Coast Guard, partner agency rescue 2 boaters near Sebastian Inlet during Hurricane Dorian

united states coast guard 

News Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 7th District Southeast
Contact: 7th District Public Affairs
Office: 305-415-6683
After Hours: 786-367-7649
7th District online newsroom

 Coast Guard, partner agency rescue 2 boaters near Sebastian Inlet during Hurricane Dorian

MIAMI — The Coast Guard assisted Brevard County Sheriff's Office in rescuing a person from the water Sunday near Sebastian Inlet.

Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce watchstanders received a call from the Indian River Police Department initially stating there were three people in the water near Sebastian Inlet. Coast Guard Sector Miami Beach watchstanders put out an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce 33-foot Special Purpose Craft—Law Enforcement crew and Coast Guard Air Station Miami MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to search.

The Brevard County Sheriff's Office, responded to the UMIB, rescued one of the people from the water and confirmed only one other person was involved and safe. The vessel operator reported that a wave knocked knocked them from their boat.

 

The Coast Guard is warning the public of these important safety messages:

  • Stay off the water. The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen.  This means help could be delayed.  Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings, and small craft advisories.
  • Evacuate as necessary. If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay.  Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm. 
  • Secure belongings. Owners of large boats are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or to sustaining damage. Trailer-able boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding.  Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to remove electronic position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) and to secure life rings, life jackets, and small boats. These items, if not properly secured, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources be diverted to ensure people are not in distress.
  • Stay clear of beaches.Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to the strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes.  Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
  • Be prepared.Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets. Information can be found at the National Hurricane Center’s webpage.
  • Stay informed.The public should monitor the progress and strength of the storm through local television, radio, and the Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
  • Don't rely on social media. People in distress should use 911 to request assistance whenever possible. Social media should not be used to report life-threatening distress due to limited resources to monitor the dozens of social media platforms during a hurricane or large-scale rescue event.

For information on Hurricane Dorian progress and hurricane preparedness, visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

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-USCG-