Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: Aug. 2, 2008

Contact:  Lt. Stephen Nutting
(504) 846-5924

COAST GUARD RESCUES THREE AFTER BOAT SINKS

***MEDIA NOTE: Video of the rescue is available at:
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=340417

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued three people earlier today when the 17-foot pleasure craft they were aboard sank in Black Bay near Breton Sound.  

At approximately 6 a.m., a boater in distress dialed 9-11 from his cell phone, and stated that three people were stranded in the water because their boat sank. St. Bernard Parrish Sherrif's Office forwarded the call to Coast Guard Sector New Orleans.

Coast Guard Sector New Orleans immediately launched a 33-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Venice, La. and an HH-65C rescue helicopter and crew from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans.

The Coast Guard helicopter arrived on scene first, and directed the 33-foot response boat to the scene. Three people were in the water. Only one person was wearing a life jacket, while the other two were clinging to coolers.

The crew of the response boat pulled all three people aboard and safely transported them back to Coast Guard Station Venice.

"The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to wear life jackets at all times while on the water, as it greatly increases their chances of survival," said Coast Guard search and rescue controller Petty Office 2nd Class Genica Orria.

No injuries were reported.

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