Monday, May 18, 2015

Coast Guard crews, local agencies searching for vessel reported to be taking on water


May 18, 2015

LOS ANGELES - A MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Los Angeles conducts flight training just off the coast of San Pedro, Calif., March 18, 2012. Coast Guard aircrew members must constantly train together to keep their life saving skills sharp for the next mayday call. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 1st Class Adam Eggers

ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA

Coast Guard crews, along with personnel from other agencies, are searching for the crew from a 37-foot fishing vessel that was reported to be taking on water Monday, approximately 11 miles east of St. Augustine.

Joining the Coast Guard are crews with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, TowBoat US and a Navy vessel.

Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville command center were notified of the situation at 1:14 p.m., via a distress call on VHF Ch. 16.
The report stated the crew members exited the 37-foot fishing vessel and entered a life raft.

A crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Coast Guard Station Mayport was launched to respond. A crew aboard an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah was also launched.  An HC-130 Hercules airplane from Air Station Clearwater has joined the search along with an additional Dolphin helicopter crew.
at