CG rescues 9 from sinking boat

NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard rescued nine people from a sinking sport-fishing boat about 115 nautical miles south of Destin, Fla. CG Sector Mobile (Ala.) received a call around 9 p.m. June 22 that the 61-foot boat was taking on water. CG Cutter Kingfisher transferred the passengers aboard and towed the boat to about 40 nautical miles from Destin. SeaTow then took over the tow into Destin. An HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed-wing aircrew from CG Aviation Training Center Mobile was first on scene, and delivered a dewatering pump and a radio to the sport-fishing vessel. All passengers aboard the fishing boat were wearing lifejackets, had two life rafts prepared, a satellite phone, an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), and various sound and signaling devices. The CG was able to assist the distressed mariners after the EPIRB was activated, and satellite phone and signaling devices used. (Coast Guard 06/23/18)