Coast Guard assists disabled vessel near Pt. Conception in foul weather

Photos available from the towing evolution

CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR, Calif. – The Coast Guard responded to a report of a disabled 65-foot sailing vessel with three people aboard, about 30 miles south of Pt. Conception at approximately 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast for the sailing vessel Zephyr.

A Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento C-130 rescue aircraft, a Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal and a Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor 47-foot motor lifeboat responded to assist the distressed boater.

The Zephyr had damage to the sail rigging and the back-up engine and was unable to navigate. The 47-foot motor lifeboat arrived on scene and immediately took the boat in tow and arrived in Channel Islands Harbor Friday at approximately 8 a.m.

The C-130 aircraft assisted by providing air cover for the operation and the Narwhal provided escort into Channel Islands Harbor.

On scene weather at the time, were winds of 28 knots and a sea state between 15-20 feet.

Click on this link for photo #1: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=903983

Click on this link for photo #2: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=903980

Click on this link for photo #3: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=904084

Click on this link for photo #4: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=904081

Mariners should check current and forecasted weather conditions prior to getting underway, and remain aware of changing conditions once on the water. The Coast Guard and the National Weather Service broadcast marine weather forecasts regularly. Forecasts can be heard by tuning a marine-band VHF radio to channels WX-1 through WX-7 or to channel 22A during scheduled Coast Guard marine information broadcasts at 9:30 a.m., noon, and 4:30 p.m. Further information can be found at the National Weather Service website: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/

The Coast Guard also encourages all boaters to check the status of mooring and anchoring arrangements. During strong winds and heavy seas, vessels can break free from moorings, often a result of worn lines, an insufficient number of lines, or an improperly sized anchor and/or anchor chain. Adrift vessels pose several hazards to nearby people and vessels as they are tossed about, and can also pose environmental risks as any fluids or chemicals aboard can spill or leak. The Coast Guard urges vessel owners and operators to take extra precautions in anticipation of the fore-casted storm systems by addressing mooring safety and securing potential sources of marine pollution.

For more information on boating safety and required and recommended safety equipment, please visit www.uscgboating.org

Additional weather links:

Marine weather main page

http://www.weather.gov/om/marine/marine_map.htm

North coast

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka/

Central coast

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/

South coast (LA)

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/lox/

South coast (San Diego)

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/sgx/

Rip current information

http://www.weather.gov/ripcurrents/

For further information or media inquiries contact Petty Officer Matthew Schofield, a spokesman for Public Affairs Detachment Los Angeles – Long Beach at (310) 521-4260.

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