TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Men and women from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City will be conducting survival training in West Bay at Bryant Park beginning at 8:30 a.m. Friday. 

This semi-annual training is conducted to ensure pilots and aircrew members remain familiar with emergency equipment and proficient in water survival.

Media interested in covering the training should contact Lt. Katherine Pelkey at 231-922-8212 to RSVP.

Click photo for full-size version

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Coast Guard Cutter Dependable returned home to Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Fort Story in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tuesday following a 55-day counter-drug and migrant patrol through the Florida Straits and the Caribbean Sea.

During this patrol, Cutter Dependable conducted three separate international and inter-agency counter narcotics operations that resulted in the interdiction of approximately 325 kilograms of cocaine, 600 pounds of marijuana, and apprehension of 15 suspected drug smugglers.  

The drugs seized represent a total wholesale value of more than $10.1 million.  

Working jointly with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, other U.S. law enforcement officials, Royal Bahamian Defense Force, Royal Bahamian Police Force, and a Bahamian Drug Enforcement Unit, Dependable's law enforcement teams boarded vessels found to be transporting illicit cargo. 

In separate cases, Dependable worked with Coast Guard Sector Key West to interdict two vessels carrying 22 migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally.  

"I'm very proud of our crew,” said Cmdr. Bob Little, Cutter Dependable’s commanding officer. “They overcame numerous challenges working with obsolete systems and conducting difficult maintenance and repairs to electronic and mechanical systems in order to keep our 48-year-old ship in the fight.”

Nearing its 48th anniversary serving America, Dependable and the other 26 aging medium endurance cutters are slated for replacement by a new class of cutters.

The new Offshore Patrol Cutter will operate more than 50 miles from land, carrying out the Coast Guard's maritime security and safety activities in support of national interests.  The OPC will be an economical, multi-mission ship, providing pursuit boat and helicopter capabilities and interoperability with other military and federal partners, superior to the cutters they replace.  Equipped with modern sensors, the OPC will provide the enhanced surveillance necessary to detect threats far from U.S. shores and meet the demands of the Coast Guard’s homeland security, search and rescue, law enforcement and other vital missions.  

The Dependable is a 210-foot medium endurance cutter with a crew of 76 that conducts homeland security missions in maritime safety, security and stewardship.

For more media interviews, contact Ensign David S. Westland at David.S.Westland@uscg.mil.

For more information on Dependable visit: http://www.uscg.mil/lantarea/cgcDependable/

Follow us on Twitter for more photos and video from today's homecoming @USCGLANTAREA.

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard located three boaters reported as overdue, south of Destin, Florida, Wednesday.

A Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-130 Hercules aircrew spotted the sailing vessel Ekkia making way south of Destin at 2 p.m.

After the aircrew made contact with the vessel, it was determined the Ekkia crew were reportedly not in distress.

Family members reported the vessel as missing to Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders, Friday evening. 

SEATTLE — Coast Guard personnel rescued two men from a boat taking on water near Iceberg Island, Washington, Wednesday afternoon.

A Coast Guard Station Bellingham boatcrew, aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, safely removed the two men from the 40-foot vessel and transported them to Anacortes while there vessel was towed to Port Townsend by Vessel Assist.

The Coast Guard was notified by a good Samaritan vessel via VHF-FM channel 16 at 10:20 a.m., and the case was completed at about 2 p.m. Deputies from the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and Customs and Border Protection officers also responded to assist.

"We remind boaters to practice safe boating habits especially with warmer weather and increased boaters on the water," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Cory Hoyt, officer of the day at Station Bellingham. "National Safe Boating Week is next week, which provides a great opportunity to access boating safety education and get your free vessel safety exam. We also remind boaters to look out for one another and report any possible emergency situations like today's good Samaritan boater."

The cause of the vessel taking on water is unknown at this time.

CLEVELAND — U.S. Coast Guard units across Sector Lake Michigan, based in Milwaukee, are scheduled to host free public open houses in support of National Safe Boating Week, which runs from May 21 to May 28.

National Safe Boating Week marks the launch of the 2016 North American Safe Boating Campaign.

Throughout the week, Coast Guard stations will be participating in various events to promote safe boating practices and engage with the public, including free vessel safety checks conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, as well as events in conjunction with local partner agencies. 

The crew of Station Holland, Michigan, in conjunction with the Michigan DNR, the Park Township Fire Department, the Robinson Township Fire Department, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Department and American Medical Response are scheduled to conduct several search-and-rescue training demonstrations in the waters off Holland State Park Tuesday, May 24, at 5 p.m.

Additionally, open houses are scheduled for the following locations:

Media interested in attending or setting up interviews with Coast Guard spokespeople during the events are asked to contact Ensign Zach Hall, the Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan public affairs officer at: 414-410-9899

WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard rescued a man from a cliffside near Sunset Bay State Park, in Charleston, Friday afternoon.

The man was hoisted by an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend and safely transported to the air station were he was released without injury.

A watchstander at Coast Guard Sector North Bend was notified at 12:30 p.m., by the Coos County Sheriff's dispatch. The reporting source said the man had been trapped on the cliffside by the high tide and had been stranded since about 10 a.m.

"We encourage all residents and tourists to take precaution when recreating along the coastline and be aware of changing tide or sea conditions," said Petty Officer 1st Class Katie Brown, watchstander at Sector North Bend. "An incoming tide can cutoff all routes to safety leaving the person stranded and in need of rescue. It is very important to always let somebody know where you are going to be in case of an emergency."

The air temperature at the time of rescue was about 58 degrees.

This video clip is from a previous incident where Coast Guard and Honolulu Fire Department responders rescued a 52-year-old man after his kayak capsized offshore Waialua, April 27, 2016. The kayaker was escorted to shore by a Coast Guard rescue swimmer and HFD first responders after a rogue wave capsized his kayak approximately one mile offshore Waialua Beach. The Coast Guard recommends everyone wear life jackets any time they are on the water. U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Barbers Point.

HONOLULU — The Coast Guard released its 2015 Recreational Boating Statistics ahead of National Safe Boating Week beginning Saturday, which shows an increase in recreational boating accidents and Hawaii state data also shows a continued increase in water fatalities, particularly drownings.

From 2014 to 2015, accidents increased from nine to 12 and fatalities rose from three to five. Of the five fatalities, all of the victims were not wearing lifejackets and the primary causes of the accidents were capsizing and swamping or flooding.

The Coast Guard reminds the public these national statistics are related to boating only and do not speak to snorkelers, surfers, paddle boarders or free divers. According to the state of Hawaii Department of Health, in the last five years, 2010 to 2014, there were 385 drowning deaths in Hawaii, a 25 percent increase over the 1995 to 1999 period. 

The report also shows that nationally in 2015: The majority of recreational boating accidents occurred on Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Operator inattention, operator inexperience, improper lookout, machinery failure and excessive speed ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

“Hawaii is synonymous with the ocean and while we encourage people to enjoy the natural beauty and bounty of the ocean simple precaution can help you do so safely,” said Lt. Kevin Cooper, Chief of Incident Management, Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. “Wear your lifejacket, inform someone of your plans and when you’ll return, take communication devices such as a handheld VHF-FM radio, cellular phone or personal locator beacon, and ensure you have water and provisions for the trip.”

Nationwide where the cause of death was known, 76 percent of fatal boating accident victims drowned; of those drowning victims, 85 percent were not wearing a life jacket. Where boating instruction was known, 71 percent of deaths occurred on vessels where the operator had not received boating safety instruction. The most common types of vessels involved in reported accidents were open motorboats between 16 and 26-feet in length, and the vessel types with the highest number of fatalities were on open motorboats, kayaks and canoes. 

In addition, the Coast Guard reminds all boaters to boat responsibly while on the water: wear a life jacket, take a boating safety course, attach your engine cut-off switch, get a free vessel safety check and avoid alcohol or other impairing substance consumption. 

The Coast Guard also encourages the use of the safe boating application available on most smart phones. The phone application can help boaters request safe boating information, request safety checks, file a float plan, review navigation rules, report hazards or pollution and request emergency situation. Although the safe boating application is a great tool, it is still recommended to have a marine VHF-FM radio installed on your boat or carry a handheld version. Calling on VHF-FM radio is the most reliable way to call for help in case of an emergency.

To view the 2015 Recreational Boating Statistics, go to http://uscgboating.org/library/accident-statistics/Recreational-Boating-Statistics-2015.pdf.

For more information on boating responsibly, go to http://www.uscgboating.org.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard is monitoring a 587-ft bulk carrier after the ship experienced loss of propulsion at 10:20 a.m., approximately five miles offshore from Daly City, Calif.

The Singapore-flagged bulk carrier, Ultra Lascar, lost propulsion while operating offshore inbound for the San Francisco Bay. 

The vessel is currently anchored, as of 1:45 p.m., approximately three miles offshore from Daly City.

The vessel is awaiting the arrival of two assist tugs, which will meet a third tug prior to proceeding to an anchorage in San Francisco Bay.  The tugs are expected to arrive between 4:00 and 4:30 p.m. this afternoon.

The vessel is carrying a cargo of salt, which is destined for delivery to the Port of Stockton.  The vessel also has approximately 161,000 gallons of fuel oil onboard, which is used as fuel for the engine.

The Coast Guard, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Parks Service, and several state and local response agencies monitoring the situation.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Coast Guard is scheduled to kick off National Safe Boating Week May 21 though Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day weekend marks the informal beginning of summer and is expected to be a busy weekend on the water. 

This year the holiday weekend coincides with National Safe Boating Week and Coast Guard units throughout the local area will be on patrol. Boaters can expect an increased presence from the Coast Guard and partner agencies, who will be paying particular attention to recreational boating safety. 

In 2015 Florida lead the nation in boating accidents and boating fatalities. The Coast Guard reminds boaters to practices safe and responsible boating with these tips:

Always wear a life jacket and be alert and aware while on the water. Nationwide, many people die every year in boating and paddling accidents. More than two-thirds of these accidents result in drowings, and, more than 85% of these were not wearing a life jacket. 

The Coast Guard urges boaters to obtain a free vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. Vessel safety checks, are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.

Boating under the influence, or boating while intoxicated, is just as deadly as drinking and driving. In 2015 alcohol was the leading factor in boating accidents. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and pleasant summer on the water:

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon: Own it, know it, and register it. An EPIRB is a device that is designed to transmit a distress signal if you get into trouble. No matter where you are in the world, an EPIRB sends a signal to emergency responders through a satellite system.

Boaters should prepare a written float plan that's given to friends or family members to show where they're going, when they plan to leave shore and when they plan to return. Make sure somebody knows where you're at, if you change plans mid-voyage, let someone know! The float plan should also include a description of your boat, what is on board and a description of the safety equipment you are carrying.

A VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. Purchase radios to assure communication with other boaters and Coast Guard crews. Its range can be picked up much farther than a cell phone. Furthermore, have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.

Download the free Coast Guard app! Focusing on recreational boating, the app has a float plan function, the ability to check weather reports from the nearest NOAA buoys, a function for calling for assistance when in distress and more. It is currently available for free on iOS and Android devices.

Check the weather before going out on the water. Know your weather limitations - what your boat can handle and what it can't. Check the weather for storms, tides, currents and winds.

Don’t be distracted. Just like driving a car, don’t do anything that can take your attention away from operating a boat. Talking and texting are a distraction while trying to maintain safety on the water.

Don’t bow ride. Bow riding refers to the unsafe practice of passengers remaining on the bow of a recreational vessel while it is making way. The Coast Guard nation-wide urges the boating public to think twice before allowing their friends and family members to carelessly bow ride.

Know the rules of the road, and good seamanship. Would you buy a brand new car and go drive it or allow someone else to drive it without a driver's license?  Licenses are not required by law for boaters in Florida, but it is imperative that boaters be familiar with basic seamanship fundamentals and rules of the road situations.  The Coast Guard Auxiliary is an excellent resource in boating safety and most flotillas offer a rules of the road or boating safety course. 

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary:  http://www.cgaux.org/

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Coast Guard and partner agencies are stepping up enforcement of illegally operated passenger boats in the Tampa Bay area this weekend.

The Tampa Bay continues to be a high-risk area for the illegal and unsafe operation of passenger boats less than 100 tons.  Many passengers are still unaware of the safety requirements regulated by the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard reminds the public to check safety requirements before paying for any boating services.

“People have the right to know they are paying for a safe voyage before handing over their money,” said Coast Guard Lt. Bobby Gay, Sector St. Petersburg’s investigations division chief. “All they have to do is ask their captain.”

Whenever a passenger pays to be on board a boat someone else is operating, the operator, “captain”, is required by law to have a merchant mariner’s credential. If there are seven or more people on the boat, the boat is classified as a Small Passenger Vessel and the boat is required to be inspected by the Coast Guard.

Captains of passenger boats are also required to have their credential readily available to produce upon request, and, if operating an SPV, a certificate of inspection should be visually displayed. This includes captains using smart phone apps to provide boating services.

If the Coast Guard comes across a passenger boat operating illegally and/or unsafely, the voyage will be terminated and captains operating illegally are subject to civil penalties up to $35,000.

“You wouldn’t get on a commercial plane with an unlicensed pilot,” said Gay. “You have the same right to be safe on a passenger boat.”

For more information on passenger vessel requirements, and to verify any captain’s credentials visit the National Maritime Center’s website at:  http://www.uscg.mil/nmc/

YANKEETOWN, Fla.— The Coast Guard is searching for a missing boater aboard a 23-foot boat near Cedar Key, Florida, after rescuing two men from the boat Saturday.

Missing is a 54-year-old man from Elders Bird, Maryland. Rescued was Garrick Valdes, 50, from Locust Grove, Virginia, and Bruce Smith from Alachua, Florida.

At 10:05 p.m., Friday, watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, Florida, received a report stating the three men had left Alachua at 5:30 a.m. via truck and trailer and never returned. 

At 3 a.m. officers from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the truck and trailer were at the Cedar Key boat ramp. 

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter rescue aircrew from Air Station Clearwater, Florida, and a 27-foot Utility Boat-Medium from Station Yankeetown, Florida, were launched to commence the search.

At 7:25 a.m. the Jayhawk rescue crew located Valdes and Smith aboard their capsized boat six miles south of Sea Horse Key, Florida. The men were hoisted and transported to EMS at Cedar Key airport. 

Coast Guard crews continue to search for the missing man, who was reported to be wearing a life jacket.

FWC and Cedar Key Fire and Rescue are aiding in the search.

For breaking news follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast

BOSTON – The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Sanibel towed an 84-foot commercial fishing vessel Friday with seven people aboard after the vessel became disabled 100 miles off the coast of Nantucket.

Crewmembers aboard the fishing vessel Discovery, homeported in New Bedford, contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern's command center at approximately 2:30 a.m. Friday reporting they had a disabled rudder and needed assistance.

Sector Southeastern watchstanders issued a marine safety information broadcast at about 3 a.m. requesting nearby fishermen to assist. The request went unanswered by the other fishing vessels in the area.  

At approximately 3:30 a.m., the Coast Guard Cutter Sanibel crew diverted to assist. 

The Sanibel arrived on scene at about 11:30 a.m. and took the Discovery into tow toward Great Round Shoal.

Once closer to shore at about 10:30 p.m., the Sanibel passed the Discovery's tow to a commercial salvage company who towed the Discovery into New Bedford.

The Coast Guard Cutter Sanibel is a 110-foot Island-class patrol boat homeported in Woods Hole. The crew's missions range from protecting and enforcing laws for America’s living marine economy to search and rescue.  

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard reminds boaters and all water enthusiasts to always wear their life jacket while on their boat or in the water.

On this first day of National Safe Boating Week, the Coast Guard encourages all boaters to choose life jackets that fit properly and, most importantly, wear them.

Every boater should know the following about life jackets:

• Certain life jackets are designed to keep your head above water and help you remain in a position that permits proper breathing. 
   
• To meet U.S. Coast Guard requirements, a boat must have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III, or V life jacket for each person aboard. Boats 16 feet and longer must have at least one Type IV throwable device as well.

• All states have regulations regarding children wearing life jackets.
   
• Adult-sized life jackets will not work for children. Special life jackets are available. To work correctly, a life jacket must be worn, fit snugly and not allow the child’s chin or ears to slip through.

•  Life jackets should be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once each year. Waterlogged, faded or leaky jackets should be discarded.
   
• Life jackets must be properly stowed.
   
• A life jacket — especially a snug-fitting flotation coat or deck-suit style — can help you survive in cold water.

Federal law requires life jackets on board for the operator and each passenger, and all children 13 years old and under are required to wear a life jacket.

To learn more and find the right life jacket for you, click here.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard rescued a kayaker Saturday after his kayak capsized near Oak Island.

Watchstanders at the Sector North Carolina Command Center in Wilmington received a call from the distressed 38-year-old Monroe man via his handheld VHF-marine radio at about 9:38 a.m., stating the man was fishing when his kayak overturned near Yaupon reef approximately 1.5 miles south of Caswell Beach.

Sector watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and notified watchstanders at Station Oak Island.

A 29-foot Response Boat-Small (RBS) crew launched from Station Oak Island at about 9:50 a.m. The crew arrived on scene at approximately 10:02 a.m., pulled the man from the water and brought his kayak aboard. The crew brought the man to Station Oak Island where he was placed in the care of awaiting Brunswick County EMS personnel.

"Today’s rescue involved active duty and reserve members of Station Oak Island working together," said Petty Officer 3rd Class John Patrone, RBS operator for the case. "It felt great to help save a life after putting in long hours of training.  The kayaker was prepared for a situation like this by having a radio, and he was wearing a life jacket. He also stayed with his vessel, making it easier for us to find him.”

For breaking news, follow the 5th District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and others are searching Saturday for a person in the York River south of Belleview.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center in Portsmouth were notified by James City County personnel at about 12:50 p.m. that a good Samaritan witnessed a lime green kayak capsize with one person aboard north of York River State Park. The good Samaritan did not see the person resurface and entered the water wearing a life jacket in an attempt to help.

Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads launched a 29-foot Response Boat-Small crew out of Station Milford Haven and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew out of Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina.

Both Coast Guard crews arrived on scene after 2 p.m. and began searching along with crews from James City County, Virginia Marine Resources Commission and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Crews remain on scene searching.

For breaking news, follow the 5th District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic.

BOSTON — A Coast Guard aircrew medevaced a 49-year-old man Saturday morning from a fishing vessel approximately 100 miles off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

At approximately 6 a.m., Sector Boston watchstanders received a call from a crewman aboard the fishing vessel Heidi & Elisabeth, homeported in Badgers Island, Maine, reporting another crewmember was experiencing swelling and having difficulty breathing. 

Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod launched an MH-60 Jayhawk crew and an HC-144 Ocean Sentry crew at about 7:30 a.m. and arrived on scene at approximately 8:39 a.m.

The Jayhawk crew medevaced the man and transported him to Portsmouth International Airport at Pease where his care was passed to local emergency medical service members. He was taken to Portsmouth Regional Hospital. 

VIDEO of the medevac is available. 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard suspended their search Saturday for a kayaker in the York River south of Belleview.

Coast Guard air and boat crews began searching after 2 p.m., joining crews from James City County, Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) and Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

A VMRC crew located the deceased kayaker using side scan sonar at about 5:15 p.m., and divers later recovered the body.

The identity of the kayaker is being withheld until next of kin notifications are complete.

For the original release, visit http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/2832094/ .

For breaking news, follow the 5th District on Twitter @USCGMidAtlantic.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.— The Coast Guard located a missing diver 32 miles west of Egmont Key, Florida, Saturday.

At 4:07 p.m. watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg recieved report of a missing diver, via VHF-FM marine band radio channel 16, from the captain of the 21-foot boat, Out of Control, from Bradenton, Florida.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and a C-130 Hercules fixed-winged aircrew from Air Station Clearwater, Florida, were diverted, and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew from Station St. Petersburg was launched.

At 6:05 p.m. a Good Samaritan located the diver after responding to an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast sent by the sector via VHF-FM marine band radio channel 16. The RB-M boatcrew is transporting the diver to the station. There were no reported injuries.