CG rescues rafter in Gulf

NEW ORLEANS – A Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and aircrew rescued a man from a life raft 30 miles south of Venice, La., on Dec. 10. A crewman aboard the vessel Harvey Pacer notified CG Sector New Orleans after receiving a ‘Mayday’ call from the sailing vessel Amsheet, which reported striking an unknown object. The aircrew hoisted a man aboard from a life raft and transported him back to CGASNO. There were no reported injuries. "The survivor was very well prepared with proper clothing, life preserver, life raft and a radio,” said Lt. Jay Kircher, an air station pilot. The survivor also had a satellite GPS tracking device onboard his life raft which gave the CG periodic position updates and limiting the amount of search time needed for recovery. (Coast Guard, 12/10/14). Watch GC Aerial Rescue Video.