacific performing counter-drug operations with the support of an aviation detachment from the U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter Interdiction Tactical Squadron flying an MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter. In addition to Northland's HITRON detachment, aircraft crews from the U.S. Navy and Customs and Border Protection provided critical aerial surveillance and reconnaissance for the cutter throughout the patrol.
During the patrol, Northland successfully interdicted several suspected drug smuggling vessels. On Sept. 8, the cutter pulled into U.S. Coast Guard Base Miami Beach and offloaded 7,833 pounds of cocaine with an estimated street value of $148 million. The cutter crew also transferred three suspected narcotics smugglers to Coast Guard Seventh District and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration personnel, signaling the culmination of a successful joint interagency effort in the Eastern Pacific.
Aside from successfully interdicting suspected drug smuggling vessels, Northland maintained a maritime assistance presence in the region throughout the patrol. On Aug. 11, the Coast Guard Eleventh District relayed an alert from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center Costa Rica reporting the fishing vessel Baula X on fire with three mariners trapped aboard. On Aug. 18, Northland launched the Dolphin crew in search of the boat. Upon successfully locating the burning fishing vessel, the helicopter crew guided Northland's small boat team to the location. They safely rescued the three fishers and delivered them to the nearby cargo vessel Avra GR, participating in the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue program.
When not actively chasing drug runners or rescuing fishers, Northland maintained a steady training regimen for new and veteran crewmembers on navigation, engineering, and nautical activities. Training for emergencies and routine operations is critical to sustaining Northland's peak mission effectiveness and is in keeping with the Coast Guard's motto, Semper Paratus – Always Ready.
“During this patrol, our crew showed terrific adaptability when responding to equipment malfunctions, scheduling changes, issues spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, and a litany of other challenges faced. Throughout all of this, the crew displayed tremendous determination and teamwork, resulting in multiple mission accomplishments. I am extremely proud of the effort put forth by Northland, our embarked aviation detachment, and all of the support elements that worked to ensure our safety and success throughout,” Cmdr. Patricia M. Bennett, Northland’s commanding officer.
On Apr. 1, 2020, U.S. Southern Command increased counter-narcotics operations in the Western Hemisphere to disrupt the flow of drugs. Numerous U.S. agencies from the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security cooperated to combat transnational organized crime. The Coast Guard, Navy, Customs and Border Protection, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and allied and international partner agencies play a role in counter-drug operations.
The fight against drug cartels in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea requires unity of effort in all phases from detection, monitoring, and interdictions, to criminal prosecutions for these interdictions by United States Attorney's Offices from the Middle District of Florida, the Southern District of Florida and the Southern District of California. The law enforcement phase of counter-smuggling operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean is conducted under the authority of the Coast Guard Eleventh District, headquartered in Alameda. The interdictions, including the actual boardings, are led and conducted by U.S. Coast Guard members.
USCGC Northland is a 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter homeported in Portsmouth. The crew routinely deploys in support of counter-drug, migrant interdiction, fisheries, search and rescue, and homeland security missions.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, partner agencies end search for missing 23 year-old male
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies ended their search, Sunday, for a 23-year-old male who was last seen going under the surface of the water while swimming at Dam Neck Beach, Saturday evening.
Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire Department recovered a body matching the description of the missing man Sunday evening.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Virginia received notification from the Virginia Beach Fire Department of the missing swimmer at 7:23 p.m. and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast for the area.
A boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Little Creek and an MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina were launched in the search. Coast Guard Cutter Razorbill, a 87-foot Coastal Patrol Boat, also assisted in the search throughout the night.
Other agencies involved in the search:
- Navy Search and Rescue
- NAS Oceana Dam Neck Annex
- Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire Department
- Navy Mobile Dive Salvage Unit
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- Port of Virginia Maritime Incident Response Team
- Virginia Beach Fire Department
- Virginia Beach EMS
- Virginia Beach Police Department
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, partner agencies searching for missing 23 year-old male at Dam Neck Beach
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for a 23-year-old male who was last seen going under the surface of the water while swimming at Dam Neck Beach, Saturday evening.
The male was last seen wearing dark swim trunks.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Virginia received notification from the Virginia Beach Fire Department of the missing swimmer at 7:23 p.m. and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast for the area.
Crews were launched aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Little Creek and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina.
Virginia Beach Fire Department, Virginia Beach Marine Patrol, and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission are also assisting in the search.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard Cutter Eagle to arrive in Portsmouth, Virginia
– Public Invited to Take Free Tours –
| |
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, “America’s Tall Ship,” is scheduled to arrive in Portsmouth, Sept. 17, 2021.
Eagle will be moored at High Street Landing September 17 – September 20 and will be open for free public tours at the following dates and times:
Friday 17 Sept: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. Public Tours
Saturday 18 Sept: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Military/First Responder Tours (with valid ID)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Public Tours
Sunday 19 Sept: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Military/First Responder Tours (with valid ID)
11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Public Tours
At 295 feet in length, Eagle is the largest tall ship flying the stars and stripes and the only active square-rigger in United States government service. Eagle has served as a classroom at sea to future Coast Guard officers since 1946, offering an at-sea leadership and professional development experience as part of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy curriculum. This summer, Coast Guard Academy Cadets completed a transatlantic voyage and experienced port calls in Azores, Iceland, and Bermuda.
Eagle is a three-masted barque with more than 22,300 square feet of sail and 6 miles of rigging. The cutter was constructed in 1936 by the Blohm and Voss Shipyard in Hamburg, Germany. Originally commissioned as the Horst Wessel by the German navy, Eagle was a war reparation for the United States following World War II.
For more information about Eagle, including port cities, tour schedules, and current events, follow the "United States Coast Guard Barque EAGLE" Facebook page or on Instagram @barqueeagle. All U.S. Coast Guard imagery is in the public domain and is encouraged to be shared widely.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic AreaContact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6521After Hours: (757) 641-0763Atlantic Area online newsroom |
USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) returns home to Portsmouth after historic 50-day patrol
Editors' Note: To view more or download high-resolution photos and b-roll video, click on the photos above.
To see more on Op Nanook please visit Op Nanook 21 on DVIDS by clicking here.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) returned home to Portsmouth on Tuesday following a historic 50-day patrol in support of Operation Nanook in the Arctic region and the Labrador Sea.
Operation Nanook supports the Coast Guard Arctic strategy to develop international relations with like-minded Arctic states, enhance maritime domain awareness, and expand service capabilities within the region.
Escanaba deployed with the 154-foot Sentinel-class fast response cutter Richard Snyder and an embarked members of the Maritime Security Response Team East. The operation expanded the logistical boundaries of the FRC fleet and further refined the modular capabilities of deployable special forces to enhance a cutter’s organic law enforcement capabilities.
Operation Nanook was made up of two phases, Tuugaalik and Tatigiit. The Tuugaalik phase brought the crews of Escanaba, Richard Snyder, and the Royal Canadian navy together to exercise best practices and demonstrate responsive capabilities to potential terrorist or adversarial threats. The training exercises included were a live-fire surface gunnery exercise, close-quarters formation steaming, towing, small boat approaches, and communication drills. In the following phase, Tatigiit, the Escanaba, and Richard Snyder teams participated in a mass casualty and pollution event along the shores of Baffin Island. Both cutters crews seamlessly supported the Royal Canadian navy in rescue and assistance procedures and creating search and rescue patterns.
In addition to conducting law enforcement operations, Escanaba’s crew participated in Frontier Sentinel, a training event with the U.S. and Royal Canadian navies. The exercise simulated a multi-national response to a maritime threat and strengthened interoperability between all three services.
USCGC Escanaba is a 270-foot Famous-class medium endurance cutter, previously known as "The Pride of Boston, now re-homeported to Portsmouth.
-USCG-
| Media Advisory | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard to hold joint change-of-homeport ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a change-of-homeport ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth.
WHO: Rear Adm. Laura Dickey, Coast Guard Fifth District commander, Capt. John Dewey, commanding officer of Base Portsmouth, Capt. Marc Brandt, master of ceremony, Cmdr. Benjamin Spector, commanding officer of USCGC Escanaba and Cmdr. Corey Kerns, commanding officer of USCGC Spencer.
WHAT: The Coast Guard is holding a joint change-of-homeport ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Escanaba, Spencer, and Seneca.
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, 4000 Coast Guard Blvd., Portsmouth, Va., 23703
Media interested in attending this event are asked to contact the Atlantic Area Command Public Affairs Office at (757) 641-0763.
The USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) is a medium endurance cutter previously based in Boston. The ship was launched on Feb. 6, 1985, and formally commissioned on Aug. 29, 1987, in Grand Haven, Michigan, its predecessor's homeport. Its predecessor, the USCGC Escanaba (WPG 77), sank during WWII and was originally named for the Escanaba River in Escanaba, Michigan.
The USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905) is a medium endurance cutter previously based in Boston. On April 17, 1984, the ship was launched and commissioned on June 28, 1986, in Middletown, Rhode Island. It was named after its predecessor, the USCGC Spencer (WPG 36), a Treasury-class cutter named after John Canfield Spencer, United States secretary of the treasury from 1843 to 1844, who served during World War II was first used for search and rescue off Alaska's fishing grounds.
The USCGC Seneca (WMEC 906) is a medium endurance cutter also previously based in Boston. On June 16, 1984, the ship was launched and commissioned on May 9, 1987, in Middletown, Rhode Island. It was named after its predecessor, the USRC Seneca (CG 17), a derelict destroyer with the mission to locate and destroy abandoned shipwrecks that were still afloat and a hazard to navigation.
The Famous-class cutters are responsible for various Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties, maritime defense, and protection of the environment. The versatility of the cutter makes it a cost-effective platform in carrying out national objectives.
Media planning to participate in the event must arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. Wednesday and must follow proper CDC guidelines for COVID-19.
-USCG-
| Media Advisory | U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic AreaContact: Coast Guard Atlantic Area Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6521After Hours: (757) 641-0763Atlantic Area online newsroom |
Coast Guard to hold joint change-of-homeport ceremony in Portsmouth, Virginia
Editors' Note: Media interested in attending are requested to RSVP at (757) 641-0763 by 3:00 p.m., Sept. 7, 2021. Media should arrive no later than 9:45 a.m.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold a change-of-homeport ceremony at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at Coast Guard Base Portsmouth.
WHO: Rear Adm. Laura Dickey, Coast Guard Fifth District commander, Capt. John Dewey, commanding officer of Base Portsmouth, Capt. Marc Brandt, master of ceremony, Cmdr. Benjamin Spector, commanding officer of USCGC Escanaba and Cmdr. Corey Kerns, commanding officer of USCGC Spencer.
WHAT: The Coast Guard is holding a joint change-of-homeport ceremony for the U.S. Coast Guard Cutters Escanaba, Spencer, and Seneca.
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021, at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Coast Guard Base Portsmouth, 4000 Coast Guard Blvd., Portsmouth, Va., 23703
The USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) is a medium endurance cutter previously based in Boston. The ship was launched on Feb. 6, 1985, and formally commissioned on Aug. 29, 1987, in Grand Haven, Michigan, its predecessor's homeport. Its predecessor, the USCGC Escanaba (WPG 77), sank during WWII and was originally named for the Escanaba River in Escanaba, Michigan.
The USCGC Spencer (WMEC 905) is a medium endurance cutter previously based in Boston. On April 17, 1984, the ship was launched and commissioned on June 28, 1986, in Middletown, Rhode Island. It was named after its predecessor, the USCGC Spencer (WPG 36), a Treasury-class cutter named after John Canfield Spencer, United States secretary of the treasury from 1843 to 1844, who served during World War II was first used for search and rescue off Alaska's fishing grounds.
The USCGC Seneca (WMEC 906) is a medium endurance cutter also previously based in Boston. On June 16, 1984, the ship was launched and commissioned on May 9, 1987, in Middletown, Rhode Island. It was named after its predecessor, the USRC Seneca (CG 17), a derelict destroyer with the mission to locate and destroy abandoned shipwrecks that were still afloat and a hazard to navigation.
The Famous-class cutters are responsible for various Coast Guard missions, including search and rescue, enforcement of laws and treaties, maritime defense, and protection of the environment. The versatility of the cutter makes it a cost-effective platform in carrying out national objectives.
Media planning to participate in the event must arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. Wednesday and must follow proper CDC guidelines for COVID-19.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard suspends search for missing fisherman in Chesapeake Bay
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies suspended their search Saturday for a missing 70 year old fisherman who was reported overdue on Thursday.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission recovered a body matching the description of the missing mariner at 9:15 a.m. Saturday morning.
Coast Guard Sector Virginia watchstanders received notification at 1:40 p.m. on Thursday that the fisherman had not returned from his scheduled fishing trip. Sector Virginia issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and launched two response boat crews from Station Milford Haven, an 87-foot Patrol Boat crew, an MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew and a HC-130 Hercules aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City, and coordinated the search efforts for seven other agencies.
Other Agencies Involved in the Search:
- Naval Air Station Patuxent River
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission
- Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
- Port of Virginia Maritime Incident Response Team
- Abingdon Fire Department
- Gloucester Fire Department
- Poquoson Fire Department
- York County Police Department
“We are thankful for the collaborative interagency relationships and for all of the responders who supported this search effort,” said Coast Guard Capt. Samson Stevens, Sector Virginia Commander. “Our thoughts and condolences are with the family throughout this unimaginably challenging time.”
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard completes oil spill cleanup in Colonial Beach
COLONIAL BEACH, Va. — The Coast Guard concluded cleanup operations for an oil spill from a partially sunken vessel in Colonial Beach on Friday.
Cleanup efforts started after a vessel partially sank at a pier and began discharging oil from its fuel tanks late Sunday night. Early Monday morning, Coast Guard pollution responders from Sector Virginia responded to the scene and federalized the case to mitigate the threat of pollution from the environment.
An oil spill recovery organization was contracted and responded to the scene where they removed approximately 350 gallons of oily water mix from the vessel and 10 bags of oiled sorbent material.
Sorbent boom was placed around the vessel to mitigate any potential residual oil throughout several tidal cycles. After conducting on-site assessments where no oil was observed, pollution teams removed the sorbent boom on Friday.
Other Agencies Involved in the Response:
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
Virginia Department of Emergency Management
Virginia Marine Resources Commission
Westmoreland County Emergency Management
Colonial Beach Volunteer Fire Department
For any inquiries, please reach out to Sector Virginia at (757) 903-1842.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard urges safe boating practices over Labor Day weekend
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard reminds mariners and beach goers to exercise caution and practice safe boating during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Labor Day weekend traditionally marks the winding down of the summer boating season in advance of the cooler weather and air temperatures of the fall. As boaters take to the water during the busy weekend, there is an increased likelihood for search and rescue situations, mechanical failures and accidents.
The Coast Guard recommends boaters:
- Always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway. 80% of boating deaths are due to drowning and 86% of those victims were not wearing a life jacket. In addition, if you are enjoying paddlesports, always wear your life jacket. It can be difficult to anticipate how tired you may become when entering the water, and it can be extremely difficult to don a life jacket in the water even when fully rested.
- Make sure your life jacket is properly fitted. People can slip out of ill-fitting life jackets when they hit the water, which immediately decreases their chances of survival.
- Don't drink and boat. Aside from wearing a life jacket, not drinking and boating is one of the easiest ways to prevent accidental deaths on the water. People operating vessels under the influence of alcohol, drugs or impairing medication pose a serious threat to you and anyone else aboard.
- Make a VHF radio your go-to means of communicating in an emergency. Cell phones may go out of range or lose battery power when needed most.
- Locator beacons can help us find you faster. Attaching a functioning EPIRB to your boat, or a PPIRB to your life jacket, and knowing how to use them can help rescuers find and help you.
- File a float plan. Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Float plans provide a starting point to help find you if something happens. Check out the Coast Guard Boating Safety app. You can file a float plan, request assistance, request a vessel safety check, and report pollution and hazards to navigation.
- Look at the weather and tides before you head out. It might look like a nice day, but squalls and shifting tides and change suddenly.
- Dress for the water, not for the weather. Check water temperatures before you go out and dress accordingly.
-USCG-
| News Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard, partner agencies search for missing fisherman in Chesapeake Bay
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are searching for an overdue mariner in the Chesapeake Bay Thursday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Virginia received a call at 1:40 p.m. from the son of the 70 year old fisherman who said his father departed on a fishing trip from Ingram Bay at 8 a.m. and had not returned.
Sector Virginia issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast and launched a crew from Coast Guard Station Milford Haven aboard a 45-foot Response Boat – Medium and notified Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Department of Wildlife Resources.
Once on scene, the crew from Station Milford Haven discovered the man’s boat unanchored and adrift with no one aboard. Watchstanders then launched an MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew and an HC-130 Hercules aircrew from Air Station Elizabeth City to aid in the search.
Search will continue overnight with first light search to include above agencies/units as well as the U.S. Navy Patuxent River aboard a HH-60 Seahawk helicopter.
Agencies Involved in the Search:
- Coast Guard Station Milford Haven
- Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City HC-130 aircraft and MH-60 helicopter
- Coast Guard Cutter Sailfish
- Virginia Marine Resources Commission Fixed Wing Aircraft
- Department of Wildlife Resources
- Smith Point Rescue
- Abington Fire Department
- Gloucester Fire Department
- Poquoson Fire Department
-USCG-
| Multimedia Release | U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-AtlanticContact: 5th District Public AffairsOffice: (757) 398-6272After Hours: (757) 295-84355th District online newsroom |
Coast Guard rescues 3 mariners stranded on sailboat in Chincoteague Harbor during severe weather
| | |
Editors' Note: Click on images to access video.
| | | |
Editors' Note: Click on images to download high resolution version.
CHINCOTEAGUE, Va.— The Coast Guard rescued 3 people in Chincoteague Inlet after their sailboat ran aground during severe weather Wednesday afternoon.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Virginia Command Center received notification of the distress at approximately 2:22 p.m. Wednesday afternoon and issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast.
Sector Virginia also launched crews aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat and a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft–Shallow Water from Station Chincoteague and an aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City. Upon arriving on scene, the boat crews were unable to navigate within 100 yards of the grounded sailboat due to unsafe conditions presented by the severe weather.
"Forecasted severe weather can put even the most experienced mariners at risk,” said Ensign Wyatt Nelson, a watchstander at Sector Virginia’s Command Center who helped coordinate the rescue. “It’s important for people to check the local marine forecast before going out on the water to ensure they are making risk-based decisions to stay safe and to make sure they have the proper safety equipment on board should circumstances on the water worsen.”
The mariners were hoisted to safety by the aircrew on the helicopter and transported to Wallops Island. No serious injuries have been reported.
“This afternoon’s rescue could not have been possible without the coordination of several Coast Guard units,” said Chief Petty Officer Ross Comstock, Officer in Charge of Station Chincoteague. “While we were fortunate that the boat stayed together long enough to effect the rescue, the distressed mariners were prepared with life jackets, which most certainly helped the rescue swimmer to get them from the boat to the helicopter safely.”
-USCG-