BUFFALO, N.Y. — Coast Guard Sector Buffalo is issuing a reminder Thursday to recreational boaters that they must understand the need to come prepared to concerts in the Buffalo Outer Harbor.

The next concerts in the harbor are scheduled for Friday and Sunday.

"Too many people are showing up to waterside events, in kayaks and canoes, expecting to stay well past sunset, and without a light onboard, these paddle-driven vessels will be sent home, prior to sunset,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Tom D’Amore, executive petty officer at Coast Guard Station Buffalo.

"I realize that people are expecting to enjoy Buffalo's waterfront, but it cannot be done at the cost of a life.”

Navigation rule 25, the portion that lays out requirements for sailing vessels underway and vessels under oar power, states that: "a vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision."

All navigation rules can be found on the Coast Guard Navigation Center's Navigation Rules Online website.

Those who violate rule 25 can be subject to civil penalties up to $6,500, and may also be found guilty of additional civil and criminal violations, so fines could exceed that amount. In addition to these fines, a boater may be held accountable for costs of cleanup or reimbursement should it be found their actions led to a spill, damages, injuries, or loss of life.

On some occasions, motorized vessels have had to take evasive action to avoid unlit recreational vessels navigating the channel. While most mariners are generally conscientious of their surroundings, trying to maneuvering around unlit smaller boats greatly compromises safe navigation.

Recreational vessels are permitted to operate in the slip next to the concert and transit the navigable ship channel leading to it, but they must comply with all the navigation rules.

The Coast Guard will continue to protect mariners, property and the environment by working with mariners to address this issue and enforce boating laws.

For more information or requests for interviews, please contact Petty Officer 1^st Class Tom D’Amore at 716-843-9560. 

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich.— The Coast Guard medically evacuated a boater from a sailing vessel in Lake Michigan 20 nautical miles north of Charlevoix, Mich., Wednesday afternoon.

The Coast Guard is not releasing the boater's name or hometown, and there is no Coast Guard imagery available from this case.

A search-and-rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie was contacted at 3:05 p.m. on VHF-FM marine radio by the master of a 42-foot sailing vessel, reporting that a 57-year-old crewmember had the pinkie finger her right hand pinky finger crushed in a sailing winch.

According to the master of the sailing vessel, the crew had just completed the Chicago Yacht Club's Race to Mackinac, was low on fuel, and was under sail. The master doubted he would have enough fuel to bring the crewmember in on his engine alone, he said.

A rescue boatcrew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium launched from Coast Guard Station Charlevoix, with an EMT from local emergency medical services.

The rescue boatcrew took the woman aboard the RB-M and transported her to the Charlevoix Municipal Marina, where EMS further transported her to the Pine River Medical Center in Charlevoix.

“This case demonstrates the close working relationship between the Coast Guard and local emergency response assets,” said Lt. j. g. Derek Puzzuoli, public affairs officer at Coast Guard Sector Sault Ste. Marie.

“The close relationship the Coast Guard maintains with our other emergency response partners allowed this injured woman to receive the quickest and best medical care possible before her medical situation worsened.”

The Coast Guard reminds boaters to carry emergency communication devices onboard their vessels. A VHF-FM marine radio is the best and easiest way to contact the Coast Guard in an emergency situation. Cell phones are good as well, but serve better as a secondary form of communication due to possibilities of coverage gaps. Flares and other emergency signaling devices are also important.

Crewmembers aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor, in Westport, Wash., and the Coast Guard Cutter Fir, a 225-foot Seagoing Buoy Tender homeported in Astoria, Ore., assist the fishing vessel Lady Law, a 75-foot fishing vessel, in the Pacific Ocean near Copalis Beach, Wash., July 17, 2013. The Lady Law became disabled and adrift with a jammed rudder and was towed to Westhaven Marina in Westport. U.S Coast Guard photo by Seaman Eleanora Chinalski.

Crewmembers from Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor, in Westport, Wash., aboard two 47-foot Motor Life Boats, tow the fishing vessel Lady Law, a 75-foot fishing vessel, into Westhaven Marina, in Wesport, July 17, 2013. Crewmembers from Grays Harbor and the Coast Guard Cutter Fir safely towed the vessel after its rudder jammed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Eleanor Chinalski.

SEATTLE — Crewmembers aboard two 47-foot Motor Life Boats from Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor, in Westport, Wash., and the Coast Guard Cutter Fir, a 225-foot Seagoing Buoytender homeported in Astoria, Ore., assisted the disabled fishing vessel Lady Law, a 75-foot commercial fishing vessel, in the Pacific Ocean near Copalis Beach, Wash., Wednesday.

There were no reports of injuries or pollution.

"Having two MLBs conduct a tow of a vessel over the limitations of a single MLB was a great experience,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ivan Bell, coxswain of MLB 47216. “Never have I had the opportunity to conduct such a task. The training and experience of the MLB crews met and exceeded my expectations."

Crewmembers aboard the vessel contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, in Warrenton, Ore., notifying them that the vessel had a jammed rudder and was disabled and adrift in the Pacific Ocean about 10 miles from Copalis Beach, Wash.

“I have never worked in tandem with another MLB during a tow before,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Trey Biffle, coxswain of MLB 47239. “The constant communication between the two boats was paramount in successfully mooring a vessel well outside one 47's capabilities.”

The crew of the Fir, already underway, initially towed the vessel to Grays Harbor and transferred the tow to the Westport-based MLB crews. The vessel was safely towed to Westhaven Marina at 3:15 p.m.

"The successful tow of the F/V Lady Law was due to the outstanding team effort demonstrated by Sector Columbia River, CGC Fir, and Station Grays Harbor,” said Chief Warrant Officer Gary L. Clark, commanding officer of Station Grays Harbor. “All were instrumental in completing this mission. This case would have proven to be very difficult for the Station to complete on its own. I am extremely proud of the superior seamanship and boat handling skills demonstrated by my crew and equally impressed by the collaborative efforts of all involved."

For more information contact the 13th District Public Affairs Office at 206-220-7237.

 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater crewmembers held their 3rd annual Coast Guard Naval Aviation Internship with the Naval Sea Cadets and the Pinellas Park High School First Responder Program at the air station, Thursday.

Crewmembers at the air station introduced the participants to naval and civil aviation with on-hands training such as maintenance, piloting and water survival drills.

“This program is important because it gives the cadets exposure to the Coast Guard's missions while they are still in high school,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Gordon, a crewmember at the air station. “It is a recruiting tool for those interested in serving.”

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 63-year-old man Thursday from a 74-foot fishing boat approximately 55 miles east of Cape Henry.

The captain of the fishing vessel Cookie Monster contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders at approximately 10:30 a.m. via VHF-FM channel 16 reporting a man aboard his boat was showing signs of a heart attack and requested assistance.

Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders dispatched a crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., to assist.

The Coast Guard crew arrived on scene at approximately 11 a.m. and hoisted the man aboard the helicopter before taking him to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Diligence held a change-of-command ceremony Thursday next to the cutter in Wilmington, N.C.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Jeffrey K. Randall relieved Cmdr. Douglas D. Goodwin who served as the commanding officer of the Diligence during the past two years.

The Diligence served as the frontline cutter for seven multi-mission patrols in support of the Coast Guard's 5th and 7th Districts. During one patrol, Diligence located, boarded and searched two suspect vessels, resulting in the seizure of nearly one and a half tons of cocaine, worth more than $40 million.

While on patrol in the Bahamas in late 2012, the Diligence was diverted to help the crew of a disabled and adrift fishing vessel. The Diligence crew towed the stricken vessel 650 nautical miles to safety in Cape Canaveral, Fla. More recently, the Diligence used its embarked helicopter to transport an ill mariner ashore to receive life-saving medical treatment in French St. Martin.

During Goodwin’s tenure, the Diligence crew earned the Coast Guard’s Operational Readiness Award for operational excellence and readiness in damage control, engineering, gunnery, operations and seamanship.

When not out to sea, the Diligence maintains ties with the Coast Guard City of Wilmington.  From its North Water Street moorings, the Diligence hosts an annual 5k road race through downtown Wilmington, as well as an annual golf tournament, raising more than $3,500 for local charities each year. The Diligence is open daily for public tours, giving nearly 10,000 tours annually.

Upon departing, Goodwin will report to Quantico, Va., where he will attend the Marine Corps War College.

Randall reported from assignment as the Coast Guard Liaison Officer to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington.

An aircrew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit transfers a Canadian woman to awaiting emergency medical services at Windsor Airport, Ontario, July 18, 2013. The aircrew medically evacuated the woman after she was reported to be experiencing symptoms of a heart attack. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Jim Emrich

CLEVELAND – The Coast Guard medically evacuated a Canadian woman suffering from signs of a heart attack from a boat in Lake Erie, Thursday morning.

The woman's name and hometown are not being released.

At 5 a.m., a search-and-rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Buffalo, N.Y., was contacted by a SAR controller at Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton, Ontario, Canada, who reported a Canadian woman suffering from signs of a heart attack aboard the 730-foot cargo vessel John B. Aird in Lake Erie.

The SAR controller from JRCC Trenton requested U.S. assistance, and a rescue aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit was directed to launch aboard an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter. The aircrew launched from Niagara Airport, since it had already been responding to earlier emergencies and hadn't been able to return to Air Station Detroit yet.

Once on scene, the rescue aircrew hoisted the woman into the helicopter and transported her to a Windsor, Ontario, airport, where emergency medical services were waiting to take her to a local hospital.

The woman was last known to be in good condition.

“Our bi-national agreements with our Canadian partners allow us to closely coordinate our rescue efforts and properly allocate our rescue assets,” said Lt. Felipe Guardiola, the co-pilot on the mission.

“The captain and crew of the cargo vessel demonstrated that, even though medical emergencies are unpredictable, being prepared for them really does save lives.”

For more information, contact Lt. j.g. Ryan Hammond, public affairs officer at Coast Guard Air Station Detroit, at 586-239-6748.

NEW LONDON, Conn. — Ray LaForte, an assistant football and track coach at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy for the past 14 years, has been named the associate head coach and head-coach-in-waiting of the men’s lacrosse team. The lacrosse team will become a varsity sport at CGA in the spring of 2015.

Gary Weller, current men’s lacrosse head coach, will remain in his current role for the next two seasons, guiding the program’s transition from club to varsity status, where they will compete in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference before he steps down. LaForte will take over as the head coach after the 2015 season.

“The plan that we have put together with Gary Weller and Ray LaForte guarantees a successful future for the men’s lacrosse program at CGA,” said Tim Fitzpatrick, Director of Athletics at the Coast Guard Academy. “Gary did a remarkable job last season in his first year as head coach and I am very grateful that he has agreed to stay on board for the next two years to guide the lacrosse team’s transition to varsity sport status.  He is an enthusiastic, skilled, and seasoned coach who gets the most out of his cadet athletes, and cares deeply about them.”

The men’s club lacrosse team has continued to grow stronger each and every year, and is coming off the best season in school history under Weller, who was named conference Coach of the Year. The Bears were ranked as high as sixth nationally, earned a trip to the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association national tournament for the first time and won a first round game against Sam Houston State 19-8 before losing to eventual champion, University of St. Thomas 18-8. The team finished the season with a 12-3 record having won the PCLL division regular season title and having six players earn All-conference honors while three cadet-athletes earned Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association All-America honors.

“Everyone associated with our lacrosse program knew our success, talent level, winning tradition, number of participating cadets and national prominence would be acknowledged and rewarded. They were thrilled with the announcement that the program will soon be elevated to varsity status,” said Weller. “The present talent and skill level of our players is great. The skill level and academic prerequisites of our pool of high school lacrosse recruits has increased dramatically.”

Weller added, “In the short period I've known Ray, I can tell he has the attributes of a very good coach. He's organized, recruits extremely well, motivated and has the understanding of what it takes to be a successful head coach. The five years of experience he's gained, as an assistant lacrosse coach at Ithaca College, will have an immediate impact on the defensive end of the field. He understands players and what is needed to coach a tough, smart and skilled defense. I have the confidence that Ray will not only be an asset to our program but can lead the team to the next level.”

LaForte will remain the offensive coordinator for the football team as well as a lacrosse coach. As an assistant track coach, LaForte worked with both the men and women’s hurdlers. Every school record in the hurdles was set by an athlete coached by LaForte over the past 14 years.

Under LaForte the football team has tied or set 28 school offensive records since 2006 with the fast paced, no huddle style offensive approach. This past season, the Bears set a school record with 3,661 yards of total offense, 2,694 passing yards and 24 touchdown passes and the team was second in the nation with just two fumbles lost. In 2007, the Bears set a New England Football Conference record with 684 yards of total offense in a single game.   

“Being named a head coach of a Coast Guard Academy team is a both a privilege and an honor,” said LaForte. “It extends me the opportunity to further shape the future leaders of the United States Coast Guard.  That is a role that I take seriously and commit to with passion. My experience as an assistant to Jeff Long at Ithaca and working with National Championship coach Rich Barnes have me primed to make major contributions to Coast Guard lacrosse. I am eager to help Coach Weller make a splash in New England lacrosse in 2014.”

Prior to arriving at Coast Guard in 1999, LaForte was an assistant football and lacrosse coach at Ithaca College for five seasons. He served as the head coach of the junior varsity team for one season before being named an assistant coach for the varsity team for four seasons.

“The pace and style of the game play into my personality as a coach,” said LaForte. “I just love the transitions and adjustments that coaching this great game present to me. Just like my style of offense in football, I like it frantic. Ground balls are the key to lacrosse and they are about grit, the Coast Guard cadet is all about grit.”

“Gary and I have hit off our relationship with many exciting ideas about the path of the program and I rapidly expect lacrosse to become a strong member of the Coast Guard varsity offerings,” said LaForte. “Gary and I have strong ties to Long Island and its rich lacrosse traditions and I am excited to become a part of the ground breaking opportunity of transitioning Coast Guard lacrosse to varsity status.”

“Ray LaForte’s significant lacrosse background, which he achieved during his tenure at Ithaca College as an assistant coach will prove to be a tremendous asset to the program immediately.  Having been at CGA for several years, working with both our football and track programs, Ray has great knowledge of the academy and its intricacies, processes and the type of young person it takes to succeed here,” said Fitzpatrick. “ As a coach, Ray is very talented, an innovative strategist and teacher on the field, as well as a relentless recruiter.  It has been very refreshing to me to see Gary and Ray interact already, and I know they will make a great team.  Both of these men are wonderful representatives of the CGA, and we are fortunate to have them.”

The Coast Guard men’s lacrosse club was started by John Senyard (USCGA, Class of 1983), and competed for the first time in the spring of 1984. In 1989, having risen to the rank of lieutenant, Senyard died tragically in an aircraft accident in Ihithi, Kenya.

Here are the results for the 2013 men’s club lacrosse team. http://mcla.us/team/coast_guard/2013/schedule.html

PANAMA CITY, Fla. — The Coast Guard continues its investigation into the cause of a parasail accident that occurred off Panama City Beach July 1.

While the investigation is still ongoing, investigators have made the following preliminary findings:

Initial findings indicate that the severe weather encountered by the Why Knot, and the vessel's proximity to shore which was approximately 300 yards, were substantial factors in the Why Knot's loss of control of the parasail and the parasail's subsequent path of travel once separated from the vessel. While there are no regulations that prescribe specific weather parameters for parasail operations, the Coast Guard is urging mariners to carefully monitor prevailing and predicted weather conditions and tailor operations accordingly.  Parasail operators need to be especially cognizant of weather conditions on both the surface and at operating altitudes, and remain well within the rated parameters of on board equipment, with adequate safe margins for control and safe recovery of passengers.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission are running concurrent investigations, sharing information and interviewing numerous witnesses, and collecting evidence and data. With the assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board, investigators conducted operational load testing of the parasail equipment.  Investigators will continue to conduct further detailed analysis and testing of the parasail line. The purpose of the Coast Guard’s investigation is to identify contributing factors that led to the accident and take appropriate measures to prevent reoccurrence.

On the afternoon of July 1, Panama City Beach Fire Department, Bay County Sheriff’s Office, FWC, the Coast Guard and other local emergency services responded to an accident involving the uninspected passenger vessel Why Knot conducting parasail operations off Panama City Beach with two teenage sisters aboard. The resulting accident critically injured both girls and caused significant damage, including damage to a condominium and vehicles in the parking lot.

For more information, please contact Lt. John Authement at (850) 814-8851 or by e-mail at John.K.Authement@uscg.mil.

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are currently searching for a man in Lake Michigan, who went missing Thursday afternoon.

The man's name and hometown are not being released, and there is no Coast Guard imagery available.

At 3:45 p.m., a search-and-rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, was contacted by a boater who said a 50-year-old man he was boating with went missing while swimming in Lake Michigan .25 miles north of Wahala Beach in Hammond, Ind

The man was reportedly not wearing a life jacket.

A rescue boatcrew aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small launched from Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor, Ill., and a rescue aircrew aboard an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter launched from Coast Guard Air Facility Waukegan, Ill.

Also searching are rescue crews from the Lake County, Ind., Sheriff’s Department, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Hammond Fire Department.

For more information, contact Chief Petty Officer Alan Haraf at 216-389-0420.

NEW YORK – A good samaritan rescued three fishermen from the water near Little Gull Island, N.Y., today.

At 4:53 p.m., a communications watchstander from Coast Guard Station New London, Conn., received a call on VHF Channel 16 from a good samaritan aboard the vessel Highlander, who recovered three fishermen from the water after their boat sank.

The vessel owner operator said they had been drift fishing in the Race, a popular fishing location in Long Island Sound, and became disabled when the engine failed to start. The crew drifted into a tidal change rip current and began taking water over the transom several times, before the boat sank out from under them. All three crewmembers were wearing their lifejackets before entering the water.

“This is why we can’t stress enough how important it is to wear your lifejacket,” said Petty Officer 2^nd Class Troy Castineira, of Station New London. “These fishermen were extremely fortunate that they were rescued when their boat sank in more than 250 feet of water. Who knows how long they would’ve been out there before someone rescued them.”  

Station New London’s boat crew responded to the scene and transported the three fishermen to Pine Island, Conn. The 21-foot fishing boat that sunk is not reported as a hazard to navigation.

NEW YORK — Coast Guard Station Fire Island crews respond to a report of a vessel in distress in East Islip, Long Island, N.Y., today.

Station Fire Island’s communications watchstander received a distress call from a boater who reported, “smoke emanating from the engine space, a possible fire.” The boater also reported they did not have a fire extinguisher aboard or a secondary means of communication.

“When help arrived there was no fire aboard the vessel but the engine had overheated,” said Seaman Owen Rosenthal, of Station Fire Island. “The boaters were extremely fortunate that there wasn’t a fire since their vessel was not properly equipped with a fire extinguisher.”

This wasn’t the first time that the station’s crew came upon a vessel without proper fire extinguishing equipment. Wednesday, the station’s law enforcement boarding team terminated the voyages of two vessels. One vessel's fire extinguisher lacked proper charge. The other vessel did not have a fire extinguisher aboard.

Federal Law, which the Coast Guard enforces, requires fire extinguishers on vessels if one of the following exists:

• Inboard engine(s)
• Closed compartments that store portable fuel tanks
• Double bottom hulls not completely sealed or not completely filled with flotation materials
• Closed living space
• Closed sewage compartments that contain flammable materials
• Permanently installed fuel tanks.

Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and verified as serviceable. 

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard and partner agencies are currently searching for a man in Lake Michigan, who went missing Thursday afternoon.

Missing is Michael Janko, 50, from Blue Island, Ill.

At 3:45 p.m., a search-and-rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, was contacted by a boater who said Janko went missing while he was swimming in Lake Michigan .25 miles north of Wahala Beach in Hammond, Ind.

He was reportedly not wearing a life jacket.

A rescue boatcrew aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small launched from Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor, Ill., and a rescue aircrew aboard an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter launched from Coast Guard Air Facility Waukegan, Ill.

Also searching are rescue crews from the Lake County, Ind., Sheriff’s Department, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Hammond Fire Department.

For more information, contact Chief Petty Officer Alan Haraf at 216-389-0420.

MIAMI — Crewmembers with Coast Guard Station Miami Beach responded to a report of a sinking vessel southeast of Elliot Key, Fla., Thursday afternoon.

Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders received a report of a 29-foot vessel taking on water with three people aboard after striking an unknown object in the water.

Sector Miami issued a Urgent Marine Information Broadcast (UMIB) and launched a boatcrew from Station Miami Beach to respond.  Before the boatcrew arrived on scene, a good Samaritan responded and safely embarked the three people from the partially submerged vessel.

A Miami-Dade Marine Rescue unit arrived on scene and medically evacuated one of the men to awaiting emergency medical services after experiencing chest pains.

It was reported that the vessel has 250 gallons of diesel fuel onboard and had a sheen emanating from it.

The owner arranged for commercial salvage to recover the vessel.

CLEVELAND — The search for a missing Illinois man ended Thursday night as divers found his body in Lake Michigan.

Dead is Michael Janko, 50, of Blue Island, Ill.

At 3:45 p.m., a search-and-rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, was contacted by a boater who said Janko went missing while he was swimming in Lake Michigan .25 miles north of Wahala Beach in Hammond, Ind.

The owner/operator told the Coast Guard that Janko jumped into the water then resurfaced but was unresponsive. Another swimmer grabbed onto him, but could not keep hold of him. He went under the water and did not resurface. He was not wearing a life jacket.

A rescue boatcrew aboard a 25-foot Response Boat-Small launched from Coast Guard Station Calumet Harbor, Ill., and a rescue aircrew aboard an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter launched from Coast Guard Air Facility Waukegan, Ill. Also searching were rescue crews from the Lake County, Ind., Sheriff’s Office, Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Hammond Fire Department.

A boatcrew with the Indiana Conservation Marine Unit conducting side-scanning sonar searches directed the Lake County Sheriff's Office divers to the area where they located Janko's body at 10:28 p.m. The sheriff's marine unit boatcrew transported Janko's body to the Hammond Marina, where it was turned over to the Lake County Coroner.

The Coast Guard RB-S crew, the Lake County Sheriff's Office boatcrew, and the Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew conducted eight sorties, over a period of almost eight hours, and covered a cumulative area of more than 40 square nautical miles.

For more information, contact Chief Petty Officer Alan Haraf at 216-389-0420.

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard medically evacuated a man off of a motor vessel in Lake Huron, early Friday morning.

The man is a Canadian citizen, but his name and hometown are not being released, and there is no imagery available.

At 12:10 a.m., a search-and-rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Detroit was contacted by the captain of the motor vessel Algoway who stated that one of the crewmembers was suffering from multiple symptoms that would indicate a life-threatening condition. The 650-foot, Canadian-flagged Algoway was transiting Lake Huron, 35 miles northeast of Tawas, Mich.

A rescue aircrew aboard an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter launched from Air Station Detroit.

Once on scene, the rescue aircrew hoisted the man into the helicopter and transported him to the Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport, in Oscoda, Mich., where Iosco County emergency medical services further transported the man to Tawas Hospital in Tawas.

The man was last known to be in stable condition.

“This case demonstrates the close working relationship between the Coast Guard and local emergency response agencies,” said Cmdr. Joseph Deer, commanding officer of Air Station Detroit.

“The close relationship the Coast Guard maintains with our other emergency response partners allows those with injuries to receive the quickest and best medical care possible before their medical situations worsen.”

Click on image above to view video

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard medevaced a 63-year-old man Thursday from a 74-foot fishing boat approximately 55 miles east of Cape Henry.

The captain of the fishing vessel Cookie Monster contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders at approximately 10:30 a.m. via VHF-FM channel 16 reporting a man aboard his boat was showing signs of a heart attack and requested assistance.

Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders dispatched a crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., to assist.

The Coast Guard crew arrived on scene at approximately 11 a.m. and hoisted the man aboard the helicopter before taking him to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital in Norfolk.

MILWAUKEE — The Coast Guard is advising Lake Michigan residents and visitors to be cautious if swimming or recreating in or around the lake, as a strong cold front is expected over the weekend.

According the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, Mich., winds and waves are expected to increase considerably this afternoon and tonight. A beach hazards statement is in effect until Friday night for beaches from Manistee, Mich., to St. Joseph, Mich. Hazards include high wave action, strong currents, possible rip currents, and dangerous swimming conditions.

“It’s imperative that those who choose to swim in Lake Michigan this weekend exhibit personal responsibility for their safety and the safety of others,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Randy Williams, a search-and-rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee. “Whether boating or swimming, always be mindful of the conditions on the water and along the shoreline. If rip current warnings, small craft advisories, or other dangerous weather conditions are forecasted, it's best to stay away from the water.”

The Coast Guard recommends the following tips for swimmers:

Swim near a lifeguard — U.S. Lifesaving Association statistics during a 10-year period show that the chance of drowning at a beach without lifeguard protection is almost five times as great as drowning at a beach with lifeguards.

Never swim alone — Many drownings involve single swimmers. Learn water rescue techniques you can use if someone you are swimming with is in danger.

Don’t fight the current — If caught in a rip current, don’t fight it by trying to swim directly to shore. Instead, swim parallel to shore until you feel the current relax, then swim to shore. Most rip currents are narrow and a short swim parallel to shore will bring a swimmer to safety.

Swim sober — Alcohol is a major factor in drowning. Alcohol can reduce body temperature and impair swimming ability. Both alcohol and drugs impair good judgment, which may cause people to take risks they would not otherwise take.

Don’t float where you can’t swim — Non-swimmers and weak swimmers often use flotation devices, such as inflatable rafts, to go offshore. If they fall off, they can quickly drown. No one should use a flotation device unless they are also able to swim. The only exception is a person wearing an inherently buoyant Coast Guard approved Type I, II or III life jacket.

Prepare for the unexpected — Wear a life jacket while participating in any activity during which you could unexpectedly enter the water, such as when fishing from break walls or piers.

Avoid unnecessary risks — Walking along breakwalls is risky, because it only takes a momentary loss of footing to invite tragedy. Jumping from breakwalls, waterside structures, or into unfamiliar water is extremely dangerous since unseen underwater hazards may exist.

Read a June 2013 Coast Guard news release to learn more about rip current safety.

Read the National Weather Service’s beach hazards statement.

For more information contact Lt. Brian Dykens, Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan public affairs officer at 414-405-6436.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Two people were rescued by a Coast Guard crew in the vicinity of the Cortez Bridge after their nine-foot boat capsized, Friday.

A passing motorist contacted 911 and was transferred to watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Cortez at approximately 1:30 p.m., where he reported the capsizing.

A 25-foot Response Boat — Small crew from the station arrived on scene at 1:45 p.m., removed the two people from the water, re-righted the boat and towed the boat to Annie's Bait and Tackle in Bradenton.

No injuries were reported.

"Both people in the water were wearing life jackets, which greatly aided in their survival until the Coast Guard crew could get on scene," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Omar Arrieta, a search and rescue watchstander at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.