VIDEO RELEASE: Coast Guard rescues 56-year-old man from disabled, aground sailboat near Sapelo Sound

Video 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

Coast Guard rescues 56-year-old man from disabled, aground sailboat near Sapelo Sound

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SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Coast Guard rescued a 56-year-old man after his sailboat became disabled and aground near Sapelo Sound, Sunday.

A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew arrived on scene, hoisted the man and transported him to Hunter Army Airfield.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston command center watchstanders received a call at 1:08 a.m. from the operator of the Rosa Vessia, a 43-foot sailboat, stating his vessel was disabled, dragging anchor and at risk of alliding into a marked submerged rock pilling.

A Savanah aircrew and a Coast Guard Station Brunswick 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew launched to assist. 

The aircrew located the disabled sailboat, which had started to allide with the rocks, and lowered a rescue swimmer who assisted with safely hoisting the man.

As the owner is a member, Tow Boat U.S. arrived on scene shortly after and recovered the sailboat from the rocks.

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-USCG-