SEATTLE — Coast Guard crews are searching for a cruise ship passenger northwest of Protection Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Monday.

Coast Guard crews from Air Station Port Angeles, Coast Guard Cutter Blueshark, Coast Guard Cutter Wahoo and Station Port Angeles are conducting a search of the area.

Sector Puget Sound watchstanders received a call around 10:55 a.m. from a Holland America vessel agent reporting a passenger aboard the Statendam, a Netherland-flagged passenger ship with Holland America, was unaccounted for after the vessel arrived in Seattle this morning.

The missing 65-year-old man, a U.S. citizen, was confirmed aboard the ship by vessel staff when it departed Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, at 11 p.m., Sunday.

Coast Guard crews were launched to initially search the vessel's route, but were diverted after Holland America personnel reported a review of shipboard security footage.

Crews conducting the search include an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles, the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Blueshark, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Everett, the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Wahoo, an 87-patrol boat homeported in Port Angeles, and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Port Angeles.

"The Coast Guard is working closely with Holland America staff to locate the missing passenger," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Derik Schaefer, situation unit watchstander at Sector Puget Sound. "Mariners transiting through the area are urged to keep a sharp lookout for any signs of distress and report it to the Coast Guard."

The Coast Guard is known for performing rescues at sea. It’s not every day, however, Coast Guardsmen find themselves plucking 500-pound lifeguard stands from the water and transferring them ashore.

When the Rehoboth Beach Patrol in Delaware realized seven of their lifeguard stands were missing Thursday, they were puzzled. It was unclear at first what happened to the stands, which cost about $900 each.

According to Capt. Kent Buckson, a 28-year veteran of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol, it took about two days to confirm the lifeguard stands were taken out to sea.

“I was extremely frustrated, then I was angry,” said Buckson. “We didn’t know at first how many backup chairs we had. Coincidentally, seven were stolen and we had seven left at the impound, so within a couple of hours we were able to have the backup chairs on the beach so the guards could perform their duties.”

Bucks said he received a lot of assistance from other agencies, including the Delaware and Maryland state police aviation units.

“There’s been a lot of help from a lot of different agencies, but the Coast Guard has been instrumental with tracking these lifeguard chairs and going out and retrieving them,” said Buckson.

He also said the Ocean City Beach Patrol in Maryland has been very supportive.

“I'm thankful no one has been injured,” said Buckson. “I’m hopeful the police will find those responsible.”

Four of the seven chairs were recovered by Monday. One washed up on a private beach in Delaware’s Cotton Patch community, a second was located by a fisherman and towed to the West Ocean City Fishing Center in Maryland, a third was brought ashore by a boat crew from Coast Guard Station Ocean City, and a fourth was brought ashore by a boat crew from Coast Guard Station Indian River Inlet, Delaware.

“It’s not something we see every day,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Collin Snovell, a boatswain’s mate at Station Indian River Inlet. “It was a challenge once we got alongside the chair and realized how big it actually was.”

Snovell said he and his fellow crewmembers considered towing the lifeguard stand, but ultimately agreed that would’ve created too much drag. They used a 24-foot boat, which has a beam, or width, of 8 feet 6 inches and the lifeguard stand still hung over each side once it was aboard.

“It was a challenge getting it on the boat, but once we did, we felt comfortable bringing it in,” said Snovell.

With regard to the remaining three missing lifeguard stands, Buckson and Snovell share the same concern – hazard to navigation.

“When people do stuff like this — putting those chairs in the water — not only is it unfair to the people who volunteer their time to pull people out of the water, but it’s a serious hazard to navigation,” said Snovell. “Something that big and that heavy, if you hit that in a fiberglass boat, it could really mess your day up.”

The boating public in Delaware and Maryland are asked to contact the Coast Guard via VHF Channel 16 if they spot anything suspicious on the water.

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard suspended the active search for a missing cruise ship passenger northwest of Protection Island in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, at 6:10 p.m., Monday

“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to those affected, however, despite our best efforts we have been unable to locate the missing passenger,” said Eric Cookson, a command duty officer at Sector Puget Sound. 

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles, two 87-foot patrol boat crews, the Coast Guard Cutter Blueshark homeported in Everett and the Coast Guard Cutter Wahoo homeported in Port Angeles, and two 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crews, one from Station Port Angeles and one from Station Seattle, searched over 230 miles and for more than six hours.

The Coast Guard suspends a search and rescue case with great care and deliberation. After a probable search area is saturated with maximum number of assets and crew effort, and the person is not located, the decision is made to suspend an active search.

The Coast Guard can resume an active search if credible information is received regarding the missing person’s whereabouts.

Click here for the initial news release.  

CLEARWATER, Fla.— The 35-year-old survivor and his dog who were rescued, Friday, met their Coast Guard heroes at the Coast Guard Air Station in Clearwater, Monday.

The mariner and his dog, Evi, were rescued after his 30-foot sailboat, Southern Belle, caught fire 69 miles west of Hudson, Florida.

The man took a tour of the air station and was able to meet the entire MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew that rescued him, including the flight mechanic, rescue swimmer, and both pilots.

"When I came back today and actually got to meet the people, it was very heartwarming to know that these people come and do their job just to, you know, come get people like me," said the man. 

Along with meeting the crew, the man shared his story, stating he hoped it would help other mariners on the water.

"You can't ever have enough safety equipment," he said. "Maybe if I had five more fire extinguishers I'd still have everything I owned and I'd be spending the summer with my son, and five wasn't enough. So, just be prepared, and if you think there is a problem go ahead and call the Coast Guard."

The man said he'll be even more prepared when he goes back on the water; he isn't giving up and hopes to be sailing again by Christmas.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A Coast Guard Station Valdez, Alaska, boatcrew and a Valdez Fire Department emergency medical technician medevaced a man from the Valdez Narrows near Valdez, Tuesday morning.

The station’s 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew and a local EMT transferred the mariner to the Port of Valdez where Valdez Fire Department personnel transferred him to Providence Valdez Medical Center for further care.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center received a report from the 45-foot fishing vessel Newfie Adventure that the crewmember was experiencing symptoms of an allergic reaction. Watchstanders directed the launch of a station RB-M and contacted Valdez Fire Department for assistance.

“The Coast Guard trains regularly with our federal, state and local partners to respond to cases like this,” said Chief Petty Officer David Bergman, a communication systems supervisor at Sector Anchorage. “Working together with the Valdez Fire department allowed us to get this man the care he needed."

Weather on scene was reported as calm winds and calm seas.

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak aircrew medevaced a 52-year-old man from the 600-foot cargo vessel Elsa, approximately 150 miles south of Kodiak, Tuesday.

The MH-60 Jayhawk crew safely hoisted the man and transported him to Kodiak Providence Medical Center for further care.

Watchstanders from Coast Guard District 17 command center received a report Monday evening from the crew of the Elsa that the crewmember was suffering from symptoms of a stroke. Watchstanders conferred with the duty flight surgeon who recommended 4-hour scheduled communications with the vessel to monitor the crewmember’s condition.

Tuesday afternoon the crew reported to watchstanders that the crewmember was suffering from convulsions. Watchstanders notified the duty flight surgeon who recommended immediate medevac.

“Air Station Kodiak’s focus on training, standardization and teamwork enables us to safely and successfully carry out long range missions," said Lt. Cmdr. Kim Hess, a pilot from Air Station Kodiak. “This allows us to respond to medical cases involving mariners transiting through the Gulf of Alaska." 

Weather on scene was reported as 15–mph winds and 8-foot seas.

BOSTON - The Coast Guard rescued 113 people from a grounded charter vessel near Woods Hole, Massachusetts, Tuesday at about 11:30 p.m.

Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England received a 911 call at approximately 10:44 p.m. stating the charter vessel Pied Piper ran aground near Grassy Island in Great Harbor.  The vessel had 106 passengers and seven crewmembers aboard.  

Multiple Coast Guard rescue crews launched, including two 45-foot Response Boat Medium crews from Station Woods Hole, a 29-foot Response Boat Small crew from Station Menemsha, and a 26-foot aids-to-navigation boat crew from Aids to Navigation Team Woods Hole.  

By 11:30 p.m., Coast Guard crews were on scene with the Pied Piper and disembarking passengers. Falmouth Police and Coast Guard personnel conducted passenger accountability at Dyer's Dock in Woods Hole. Near midnight, the Coast Guard crews had safely transferred all passengers and crew to shore. 

“Our top priority was the immediate safety and accountability of all passengers and crew aboard the Pied Piper,” said Capt. John Kondratowicz, commander of Sector Southeastern New England.  "The exceptional response by our boat crews and the Falmouth Police department led to a quick and successful rescue." 

No injuries or pollution were reported. Due to the incoming high tide the vesse was able to refloat and be towed back to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Dock. 

The cause of the grounding is under investigation.

BOSTON - Coast Guard rescue crews from Air Station Cape Cod, Massachusetts transported a woman in labor from Martha's Vineyard Wednesday. 

Watchstanders at the 1st Coast Guard District in Boston received a call from Martha's Vineyard Hospital requesting help in transporting a 26-year-old woman currently 28 weeks pregnant and in labor. 

The on-duty flight surgeon recommended transport as soon as possible. Immediately an HC-144a Ocean Sentry Aircraft crew from Air Station Cape Cod was dispatched to the island. 

The crew landed and picked up the woman, two medical providers and a family member. They successfully and safely landed in Boston and transferred the expectant mother, her family member and the medical personnel to an ambulance which took them to Massachusetts General Hospital for advanced care. 

NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound is scheduled to open the historic Stratford Point Lighthouse in Stratford, Connecticut, for free public tours August 8, 2015.

The property, which is traditionally closed to the public, is owned and maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard and will be open from 9 a.m., until 3 p.m., rain or shine. 

“Lighthouses are a part of our nation’s historic treasury and proudly served the mariners as a beacon of safety to the valuable ports of our country,” said Capt. Ed Cubanski, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound. “Each lighthouse tells a unique story of the coastal community it serves. We are honored to have the opportunity to provide this open house to share the history of this light and community with the public.”

The first light on Stratford Point was a wooden, octagonal structure built in 1822 and was replaced with the current cast iron tower in 1881.

Lighthouses were first managed by the U.S. government in 1789, with the creation of the U.S. Lighthouse Establishment, later becoming the U.S. Lighthouse Service.

The U.S. Coast Guard took charge of lighthouses on July 1, 1939, when the services merged.

WHO: Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound

WHAT: Stratford Point Lighthouse will be available for tours. The tours will be free and open to the public.

WHEN: August 8, 2015, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m..

WHERE: Stratford Point Lighthouse

                 1275 Prospect Drive

                 Stratford, CT, 06615

***EDITOR’S NOTE:  If you would like additional information, contact LTJG Marty Betts at 203-468-4432.***

LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard is searching for a possible missing boater near San Clemente Beach.

Missing is Joseph St. Jean, 49. Click here for photo.

At 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles Operations Center in Long Beach received a report from Newport Harbor Patrol that a 24-foot sailboat was tumbling in the drift near San Clemente Beach.

The Coast Guard immediately launched a 45-foot Response Boat — Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles and an MH-65D helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles along with a rescue boat and helicopter from Dana Point Harbor Patrol and the Newport Sheriff's Department to assist in the search.

The vessel was reported to have a backpack on board as well as a cell phone belonging to St. Jean. 

The Coast Guard Cutter Halibut, homeported in Marina Del Rey, continues to monitor the area. Newport sheriff's boatcrews are searching the area for St. Jean.

If anyone has any information, please contact the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles Command Center at (310) 521-3815.

SEATTLE — The crew of Coast Guard Base Seattle is scheduled to hold a change-of-command ceremony Friday 

Capt. Marc Lebeau will transfer command to Capt. Stanley Romanowicz during a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. James Heinz, director of Reserve and military personnel at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The change-of-command ceremony is a time-honored tradition and deeply rooted in Coast Guard and Naval history. The event signifies a total transfer of responsibility, authority and accountability for the command. All available unit personnel attend the ceremony to witness the transfer of command.

Media wishing to attend must contact Lt. Amy Kelley at 360-204-2325 before 3 p.m., Thursday, in order to ensure access to the base.

WHO: Coast Guard Base Seattle crewmembers and Coast Guard dignitaries
WHAT: Coast Guard Base Seattle change-of-command ceremony
WHEN: Friday at 10 a.m.
WHERE: Coast Guard Base Seattle, 1519 Alaskan Way South, Seattle
CONTACT:  Lt. Amy Kelley, 360-204-2325

EDITOR'S NOTE: Please click on images for high resolution download.

MIAMI — A Coast Guard helicopter crew, working under the direction of Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, assisted in the seizure of 5,050 pounds of marijuana worth an estimated wholesale value of $4.6 million Wednesday.

While on routine patrol, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection maritime patrol aircraft located a 35-foot go-fast vessel transiting at a high rate of speed without navigation lights. A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida, MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a Royal Bahamas Police Force boatcrew with Drug Enforcement Administration agents aboard launched to pursue the vessel.

At 12:53 a.m. the RBPF boatcrew and DEA agents intercepted the go-fast vessel, took six suspected smugglers into custody and seized the contraband.

"This is another great achievement by OPBAT and highlights how our joint efforts reduce the negative impacts illicit trafficking has on the United States and the Bahamas," said Cmdr. Mark Driver, OPBAT director for Coast Guard aviation operations.

The suspects, vessel, and narcotics were taken to Nassau, Bahamas for processing.

Operation Bahamas, Turks and Caicos is a combined Coast Guard, DEA, CBP, and Government of Bahamas partnership to combat drug smuggling to and from the Bahamas. The OPBAT Operations Center, located in the American Embassy in downtown Nassau, is responsible for initiating and prosecuting law enforcement cases in the Bahamian area of responsibility. In addition, OPBAT assets regularly assist with prosecuting human smuggling and search and rescue cases in the area.

LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard ended the search for Joseph St. Jean, 49, after he reported his vessel missing to local lifeguards Wednesday.

At 8:05 a.m., Wednesday, the Coast Guard concluded search-and-rescue efforts after St. Jean returned to the dock near San Clemente Beach.

At 10:30 p.m., Tuesday, watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles Operations Center in Long Beach received a report from Newport Harbor Patrol that a 24-foot sailboat was tumbling in the drift near San Clemente Beach. 

The Coast Guard immediately launched a 45-foot Response Boat — Medium boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles and an MH-65D helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles along with a rescue boat and helicopter from Dana Point Harbor Patrol and the Newport Sheriff's Department to assist in the search.

The Coast Guard Cutter Halibut, homeported in Marina Del Rey, also assisted in the search.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Coast Guard boatcrew rescued two people after their sailing vessel capsized in Squalicum Harbor, Bellingham, Wednesday.

The sailors were taken to the Squalicum Marina in good condition and declined medical attention.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Bellingham received a phone call at 2:41p.m. from a local resident, reporting that a sailing vessel had capsized and two people were in the water.

Station Bellingham crews launched a 45-foot Response Boat – Medium to assist. The crew arrived on scene around 2:48 p.m. and found one person in the water and the other person holding on to the overturned 13-foot sailing vessel.

“Fortunately, the sailors were well prepared and outfitted,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Nicholas Grier, a boatswain's mate and small boat coxswain at Station Bellingham. “They were wearing life jackets, wet suits and helmets, which all greatly increased their chance of survival in the water. The amount of preparation they made before leaving the dock proved invaluable when they ran into trouble.”

The sailboat became stuck in the mud after capsizing, and officials at the Bellingham Yacht Club, who own the vessel, are arranging to remove it.

The weather on scene was reportedly 1 to 3 foot seas, 10 to 20 mph winds, and an air and water temperature of 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard is seeking public comment on an application from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company to modify an existing bridge over Steamboat Slough near Everett, Wash.

The comment period ends July 25.

The complete public notice, including a brief description of the project impacts, a map of the location, and plans for the proposed bridge modification can be viewed here.

Comments on the proposed bridge project modification may be sent to:

Commander (dpw)
Coast Guard 13th District
Bridge Administrator, Rm. 3510
915 2nd Ave
Seattle, WA  98174

If you have questions about the project, please contact Steven Fischer, bridge administrator, at 206-220-7282 or at Steven.M.Fischer3@uscg.mil. 

Capt. Jonathan Hickey, commanding officer of Coast Guard Base Alameda, Rear Adm. James Heinz, director of Operational Logistics, and Capt. Michael Woolard, former commanding officer of Base Alameda, pose during a change of command ceremony held at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., July 15, 2015. Hickey assumed the duties and responsibilities from Woolard as commanding officer of Base Alameda. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart)

Coast Guard Capt. Michael Woolard speaks during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Coast Guard Capt. Jonathan Hickey relieved Woolard as commanding officer of Coast Guard Base Alameda. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart)

Coast Guard Capt. Jonathan Hickey speaks during a change of command ceremony at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Wednesday, July 15, 2015. Hickey relieved Coast Guard Capt. Michael Woolard as commanding officer of Coast Guard Base Alameda. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart)

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Capt. Jonathan P. Hickey relieved Capt. Michael L. Woolard and assumed command of Coast Guard Base Alameda during a change of command ceremony held at Coast Guard Island, Wednesday.

Rear Adm. James M. Heinz, director of Operational Logistics, presided over the ceremony.

Prior to reporting to Base Alameda, Hickey served as the commanding officer of the Project Resident Office in Lockport, Louisiana, where he oversaw production of the Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter shipbuilding program.

Woolard is assigned to Coast Guard Pacific Area as Resource Management Division Chief. 

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 men and women of the unit that the authority of command is maintained. 
The ceremony is a transfer of total responsibility, authority and accountability from one individual to another.

Base Alameda was established in Feb. 15, 2014, and provides a wide variety of services in direct support of Coast guard activities throughout the West Coast.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Coast Guard Atlantic Area has scheduled a general court-martial at the Coast Guard Legal Service Command Norfolk Dec. 14, 2015 for a Coast Guard member accused of sexual assault and assault.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Eric D. Pruett, 29, is accused of the following violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice:

• Article 120 –  two specifications sexual assault
• Article 128 –  assault

Vice Adm. William Lee, commander of the Coast Guard Atlantic Area, referred Pruett’s case to general court-martial on June 24, 2015, following an Article 32 hearing completed on May 14, 2015, which determined there was sufficient evidence to continue to courts-martial.

The charges follow a seven-month investigation by the Coast Guard Investigative Service revealing that Petty Officer Pruett allegedly committed a sexual act upon the reporting victim without consent while at Pruett’s parents’ home in Boise, Idaho during September 2014, and allegedly assaulted the reporting victim in Slidell, La., October 2012.  The reporting victim reported the incidents to Pruett’s command on Oct. 3, 2014.

Pruett was assigned to the Communication Station Boston when the alleged misconduct occurred and is currently assigned there.

Charges are accusations against the individual and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by the military justice system.  It is Coast Guard policy to withhold the identity of reporting victims.

For media inquiries, contact Lt. Scott McBride at scott.a.mcbride@uscg.mil or Senior Chief Petty Officer Sarah B. Foster at sarah.foster@uscg.mil.

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard is responding to the sinking of a towing vessel on the Charenton Canal, Charenton, Louisiana, Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans watchstanders were notified the towing vessel Mrs. Baye sank in the middle of the Charenton Canal at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Morgan City Captain of the Port David McClellan has closed the canal to commercial vessel transits at that location due to the sunken vessel blocking the navigable channel. 

The three crewmembers were safely removed from the vessel with no injuries reported.

The towing vessel is reportedly carrying an estimated 4,000 gallons of fuel, 50 gallons of oil, and 40 gallons of waste oil on board.

A small sheen was reported.  Responders deployed containment boom around incident to minimize environmental impact.

The Coast Guard is working with the vessel’s owner on a salvage plan to ensure the waterway is safely opened for commerce as soon as possible and to minimize the threat of pollution.  Commercial traffic impacted by the closure may contact the Captain of the Port, who may grant individual passages if they can be shown to be safe.  

 The Coast Guard is currently conducting an investigation into the cause of the sunken vessel.

EDITORS NOTE: The image included in this release is not from this rescue case.

Crews from Coast Guard Station Marblehead, Ohio conduct two-boat training aboard the station's 45-foot and 25-foot response boats in Lake Erie, May 17, 2014. Crews conduct two-boat training on a regular basis to help maintain crewman and coxswain certifications while on duty. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Phillip Null)

CLEVELAND — A Coast Guard Station Marblehead, Ohio, crew rescued two people in Lake Erie after their 14-foot sailboat capsized Thursday evening.

The names of the persons rescued are not being released and there is no Coast Guard video or imagery available for this case.

Just after 6 p.m., the watchstander at Station Marblehead received a cell phone call from a person aboard the capsized vessel informing them that their sailboat had capsized while they were underway in East Harbor and they were unable to right it.

A crew from Station Marblehead launched aboard a 45-foot response boat, arrived on scene and rescued the people. Both were wearing life jackets and there were no reports of any injuries or pollution.

Recovery of the sailboat has been coordinated with a commercial salvage company.

The Coast Guard reminds boaters of the importance of having a reliable way to call for help in case of an emergency and to always wear a life jacket.

The man is hoisted to the helicopter from the shrimp boat before being taken to the hospital. U.S. Coast Guard video.

HOUSTON — An Air Station Houston aircrew medevaced a man after it was reported that he was vomiting blood on a shrimp boat in the Gulf of Mexico, about 140 miles southeast of Galveston, Texas, Thursday morning.

The crew of the 88-foot shrimp boat Gaston Bell called the Coast Guard for help at 8:33 a.m., when a man aboard was suffering from dizziness, stomach pains and was vomiting blood. A Coast Guard flight surgeon determined he needed immediate medical attention.

Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Houston/Galveston launched the helicopter crew and a Corpus Christi based HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane crew to assist with safety and communications. Due to the distance from shore, the helicopter crew landed on a rig in the gulf to refuel before returning to shore.

The man was hoisted and taken to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston for treatment.

The crew of the shrimp boat proceeded to Cameron, Louisiana.