Coast Guard assists mariner stranded in surf near Fisherman's Island

united states coast guard 

Video Release  

U.S. Coast Guard 5th District Mid-Atlantic
Contact: 5th District Public Affairs
Office: (757) 398-6272
After Hours: (757) 295-8435
5th District online newsroom

Coast Guard assists mariner stranded in surf near Fisherman's Island

Coast Guard hoists mariner from stranded sailing vessel

Editors' Note: Click on image to see video and download high resolution version.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — The Coast Guard assisted a stranded mariner in Smith Island Inlet near Fisherman’s Island Thursday morning.

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Virginia Command Center received a call from Sea Tow that a mariner on a disabled 22-foot sailing vessel appeared distressed and required assistance. A crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles launched a 45-foot Response Boat — Medium, and Virginia Beach EMS Marine Rescue Team also launched a shallow surface craft to assist.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard found the sailing vessel anchored in shallow water. Neither responding vessels were able to get close enough to establish communications with the mariner. Sector Virginia watchstanders launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, who lowered a radio down to the sailing vessel.

Upon determining that the mariner’s situation was likely to get worse, the aircrew hoisted the mariner off his vessel and transported him to the air station. No medical assistance was required.

 -USCG-