US Coast Guard rescues sailor when vessel runs aground

NEWS RELEASE
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
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SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – A Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Traverse City rescued a 73 year old man from a sail boat that ran aground on Manitou Island near the Keweenaw Peninsula, this morning. 

At 5:30 a.m. EST, Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie Command Center receieved an uncorrelated “mayday” distress radio call from a sailing vessel stating that it was hard aground on rocks. The command center immediately launched a MH-60 helicopter from Air Station Traverse City. The helicopter established communications with the mariner at 8:35 a.m. and employed direction finding radio equipment to locate the aground sailboat. The helicopter deployed a rescue swimmer who assisted the distressed mariner and hoisted him to safety. The man was then transported to emergency services. 

Mariners are reminded to have operable electronic position indicating beacons, life jackets, distress flares, and VHF radios, and to inform friends or family of your float plan prior to departing on a voyage. A float plan includes where you are going, how long you will be gone, what you are doing, and when you expect to be back. This information is invaluable for search efforts in the case that you need assistance. 

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