HONOLULU – The Coast Guard coordinated the rescue of two adults and one child aboard a disabled sailboat which sank 280 miles northeast of Hilo, Hawaii Wednesday. 

The crew of the 38-foot sailboat Liahona contacted the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska Tuesday at 5:26 p.m. after becoming disabled in seas of 6-to-13 feet and winds of 34 mph. The vessel reportedly suffered damage to its top forestay and it’s engine overheated. The crew attempted to rig a makeshift sail but completely lost its mast in the extreme conditions. 

Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu contacted the 800-foot container ship Horizon Reliance to request assistance under the Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue Program. The Horizon Reliance was 149 miles northeast of the Liahona’s location.          

At 1:30 a.m. Wednesday morning the Horizon Reliance reached the disable vessel. As the Horizon Reliance approached the vessel a swell caused the sailboat to capsize and sink, throwing the three passengers into the sea. 

The Horizon Reliance maneuvered and lowered a Jacobs’s ladder to conduct the rescue. A 29-year-old man was rescued at 2:30 a.m. by the crew of the Horizon Reliance, but the others, a 32-year-old man and 9-year-old boy, drifted away. Both were rescued at 3:20 am. All passengers aboard the sailboat were wearing lifejackets with strobe lights, which enabled rescuers to keep them in sight. 

All three rescued are reportedly in good condition and will return to Honolulu Friday aboard the Horizon Reliance. 

The Liahona was traveling from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to Hilo. 

The Kiska is a 110-foot patrol boat based in Hilo. 

AMVER, sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea. With AMVER, rescue coordinators can identify participating ships in the area of distress and divert the best-suited ship or ships to respond.

For more information about AMVER visit www.amver.com.

There are no photos or video available of this rescue.    

WASHINGTON – A Coast Guard chief petty officer was honored Tuesday for his superior service while deployed in support of overseas combat operations.

Chief Petty Officer Lee Conroy, a maritime enforcement specialist, assigned to Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego, was presented the 2011 National Defense Industrial Association Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict Award for his actions in support of the counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden.

This award honors one member from each of the five armed services who has distinguished him or herself while supporting special operations, low-intensity conflicts or irregular warfare.

“I am honored to be recognized alongside our DOD brethren,” said Chief Petty Officer Lee Conroy. “But the true recognition belongs to my shipmates at MSST San Diego. Without their dedication and sacrifice I wouldn’t be receiving this award.”

Chief Conroy was sighted for his leadership, superior judgment and operational knowledge. He successfully led an eight-person advanced interdiction team during a 120-day overseas deployment to Central Command for operations Enduring Freedom and Riptide. As part of the anti-piracy Task Force 151Chief Conroy instructed training sessions with 80 Navy Vessel Board, Search and Seizure team members in Close Quarters Combat and mission planning in anticipation of joint boardings. Chief Conroy’s professionalism and leadership resulted in the removal of 18 pirates from the Gulf of Aden during four joint Coast Guard and Navy counter-piracy boardings.

“We are extremely proud of Chief Conroy,” said Coast Guard Capt. Jeffrey Novotny, Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard’s Deployable Operations Group. “His accomplishments epitomize the capability and adaptability our deployable specialized forces bring to operational commanders at home and abroad.”

Conroy and his fellow honorees were presented the award Tuesday evening before a crowd of nearly 600 special operations soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and their families. The banquet featured a number of distinguished guests, including Adm. James A. Winnefeld, Jr., USN, Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, who delivered the keynote address.

WASHINGTON – Chief Petty Officer Lee Conroy (center), a maritime enforcement specialist, assigned to Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego, was presented the 2011 National Defense Industrial Association Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict Award for his actions in support of the counter-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden Feb. 7, 2012. Conroy was presented his award by Gen. James E. "Hoss" Cartwright (center), USMC (Ret), former Vice Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Ms. Irene H. Sanders, Chair, NDIA SO/LIC Division (right). Photo courtesy Scott Rekdal of NDIA.

GULF OF ADEN – Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Visit, Board, Search and Seize members (VBSS) members are shown enroute to a counter-piracy boarding, Feb. 5, 2011. The Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego (91109) detachment deployed for four months in support of Combined Task Force 151’s counter-piracy operations. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

GULF OF ADEN – Coast Guard and U.S. Navy Visit, Board, Search and Seize members (VBSS) members conduct training with U.S. Navy aerial assets, Feb. 4, 2011. The Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego (91109) detachment deployed for four months in support of Combined Task Force 151’s counter-piracy operations. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard, a good Samaritan and the Virginia Marine Police came to the aid of a boater in the Elizabeth River near Chesapeake, Va. Wednesday.

A Coast Guard crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., responded at approximately 2 p.m. to the boater’s call for assistance via VHF-FM channel 16 after his boat began taking on water due to a reportedly broken rudder post.

The helicopter crew lowered a rescue swimmer to assist, and the good Samaritan aboard the tugboat Maverick also responded after hearing the Coast Guard’s urgent marine information broadcast from Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads about the sinking sailboat.

The tugboat crew took the boater aboard their vessel, and the Virginia Marine Police crew who responded with their vessel towed the 28-foot sailboat to a nearby marina in Chesapeake, Va.

"Today's coordinated effort is representative of how we do business here in Hampton Roads," said Lt. Jack Smith of Sector Hampton Roads. "We work every case as a team alongside state, local and good Samaritans from the boating public."

Coast Guard crews from Station Portsmouth also responded to assist with a 41-foot Utility Boat and a 25-foot Response Boat-Small.

JUNEAU, Alaska — Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, Coast Guard District 17 commander, emphasizes a message while speaking with Mayor Shirley Marquardt, of Unalaska, Chris Hladick, Unalaska city manager, Mayor Denise Michels, of Nome, and Capt. Greg Sanial, chief of enforcement, during a meeting at District 17 headquarters Feb. 8, 2012.

Municipal leaders from Nome, Unalaska and the Northwest Arctic Borough visited Juneau to discuss the Coast Guard's plans for increased Arctic activity this summer.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant DeVuyst.

JUNEAU, Alaska — Read Adm. Thomas Ostebo, Coast Guard District 17 commander, speaks with Chris Hladick, Unalaska city manager, during a meeting held at District 17 headquarters Feb. 8, 2012.

Coast Guard representatives met with Alaskan municipal leaders to discuss the Coast Guard's outreach and operational plans.

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant DeVuyst.

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard rescued a boater in Nisqually Reach, located northeast of Olympia, Wash., in the Puget Sound on Tuesday.

An MH-65C Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station/Sector Field Office Port Angeles, Wash., responded after the Coast Guard received a mayday call at 7:41 p.m., from the 35-foot sailing vessel Four of Us. The caller was unsure of his location and stated the vessel either ran aground or was taking on water.

The helicopter crew located the vessel, hoisted the one crew member on board at approximately 9:30 p.m., and transferred him to Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. No injuries were reported.

The Coast Guard worked alongside Thurston County, Wash., officials, who also received the mayday call, to determine the location of the member in distress. A salvage operation is scheduled for Wednesday.  

For additional information contact the 13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard's search for the owner of a grounded sailboat in Maui has been suspended after he was located safely ashore.

The search for Randy Perez was initiated after his 29-foot recreational sailing vessel, the Little Lady, was found aground south of Lahaina, Maui Monday morning. Coast Guardsmen in Sector Honolulu were able to contact a friend of the owner, who reported Perez was not in distress.

Pacific Environmental Corporation has been hired to assess and remove any quantity of hazardous material found aboard the vessel.

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard pollution investigators responded Tuesday to a report of an oil discharge at the active construction site between Piers 6 and 7 in San Juan Harbor, Puerto Rico.

Coast Guard Pollution investigators are actively monitoring cleanup and recovery efforts and investigating to find the origin and amount of the discharge.

Construction site personnel are conducting efforts to locate the unidentified underground point of discharge to shut down the source and prevent further oil from spilling into the water, and they have activated two Oil Spill Response Organizations (OSRO) to conduct cleanup and recovery operations.

OSRO contractors have deployed oil containment boom into the water across Piers 6 and 7 and have also placed containment boom in the immediate area of the discharge to avoid further spread of the material. They are also utilizing oil recovery equipment such as absorbent boom, absorbent pads and vacuum truck oil collectors to recover spilled material from the water.

Coast Guard Sector San Juan command center watchstanders were initially contacted by a National Response Center representative at approximately 3p.m. Tuesday, who reported that an unknown amount and type of oil was discharging from and unknown source at the construction site into San Juan Harbor.

Coast Guard Sector San Juan watchstanders and pollution response personnel proceeded to contact federal, state and municipal emergency response authorities, to include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Puerto Rico Environmental Quality Board, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and San Juan Municipal Office of Emergency Management among others to advise them of the situation.

MIAMI - Capt. Richard Kenin, 7th Coast Guard District chief of staff, pins the Silver Lifesaving Medal on Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Rivera, an Aviation Electronics Technician, during a ceremony at Coast Guard Air Station Miami Feb. 7, 2012. Rivera received the award for his the rescue of R&B artist Sean Kingston after he struck a bridge on his personal watercraft. Rivera immediately jumped in and kept him afloat until additional help arrived on May 29, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI - Capt. Richard Kenin, 7th Coast Guard District chief of staff, and Capt. Joe Kimball, commanding officer of Air Station Miami, present the Silver Livesaving Medal to Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Rivera, an Aviation Electronics Technician, during a ceremony at Coast Guard Air Station Miami Feb. 7, 2012. Rivera received the award for his the rescue of R&B artist Sean Kingston after he struck a bridge on his personal watercraft. Rivera immediately jumped in and kept him afloat until additional help arrived on May 29, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI – Carmen Rivera stands next to her husband Petty Officer 3rd Class Jonathan Rivera while he receives the Silver Lifesaving Medal during a ceremony at Coast Guard Air Station Miami Feb. 7, 2012. Rivera received the award for his the rescue of R&B artist Sean Kingston after he struck a bridge on his personal watercraft. Rivera immediately jumped in and kept him afloat until additional help arrived on May 29, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

 Click the below thumbnail images to obtain higher-resolution versions.

GREEN BAY, Wis. — A rescue airboat crew from Coast Guard Station Sturgeon Bay, Wis., launches into Green Bay to assess the two men who are choosing to remain on an ice floe in the bay, in this Coast Guard overflight photo, Feb. 6, 2012. After eight of the 10 people on the ice were removed by a rescue airboat crew from the Brown County Sheriff's Department, the two men remained in their ice shanty until later that evening, when a friend retrieved them on his personal airboat. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Nathan Shakespeare

GREEN BAY, Wis. — A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Traverse City, Mich., conducts an overflight of a group of ice shanties on an ice floe that broke free in the vicinity of Green Bay, Feb. 6, 2012. The incident occured weeks after more than two dozen federal, state and local agencies conducted a mass rescue operations preparedness exercise in Green Bay, which featured Brown County Sheriff's Department's airboat, Jan. 18. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Nathan Shakespeare

GREEN BAY, Wis. — A Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Traverse City, Mich., conducts an overflight of a group of ice shanties (lower left and lower right portions of the image) on an ice floe that broke free in the vicinity of Green Bay, Feb. 6, 2012. Eight of the 10 people on the ice were removed by a rescue airboat crew from the Brown County Sheriff's Department while two remained until later that evening, when a friend retrieved them on his personal airboat. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Nathan Shakespeare

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard is releasing photographs from a helicopter overflight conducted Monday afternoon, after eight people were evacuated from an adrift ice floe in Green Bay, Wis., by a local sheriff's department rescue airboat.

On Monday, Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, received a report of 10 people who were stuck on an ice floe that broke free in Green Bay.

The ice floe, later described to be 2-3 miles long and 1 mile wide, was about 35 feet from shore.

The Oconto County Sheriff's Department enlisted the help of the Brown County Sheriff's Department, who arrived on scene with their rescue airboat.  The rescue airboat crew was able to pull eight of the people off the ice floe, but two of the men decided to remain until a friend could come pick them up in his personal airboat.

A rescue airboat crew from Coast Guard Station Sturgeon Bay, Wis., reached out to the men and obtained information in case something happened to them before their friend could arrive.

For more detailed information about the incident, please contact the Oconto County Sheriff's Department at 920-834-6919.

Citizens and visitors to the Great Lakes should be cautious of the unusually warm temperatures throughout the region, which increase the possibility of weakened ice.

"When weather and ice conditions change, they can change rapidly," said Capt. Stephen Torpey, chief of response for the 9th Coast Guard District.  "So, in addition to checking conditions before they go out, people need to be willing to modify their plans as the conditions change to ensure their safety."

"We're glad to see that, once presented with the risks associated with remaining on the ice, everyone got off the ice before nightfall."

This incident comes just weeks after more than two dozen federal, state and local emergency response agencies conducted a mass rescue operations exercise in Green Bay.  The exercise, which took place on Jan. 18, was designed to test the coordinated response to a simulated emergency in an ice-covered maritime environment.

Click here to see photos from the exercise.

Coast Guard airboats were also used during a mass rescue operation in February 2009, as emergency responders on airboats, helicopters, planes, ships and boats from several agencies rescued 134 people trapped on an ice floe adrift in Lake Erie: Click here to read a news release; click here to see aerial footage on the Coast Guard's Visual Imagery database; or on YouTube.

People who plan to recreate on or near the water should monitor the weather and ensure they have all the recommended safety gear.  When venturing out, a person should think I.C.E. as a precaution:

Intelligence — know the weather and ice conditions, know where you are going, and know how to call for help. Never go out alone.

Clothing — have the proper clothing to prevent hypothermia. Wear a waterproof exposure suit and a life preserver.

Equipment — have the proper equipment. Carry two ice picks or screwdrivers, in case you fall in. Use these items to dig into the ice and pull yourself out. They are more effective than bare hands! Carry a whistle or noise maker to alert people that you are in distress. Carry a cellular phone or marine band radio in a waterproof container so that you can call for help if you come across trouble.

Click the below thumbnail image to obtain a higher-resolution version.

INDIANAPOLIS — Coast Guard Seaman Aaron Such (pictured third from right) holds the Coast Guard Standard as Kelly Clarkson sings the national anthem before Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Feb. 5, 2012. Such, who is assigned to Coast Guard Station Michigan City, Ind., was selected to represent the Coast Guard in the military honor guard alongside other local service representatives. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Felicya Adams

CLEVELAND — A Coast Guardsman who is originally from Indiana, and also stationed there, represented the service in the joint military honor guard before the start of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on Sunday evening.

Seaman Aaron Such, 30, who is currently assigned to Coast Guard Station Michigan City, Ind., carried the Coast Guard Standard into the stadium and rendered honors while entertainer Kelly Clarkson sang the national anthem.

"To me, it was an honor to carry the Coast Guard Standard on the Super Bowl field," said Such, who is married to Brittney Such.  They have one daughter, 18-month-old Kaydence Olivia Such.

Such, who currently resides in Danville, Ind., is a native of Planfield, Ind., and graduated high school there in 1999.  After high school, Such enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2000 and served on active-duty since 2007.  He left the Army as a sergeant and joined the Coast Guard in August of 2011.

He reported for duty at Station Michigan City on Oct. 22, 2011, where he serves as a radio watchstander and is working on ice rescue and boat crewman qualifications.  He is on the waiting list to attend the Coast Guard's school for its operations specialist rating.

The Army Reserve unit at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind., that was coordinating the honor guard contacted the command at Station Michigan City to acquire a Coast Guard representative.  To make things fair, all the interested station crewmembers put their names in a hat to decide who would represent the unit and the service, said Senior Chief Petty Officer Rebecca Polzin, officer-in-charge of Station Michigan City.  Such's name was the one that was picked.

"Seaman Such was a great candidate for this opportunity," said Polzin.  "He represents the station and the service exceptionally well and has been doing some really great work since he reported here in the summer."

Following the pre-game ceremonies, Such and the other members of the military honor guard were able to watch the game from the stands.  Although his favorite team is the Denver Broncos, Such said he was rooting for the New York Giants and was happy to see them beat the New England Patriots, 21-17.

Media Note: Media interested in interviewing Seaman Such should contact Chief Petty Officer Kyle Niemi, assistant public affairs officer for the 9th Coast Guard District, at 216-902-6020.

Click the below thumbnail image to obtain a higher-resolution version.

INDIANAPOLIS — Coast Guard Seaman Aaron Such (pictured third from right) holds the Coast Guard Standard as Kelly Clarkson sings the national anthem before Super Bowl XLVI at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Feb. 5, 2012. Such, who is assigned to Coast Guard Station Michigan City, Ind., was selected to represent the Coast Guard in the military honor guard alongside other local service representatives. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Felicya Adams

CLEVELAND — A Coast Guardsman who is originally from Indiana, and also stationed there, represented the service in the joint military honor guard before the start of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis on Sunday evening.

Seaman Aaron Such, 30, who is currently assigned to Coast Guard Station Michigan City, Ind., carried the Coast Guard Standard into the stadium and rendered honors while entertainer Kelly Clarkson sang the national anthem.

"To me, it was an honor to carry the Coast Guard Standard on the Super Bowl field," said Such, who is married to Brittney Such.  They have one daughter, 18-month-old Kaydence Olivia Such.

Such, who currently resides in Danville, Ind., is a native of Planfield, Ind., and graduated high school there in 1999.  After high school, Such enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2000 and served on active-duty since 2007.  He left the Army as a sergeant and joined the Coast Guard in August of 2011.

He reported for duty at Station Michigan City on Oct. 22, 2011, where he serves as a radio watchstander and is working on ice rescue and boat crewman qualifications.  He is on the waiting list to attend the Coast Guard's school for its operations specialist rating.

The Army Reserve unit at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Ind., that was coordinating the honor guard contacted the command at Station Michigan City to acquire a Coast Guard representative.  To make things fair, all the interested station crewmembers put their names in a hat to decide who would represent the unit and the service, said Senior Chief Petty Officer Rebecca Polzin, officer-in-charge of Station Michigan City.  Such's name was the one that was picked.

"Seaman Such was a great candidate for this opportunity," said Polzin.  "He represents the station and the service exceptionally well and has been doing some really great work since he reported here in the summer."

Following the pre-game ceremonies, Such and the other members of the military honor guard were able to watch the game from the stands.  Although his favorite team is the Denver Broncos, Such said he was rooting for the New York Giants and was happy to see them beat the New England Patriots, 21-17.

Media Note: Media interested in interviewing Seaman Such should contact Chief Petty Officer Kyle Niemi, assistant public affairs officer for the 9th Coast Guard District, at 216-902-6020.

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard and local law enforcement officials are searching for the owner of a 29-foot recreational sailing vessel aground south of Lahaina, Maui Monday.

The vessel, registered to Randy Perez, was found grounded at 11:15 a.m. The vessel is registered in Hawaii and bears the following Hull Identification Number: HA4201E.

Attempts to contact Perez have been unsuccessful so far.

The Coast Guard and local law enforcement are trying to determine if Perez is in distress.

Coast Guard officials request any person with knowledge of the vessel or its owner contact the Sector Honolulu command center at 808-842-2601.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – The Coast Guard rescued four fishermen, Monday, who had been missing since Friday.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station South Padre Island received a call, Saturday, from Rescue Command Center Mexico requesting assistance with a search involving a 25-foot fishing vessel with four men aboard that had departed Playa Bagdad, Mexico, Thursday, and was due back at 7 a.m., Friday.

Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi launched an HU-25 Falcon fixed-wing aircraft and crew, which conducted searches on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and crew were launched and soon discovered an abandoned vessel on the beach near Port Mansfield Channel matching the description of the missing lancha.

Monday, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and crew from Air Station Corpus Christi were conducting a patrol and noticed four men waving from the beach, 11 miles south of where the abandoned vessel was discovered the previous day. The helicopter lowered the rescue swimmer who determined the four individuals were Mexican nationals.

The men were taken to Coast Guard Station South Padre Island where it was confirmed that they were the individuals missing since Friday. EMS were called and determined the men had no injuries or medical issues.

Customs and Border Protection was also notified and will be conducting an investigation.

For more information on this Coast Guard rescue contact Lt. Heidi Miller at (361) 438-0176.

Editor's Note: Click the first image below to view or download the helicopter "hoist cam" footage.  Click the others photos to obtain higher-resolution versions.

This release also serves to correct an earlier release that stated the two teenagers were rescued from an adrift ice floe.  They were, in fact, adrift on a raft that was covered with a duckblind.

RONDEAU BAY, Ontario — An aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Detroit medevacs two teenagers who were adrift in a raft in Rondeau Bay, Feb. 6, 2012. Click the above screen-capture to view or download the video. U.S. Coast Guard video courtesy Air Station Detroit

RONDEAU BAY, Ontario — A Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew conducts an overflight of a raft with a duckblind that is adrift in Rondeau Bay near Shrewsbury, Ontario, Feb. 6, 2012. The overflight was conducted after an earlier mission, in which an Air Station Detroit rescue helicopter crew airlifted two teenagers who were stuck in the raft as it drifted into the bay. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bret Fogle

RONDEAU BAY, Ontario — A Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew conducts an overflight of a raft with a duckblind (lower left portion of image) that is adrift in Rondeau Bay near Shrewsbury, Ontario, Feb. 6, 2012. The overflight was conducted after an earlier mission, in which an Air Station Detroit rescue helicopter crew airlifted two teenagers who were stuck in the raft as it drifted into the bay. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Bret Fogle

CLEVELAND — The Coast Guard is releasing footage and photos of this morning's rescue of two teenagers who were adrift in Rondeau Bay.

Click here to read an initial news release about the case.

The names of the men are not being released.

"This case is just a perfect example of our bi-national collaboration and cooperation with our Canadian partners," said Capt. Stephen Torpey, chief of response for the 9th Coast Guard District.

"Working together, the Canadian Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and Ontario Provincial Police were able to put the right emergency response asset, complete with a crew with the right capabilities, at the scene, which allowed us to successfully reach these boys and get them home."

Although it was previously reported that the men were adrift on an ice floe, it is now understood that they were walking along the shore and climbed onto a raft, which was covered by a duckblind, when the raft suddenly broke free and drifted into the bay.  The raft has since drifted into the loose patch of ice pictured above.

Any questions regarding the incident and any follow-up investigation should be directed to the Chatham-Kent Ontario Provincial Police Detachment and Constable Aaron McPhail at 519-352-1122.

ST. LOUIS — Coast Guard Sector Upper Mississippi River received the Adm. Bennett Sparks Award, Monday, for having the most successful Military Reserve Integration Program in the Coast Guard for reserve forces of less than 100.

Sector UMR issued more than 160 orders to reservists to respond to flooding on the Red and Missouri rivers, to assist with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill recovery and to assist with maritime security operations.

“The coalescence of active duty and reserve members ensures better mission execution and aligns our personnel and missions with our commanding officer's vision of ensuring we stand fast to the Coast Guard's Core Values of honor, respect and devotion to duty," said Linda Robinson, head of the Reserve Forces Readiness program for Sector UMR.

Sector UMR is the largest Coast Guard sector in the lower 48 states with an area of responsibility comprised of 11 states and 2,000 miles of commercially navigable, waterways which constitute the upper portion of the Mississippi River, the Illinois River, the Missouri River and their tributaries. The waterway systems include over 33 locks and dams, 238 bridges and seven major population centers. The sector is staffed by more than 277 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel as well as a variety of unique assets including five cutters and three marine safety detachments.

For more information on the award or on Sector UMR's reserve program contact Lt. j.g. Colin Fogarty at (314) 269-2546 or Lt. Timothy Marriot at (314) 269-2541.

PADUCAH, Ky. — The Coast Guard has approved the transit of the Delta Mariner to a safe harbor on the Tennessee River, Monday.

Salvage workers successfully cut the Delta Mariner free from subsurface bridge debris at 10:15 a.m., Monday, and will continue removing remaining portions of the bridge from the bow of the ship once it is safely secured a mile from its current location.

“The salvage operations are proceeding as planned, and it is a significant milestone that the ship has now been relocated downriver and clear of the Eggner Ferry Bridge,” said Cmdr. Claudia Gelzer, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah.

A 25-foot Response Boat-Small and crew from MSU Paducah remain on site to ensure safety of salvage operations.

The Coast Guard is working closely with the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Transportation Safety Board, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife, Foss Maritime and Marshall County Sheriff's Office.

The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

For more information about the allision, contact Lt. Jennifer Jessee at 270-816-7627.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Coast Guard rescue crews completed a request for assistance Sunday afternoon to search for possible survivors from a capsized migrant boat in Samana Bay, Dominican Republic, after Dominican Republic authorities notified no longer requiring Coast Guard assistance with rescue efforts.

The boat (yola) capsized Saturday morning in the vicinity of Samana Bay off the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, reportedly carrying more than 40 passengers onboard.

According to reports from Dominican Republic authorities, 18 people are confirmed dead, there are at least 11 survivors and an undetermined number of people missing.

“Our most heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of the men and women who lost their lives to the perils of the sea,” said Capt. Drew Pearson, U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan commander. “Migrants are risking their lives when they trust ruthless smugglers to make the dangerous voyage across the Mona Passage to Puerto Rico in makeshift-grossly overloaded boats, without any consideration to weather conditions or the safety and lives of their passengers.”

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Joint Rescue Sub Center watchstanders initially received notification of the incident at approximately 3p.m. Saturday from the Coast Guard Liaison Officer stationed in the U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, who also relayed the initial request for assistance from Dominican Republic navy authorities to assist with the efforts to find and rescue survivors.

Coast Guard rescue crews involved in the search efforts consisted of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen, a HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircraft from Air Station Miami on deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Operations Bahamas, Turks and Caicos.  

The Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo is a 110-foot patrol boat home ported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

CLEVELAND — A U.S. Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew airlifted two teenagers who were adrift on an ice floe in Rondeau Bay this morning.

The names of the men, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, are not being released.

Search and rescue controllers at the Coast Guard's 9th District Command Center were contacted by personnel at Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Trenton, Ontario, at 4:51 a.m., after they received a report of two men adrift on ice in the bay.  Reportedly, the men were not wearing lifejackets and had become stranded while duck hunting.

A Coast Guard Air Station Detroit aircrew was directed to launch aboard an MH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter.  Arriving on scene at 6:21 a.m., the aircraft's rescue swimmer was lowered to the ice and both men were airlifted into the helicopter.

They were taken to Chatham Airport, where they were turned over to awaiting EMS.

With unusually warm temperatures this winter in the Great Lakes region, people who plan to recreate on or near the water should monitor the weather and ensure they have all the recommended safety gear.  When venturing out, a person should think I.C.E. as a precaution:

Intelligence — know the weather and ice conditions, know where you are going, and know how to call for help. Never go out alone.

Clothing — have the proper clothing to prevent hypothermia. Wear a waterproof exposure suit and a life preserver.

Equipment — have the proper equipment. Carry two ice picks or screwdrivers, in case you fall in. Use these items to dig into the ice and pull yourself out. They are more effective than bare hands! Carry a whistle or noise maker to alert people that you are in distress. Carry a cellular phone or marine band radio in a waterproof container so that you can call for help if you come across trouble.

Click here for more information regarding cold water and ice safety.

SEATTLE — Family, friends and shipmates welcome the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy home from a more than 250-day deployment on Feb. 5, 2012. Healy completed its science missions in 2011, before conducting the escort of the tanker vessel Renda on a mission to deliver fuel and prevent a potential energy crisis in Nome, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Eric J. Chandler.

Seattle - Capt. Beverly A. Havlik, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy, speaks to members of the press, after she and her crew return home from a more than 250 day deployment on Feb. 5, 2012. Healy completed its normal science missions in 2011, before conducting the escort of the tanker vessel Renda on a mission to deliver fuel and prevent a potential energy crisis in Nome, Alaska. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Eric J. Chandler.

SEATTLE — Coast Guard Cutter Healy, the nation’s largest and only operational Polar ice breaker moored at Coast Guard Base Seattle, Sunday, at 9 a.m., after completing a 254-day deployment.

The Healy completed four Arctic science missions during the 2011 field season, as well as an 800-mile Bering Sea ice-escort of the Russian-flagged tanker vessel Renda to Nome, Alaska for a winter fuel delivery by sea.

Healy embarked on the first-ever domestic icebreaking operation in Alaska. Icebreaking through 800 miles of Bering Sea ice, Healy escorted the Renda to and from Nome, where it safety offloaded 1.3 million gallons of fuel. Without this delivery, the town of Nome would have run out of its winter fuel reserves by March.

For the complete story on the missions conducted by Healy in 2011 and 2012, please click here.

For additional information contact the 13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237.

SEATTLE — While transiting to their homeport here following a 254-day patrol, the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy diverted to assist a distressed vessel approximately 520 miles northwest of Puget Sound, Wash. 

Healy received notification from 13th Coast Guard District watchstanders, Friday, that the motor vessel Dry Beam, a 558-foot Singapore-flagged freighter with 23 persons aboard, lost a partial load of timber and became unstable in 70 mile-per-hour winds and 30-foot seas. 

The Healy, 90 miles away, immediately diverted to provide assistance. While the Healy was enroute the crew of the Dry Beam was able to adjust their ballast tanks to improve stability and began making their way to their way to Victoria, Canada. 

The Healy arrived on scene and provided an escort until relieved by the crew of the Canadian Coast Guard ship John P. Tully. 

"From marine research in the Arctic, to breaking 800 miles of ice to get fuel to Nome, Alaska, to search and rescue in 30-foot seas, the crew superbly displayed the multi-mission capability of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy," said Rear Adm. Christopher Colvin, Deputy Commander, Coast Guard Pacific Area.  "We ask a lot of our crews, and their families, and they all demonstrate excellence. This is our way." 

Editors note:  Healy is on schedule to return to Seattle at  9 a.m. Sunday, please contact Chief Petty Officer Robert K. Lanier for more information and access to Pier 36.

Links to previous news and imagery releases regarding CGC Healy: http://www.d13.uscgnews.com/go/doc/21/1299571/.