WILMINGTON, N.C. – The Coast Guard rescued two men approximately 103 miles east of Wilmington, N.C., Tuesday.
The pair called for help when their 32-foot sailboat, Walrus, began sinking and they were unable to keep up with flooding.
The men activated their emergency equipment, including a VHF-DSC (Digital Selective Calling) Distress Alert and a satellite emergency notification device (SENDs), to alert the Coast Guard of their situation.
The District Five Command Center coordinated the rescue operation by directing the launch of a C-130 Hercules airplane and MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City.
The C-130 was first on the scene, assessed the situation, and deployed a dewatering pump to help manage the flooding aboard the vessel. Despite these efforts, the boat remained at risk of sinking, prompting the need for immediate extraction of the mariners.
The Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived shortly afterward, hoisted the 2 individuals from the sinking vessel, and transported them to shore.
The men were reported in stable condition with no injuries and the vessel was abandoned at sea.
The Salvation Army Wilmington, NC - Harrelson Center provided clothing for the survivors, while Modern Aviation/FBO arranged transportation to the main terminal at Wilmington Airport to assist with their journey home.
"This rescue highlights the critical importance of properly registered communication equipment," said Lt. Sheena Bannon, a search and rescue mission coordinator for Coast Guard District Five. "The mariners’ VHF radio with Digital Selective Calling, their Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, and SENDs device allowed us to respond quickly. By ensuring their equipment was registered, we had precise distress information, enabling a timely and successful rescue. I cannot stress enough how essential it is for all mariners to register their communications gear to improve safety on the water."
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