PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard rescues mariner from sinking sailing vessel 60 miles east of Charleston

Photo Release

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Jacksonville Contact: Coast Guard PA Detachment Jacksonville Office: 904-714-7606/7607 After Hours: 305-318-1864 PA Detachment Jacksonville online newsroom

PHOTO RELEASE: Coast Guard rescues mariner from sinking sailing vessel 60 miles east of Charleston

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CHARLESTON, S.C. — Coast Guard crews rescued a mariner Friday after their vessel sank 60 miles east of Charleston.

The mariner reported his 56-foot sailing vessel, Fine Ally, struck an unknown object causing flooding and had to abandon ship into his life raft.

Coast Guard 7th District Command Center watchstanders were notified by an emergency position indicating radio beacon activation and later received a call via satellite phone from the mariner stating his situation at 8:40 p.m. A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew launched and hoisted the mariner from his life raft at approximately 10:00 p.m. He was taken to the Coast Guard Air Facility in Charleston where EMS was waiting.

"This is a great example of why we stress safety equipment," said Lt. J.G. Nathan Brock, the Coast Guard rescue helicopter pilot. "We were able to quickly obtain the mariner's position with his EPIRB when he needed us most."

The mariner was reported to be in good condition.

The cause of the sailing vessel sinking in under investigation. 

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