Navy, Coast Guard Rescue Fishermen Offshore Georgia
The U.S. Navy, along with assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard, rescued three fishermen from a raft 63 miles southeast of Brunswick, Ga.
The Coast Guart received a 406 megahertz emergency position indicating radio beacon alert from the 42-foot fishing vessel Barbara Lynn at approximately 3:30 a.m. Tuesday and released an enhanced group calling (EGC) message and launched a helicopter crew and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma crew to the vessel’s last known position.
The crew of the USS Hue City received the EGC and, when within approximately 1 mile of the last known position of the distress, reported seeing orange flares, flashing lights and located a raft with three fishermen aboard surrounded by debris.
The crew of the Hue City safely rescued all three fishermen from the raft and transported them via helicopter to Naval Station Mayport where they will be transferred to emergency medical services.
“This case highlights the close cooperation between the Coast Guard and the Navy as well as the importance of having the right safety equipment onboard,” said Lt Cmdr. Ryan Kelley, the Coast Guard’s District Seven Public Affairs Officer. “The Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, flares and flashing light, without question, helped lead rescue crews directly to their location to get them home safely.
