VIDEO/IMAGERY: Coast Guard rescues 5 people 60 miles east of Cape Charles, VA

U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 09/11/2017 08:03 PM EDT

united states coast guard 

News Release  

Sep 11, 2017
U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 434-7712

VIDEO/IMAGERY: Coast Guard rescues 5 people 60 miles east of Cape Charles, VA

Crew of the fishing vessel Langley Douglas are rescued one-by-one by Air Station Elizabeth City personnel 60 miles east of Cape Charles, Virginia, Sept. 11, 2017. The MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued the 5 crew members after severe weather caused their ship to take on too much water and sink. 

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ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City helicopter crews rescued five people after their fishing vessel sank 60 miles east of Cape Charles, Virginia, today.

Watchstanders in the 5th District Command Center received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert from the fishing vessel Langley Douglas. 

5th District Watchstanders diverted a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew already in the area to respond. 

Upon arriving on scene, the helicopter crew discovered the fishing vessel had sunk and the five crew members were in the water. Two were on an inflated life raft and three were holding onto a piece floating wreckage.

The helicopter crew hoisted all five individuals, transporting them to Base Elizabeth City where they were seen by base medical personnel.

"The success of this rescue is directly attributed to the crew's 406MHz EPIRB, a serviceable and inspected life raft and quick use of survival suits," said OS1 Joe Watford, SAR controller for the case. 

No injuries or pollution were reported. 

Crew of the fishing vessel Langley Douglas give a thumbs-up after being rescued by Air Station Elizabeth City personnel 60 miles east of Cape Charles, Virginia, Sept. 11, 2017. The helicopter crew rescued the 5 crew members after severe weather caused their ship to take on too much water and sink. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Air Station Elizabeth City)

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