District 11 Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: October 25, 2007

Contact: LT Scott Parkhurst
             (707) 839-6111

U. S. COAST GUARD HELICOPTER RESCUES TWO PERSONS FROM THE WATER  

McKinleyville, Calif. - A Coast Guard HH-65C helicopter hoisted two people from the water approximately forty miles west-southwest of Shelter Cove, CA.

 Coast Guard Group Humboldt Bay was notified of a 406MHz Emergency Positioning Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alert from the 38 foot sailing vessel Passing Wind II at approximately 10:15 a.m..  A HH-65C helicopter was launched from Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay and a C-130 fixed wing aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento to locate the EPIRB.  At approximately 12:30 p.m, the helicopter located the EPIRB and commenced its search.  At approximately 1:20 p.m, the helicopter located the Passing Wind II which had lost its mast and was foundering in seas estimated to be 10 - 12 feet.  Both passengers of the Passing Wind II had abandoned their vessel and jumped into the water.  A Coast Guard rescue swimmer was deployed and recovered the two persons in the water.  Both survivors and the rescue swimmer were hoisted and taken by helicopter to Point Arena.  The helicopter was met by Coast Guard Auxiliarists and an ambulance where both survivors were evaluated for hypothermia.

 The U.S. Coast Guard would like to remind all mariners to remain vigilant and aware of the hazardous weather conditions prominent in this area during the approaching winter months.   Extreme caution should be used during any coastal endeavor especially during hazardous seas and in treacherous locations.  Mariners should be certain that required safety equipment is aboard and operating properly prior to leaving port.

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