NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard rescued three people after a fishing vessel capsized 40 miles offshore from Caillou Bay, Louisiana, in the Gulf of America, Thursday.
Eighth Coast Guard District Command Center watchstanders received a satellite distress alert from the F/V ANTHONY via the vessel’s emergency position-indicating radio locating beacon (EPIRB) at 8:30 a.m. Thursday.
Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Yellowfin to search. A Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile HC-144B Ocean Sentry aircrew self-diverted to search.
The aircrew located a life raft in the vicinity of the partially submerged fishing vessel. The Yellowfin arrived on scene, located three individuals on the life raft and brought them aboard.
“This rescue highlights how preparedness and a rapid response save lives. The vessel’s properly registered EPIRB provided accurate coordinates, enabling our crews to pinpoint and reach these fishermen quickly,” said Mr. Scott Talbot, Eighth Coast Guard District Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator. “Our crews train to respond swiftly, but preparedness on both ends saves lives.”
No injuries were reported.