ELIZABETH CITY, NC — The Coast Guard hoisted two sailors from a damaged sailboat about 86 miles southeast of Cape Fear on Friday.
After the host, an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew safely flew the sailors back to Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
Watchmen at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Fifth District Command Center received notification from the International Emergency Relief Coordination Center that they had received a distress alert from the crew of the 34-foot sailboat Spin Drift.
The Fifth District Command Center team led the launch of crews and the Jayhawk and an HC-130 Hercules aircraft from US Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
The crew of USCGC Richard Dixon (WPC 1113), based in Puerto Rico, was 50 miles away, transiting to the Coast Guard yard in Baltimore and diverted to the scene to help.
The Hercules crew arrived on scene first and confirmed the Spin Drift was dismasted and adrift in 12ft seas and 21mph winds. The Jayhawk arrived shortly after and performed the winch.
There are no reports of injuries or pollution. The vessel remains a possible hazard to navigation. An Emergency Mariner Broadcast Advisory has been issued, warning mariners in the area to remain alert to avoid a collision. The ship’s owners will coordinate the rescue.
