Editor's note:  For media interested in attending the event, please RSVP with Coast Guard Public Affairs at 305-415-6683.   

WHO:  Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other local partner agencies are scheduled to be in attendance at the annual boating safety news conference.

WHAT:  The “Ready, Set, Wear It” media event will kick-off National Safe Boating Week as Memorial Day weekend approaches.   The campaign is designed to encourage boaters to use life jackets and proper safety equipment aboard their recreational vessels. 

WHEN/WHERE:     

10 a.m., Friday, May 18

USCG Sector Miami Beach

100 McArthur Causeway

Miami, Fla. 33139

 BACKGROUND:

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout Florida will be on patrol, paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

 For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

• Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/
• Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/
• National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The U.S. Coast Guard will transfer a decommissioned 378-foot High Endurance Cutter to the Philippines at 1 p.m. May 22 at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Pier Papa in North Charleston, S.C.

 Former Coast Guard Cutter Dallas will be transferred in a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. John Korn, assistant commandant for Acquisition.

 "Since 1967, Coast Guard Cutter Dallas has served the American people well, from Vietnam and the Pacific to its final Coast Guard patrol in the Mediterranean, where the crew interdicted 4,000 pounds of cocaine and 940 pounds of marijuana," said Korn. "As Dallas returns to the Southeast Asian waters that it plied at the beginning of its Coast Guard career, I know it will serve the Philippines as faithfully and capably as it served America.”

 Dallas was decommissioned March 30 after 45-years of service.

 Media are invited to the transfer ceremony.

 Who:      U.S. Coast Guard and Philippine navy officials

 What:     Transfer Ceremony

 When:     May 22 at 1 p.m.

 Where:  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Pier Papa in North Charleston, S.C.

Media interested in attending are required to RSVP by calling Coast Guard Ensign Jami-Lyn Butto (843) 740-7063 by 4 p.m. May 21.

WILMINGTON, N.C. — The Coast Guard in North Carolina is scheduled to participate in National Safe Boating Week May 19 to 25.

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout the North Carolina region will be on patrol paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

"We want people to be safe while enjoying their time on the water,” said Capt. Anthony Popiel, the commander of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington. “Some simple things they can do to stay safe and be prepared should a problem arise, are to wear their life jackets, let someone on shore know exactly where they are going and when they expect to return, and carry a VHF-FM marine band radio. Cell phones are not a reliable form of communication on the water, whereas a marine radio will be heard by any boat or land station within range of the distress call."

In this area, the 2011 statistics show 144 boating accidents resulting in a total of 28 fatalities.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Media wanting more information are requested to contact the 5th District Public Affairs office at 757-398-6272.

For audio public service announcements please click the following links:

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - Closer than you think

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - Speechless

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - First Impulse

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard suspended its search at approximately 7:30 p.m. Wednesday for a 32-year-old man who went missing at Brier Hall Point in the Alligator River near the entrance to the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina.

The responders searched eight and a half hours for the missing man covering approximately 80 square miles.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders received notification at noon via the Dare County 911 Dispatch Center from Manns Harbor Fire Department that a vessel was sinking and two people were in the water.

Dare County also reported that one man swam to shore, but the other was still missing.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a helicopter crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, in Elizabeth City, N.C., and a crew aboard a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft – Shallow Water from Coast Guard Station Elizabeth City, to search with Manns Harbor Fire Department.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. ─ The Coast Guard in Virginia is scheduled to participate in National Safe Boating Week May 19 to 25.

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout the Hampton Roads and Eastern Shore regions will be on patrol, paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

"We anticipate a great season of boating, kicked off with National Safe Boating Week and the Memorial Day Weekend, leading into OpSail 2012," said Capt. Mark Ogle, the commanding officer of Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads.  "In an effort to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the water, we need to emphasize the importance of being safe and prepared and always wearing a lifejacket."

In this area, the 2011 statistics show 121 boating accidents resulting in a total of 21 fatalities.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Media wanting more information are requested to contact the Fifth District Public Affairs at 757-398-6272.

For audio public service announcements please click the following links:

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - Closer than you think

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - Speechless

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - First Impulse

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

MIAMI — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island repatriated 24 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, Thursday.

“U.S. Coast Guard policy is to deter and respond to dangerous, and illegal maritime migration by intercepting vessels pursuing perilous and illegal voyages," said, Capt. Brendan McPherson, 7th Coast Guard District chief of enforcement."We continue to maintain a robust presence of cutters and aircraft throughout the Caribbean to prevent illegal migration and migrant smuggling activities.”

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants are provided with food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.

The Pea Island is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Key West, Fla.

For more information on how to legally immigrate to the United States, call U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at 1-800-375-5283 or visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.

BALTIMORE ─ The Coast Guard in Maryland and Washington, D.C., is scheduled to participate in National Safe Boating Week May 19 to 25.

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout the Upper Chesapeake Bay region will be on patrol paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

"Always think safety and anticipate possibilities when going out on the water," said Capt. Mark O'Malley, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore. "Things to address include having properly fitted life jackets, a float plan, so a person at home knows where you intend to go and when you plan to return, and a reliable method of communication with the Coast Guard if you get into trouble. Help us help you to fully enjoy your time on the water this summer."

In this area, the 2011 statistics show 188 boating accidents resulting in a total of 18 fatalities.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Media wanting more information are requested to contact Public Affairs Detachment Baltimore at 410-576-2638.

For audio public service announcements please click the following links:

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - Closer than you think

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - Speechless

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - First Impulse

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued four people after their 20-foot boat began taking on water approximately 10 miles off the coast of Wrightsville Beach, N.C., Wednesday.

At approximately 3 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Wrightsville Beach received the report from a member of the New Hanover County Emergency Management and 911 Communications.

A crew aboard a 41-foot Utility Boat launched to assist.

When the Coast Guard arrived on scene the 20-foot vessel’s stern was already submerged. The boaters were transferred from their vessel to shore aboard the UTB.

"The main thing is to be prepared for anything," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Micah Kennedy, a crewmember from Station Wrightsville Beach. "They had all the safety equipment that they needed aboard, even exceeding the number of lifejackets that they needed.”

Kennedy also said that making sure that all safety equipment is aboard is crucial and that having a spare hand-held dewatering pump, just in case you need it, would be ideal.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders are broadcasting a safety marine information broadcast to warn boaters of the vessel, which was left on scene.

Crewmembers of Station Wrightsville Beach are en route to the vessel to report its condition.

The owner is making arrangements to salvage the vessel.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce, Fla., is scheduled to host an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in support of National Safe Boating Week 2012, which runs from Saturday till Friday.

Admission and parking for the event are free, and food and refreshments will be available.

Station Fort Pierce is located at 900 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Fla., 34949.

Activities scheduled for the event include:

• A Coast Guard rescue swimmer demonstration using an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and a Station Fort Pierce 45-foot Response Boat-Medium. 
• Two Smithsonian Museum water tanks: A touch tank with sea urchins, sea cucumbers, etc.; and a second tank with regulated species, such as snook and grouper.
• Three flare demonstrations from Chapman's school of seamanship throughout the day.
• A dunk tank featuring Coast Guardsmen wearing an inflatable life jacket.
• Multiple law enforcement agencies along with the Coast Guard Auxiliary teaching safe boating practices.
• Florida Blood Center's "Big Red Bus" will be on site collecting blood donations.
• The "Ready, Set, Wear It" life jacket event, a worldwide event where all participants activate an inflatable life jacket or wear a non-inflatable life jacket simultaneously. Station Fort Pierce has registered for the event, and will attempt to break last year's record.

Click HERE for the event flyer.

National Safe Boating Week, first observed in 1952, is a nationwide boating safety campaign during the week leading up to Memorial Day Weekend.  It is designed to promote awareness of safe boating techniques and rules knowledge by urging boaters to take approved boating education courses, to wear life jackets, and to undergo vessel inspections.  Throughout Florida and the nation, the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and partner agencies deliver the National Safe Boating Week message through a variety of safe boating promotional events.

Photos from the 2011 Station Fort Pierce Open House.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. ─ The Coast Guard in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey is scheduled to participate in National Safe Boating Week May 19 to 25.

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout the Delaware Bay region will be on patrol paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

"We want people to be safe while enjoying their time on the water. Some of the simple things they can do to stay safe and be prepared, should a problem arise, are to wear their life jackets, letting someone on shore know exactly where they are going and when they expect to return, and carry a VHF-FM marine band radio. Cell phones are not a reliable form of communication on the water, so the best way to reach the Coast Guard is via radio," said Capt. Meredith Austin, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay in Philadelphia.

In this area, the 2011 statistics show 216 boating accidents resulting in a total of 33 fatalities.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Media wanting more information are requested to contact Public Affairs Detachment Atlantic City, N.J., at 609-677-2204.

For audio public service announcements please click the following links:

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - Closer than you think

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - Speechless

Lifejackets - U.S. Coast Guard - First Impulse

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/

Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/

National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

U.S. Power Squadrons: http://www.usps.org/

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Coast Guard assisted disabled vessel 170-miles offshore Charleston, Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston operational watchstanders received a call from a commercial assistance company Tuesday morning reporting that the 36-foot sailing vessel with one person on board was disabled in 8-foot seas, offshore and requesting assistance.

The sailing vessel Aletheia was transiting from Marathon, Fla. to Bermuda.

Communications were established via satellite phone, and rescue crews from the Coast Guard Cutter Yellowfin were dispatched to assist at approximately 9:26 p.m., Tuesday.

Yellowfin crewmembers located the Aletheia at approximately 6:18 a.m., Wednesday and successfully completed the tow back to Charleston at 10:12 a.m., Thursday.

No medical concerns were reported.

With National Safe Boating Week commencing nationwide this Saturday a local kickoff is to take place in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Boaters are reminded the importance of safety equipment aboard vessels such as life jackets, proper communication equipment, and the benefits of owning an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

*Editor's note: Media is welcome to attend this event. Please contact Jennifer Heisler at 843-606-0232*

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Coast Guard Station Charleston, Coast Guard Auxiliary and partner agencies are hosting a free safe boating week event to be held on Saturday from approximately 10 a.m., till 2 p.m., at the Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park.

This event is held for the community to learn about having fun while being safe on the water.

Members from Coast Guard Station Charleston, Coast Guard Auxiliary, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston County Rescue Squad, police and fire departments from Isle of Palms, Mt. Pleasant, Charleston and North Charleston will be present.

Representatives will be available to answer questions about boating safety and regulations.

This event is part of National Safe Boating Week, an annual Coast Guard supported weeklong public awareness campaign with the goal of encouraging safe boating practices by mariners throughout the country.

The week highlights the importance of safety equipment aboard vessels such as life jackets, proper communication equipment, and the benefits of owning an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The hope is to encourage people to carry appropriate safety equipment which could save their life.

CLEVELAND — The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, working in concert with Coast Guard Sector Detroit, announces Wednesday that it will be offering free vessel safety checks throughout eastern Michigan, northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana during the months of May and June, 2012.

Some recent safety checks resulted in Coast Guard boarding teams requiring mariners to return to port because of a lack of required safety equipment.

The Coast Guard is offering these free, no penalty, courtesy examinations of recreational boats to ensure boaters understand the state and federal safety requirements, and that boaters' equipment meet those standards.

Coast Guard auxiliarists from Auxiliary Divisions 16, 18 and 20 will be offering vessel safety checks in Ohio from May 12 to May 19, at locations between Marblehead and Toledo, in Michigan from May 7 to June 30, at locations south of Detroit between Monroe and River Rouge, and north of Detroit at locations between Clarkston and Algonac and in northeast Indiana on May 19.

Click here for a complete spreadsheet detailing the times and locations where Vessel Safety Checks will be offered.

"Checking safety gear before leaving the dock ensures that proper lifesaving equipment is available should something go wrong," said Chief Petty Officer Gabe Settel, a search and rescue controller with Coast Guard Sector Detroit. "The Coast Guard wants everyone who goes out on the water to come home safely."

The Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary are advising that all mariners receive a vessel safety check before heading out onto the water. This is not a boarding or law enforcement action, and there will be no citations given as a result of this examination. Each vessel examiner is a trained boating safety specialist that will make recommendations and discuss issues that will make boaters safer.

For more information contact Lynn Heasel, Auxiliary coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Detroit, at 313-568-9575.

What: Media availability for National Safe Boating Week

When: Friday, May 18, 2012, 7 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Where: Harbor Island West Marina, 2040 Harbor Island Drive San Diego, CA 92101

Hosted By: U.S. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary

Contact: Petty Officer Henry Dunphy, 619-252-1304, henry.g.dunphy@uscg.mil, by 5 p.m., Thursday, May 17, if planning to attend.

Background: National Safe Boating Week is May 19-25, 2012. Boating safety partners across the U.S. and Canada are teaming up to promote safe and responsible boating, including voluntary wear of life jackets.

“Each year, as many as 500 lives could have been saved if boaters had worn their life jackets,” said Virgil Chambers, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. “New life jackets on the market today make it easier than ever for a boater to have fun and stay safe on the water.”

Drowning remains the primary cause of death in recreational boating accidents. Statistics released by the Coast Guard indicate that 88 percent of boaters who drowned in 2010 were not wearing their life jackets.

“Like many recreational activities, boating has inherent risks,” said Chief Petty Officer Bradley Adams, officer in charge of Coast Guard Station San Diego. “We encourage everyone to make safety a priority on the water. This means having all the required safety equipment on board, including properly fitted life jackets, knowing the rules of the road, checking that weather conditions are safe for your planned activities and never boating under the influence of alcohol.”

This event will feature Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary members who will discuss ways to stay safe on the water and the free vessel safety checks that are available to boaters.

For more information, visit http://www.safeboatingcampaign.com/ or www.USCGBoating.org.

To schedule a vessel safety check, visit: http://safetyseal.net/

CORRECTION: Manns Harbor Fire Department requested Coast Guard search assistance through Dare County 911 Dispatch Center

PORTSMOUTH, Va. —The Coast Guard is searching for a 32-year-old man who went missing, Wednesday, at Brier Hall point in the Alligator River near the entrance to the Albemarle Sound in North Carolina.

Coast Guard Sector North Carolina watchstanders received notification at noon via the Dare County 911 Dispatch Center from Manns Harbor Fire Department that a vessel was sinking, and two people were in the water.

Dare County also reported that one man swam to shore, but the other was still missing.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Elizabeth City, in Elizabeth City, N.C., to search with Manns Harbor Fire Department.

BOSTON — The Coast Guard is searching for a missing towboat captain west of Pocasset, Mass., Wednesday.

Watchstanders from the Sector Southeastern New England command center received a distress call at approximately 1 a.m. from the captain of the 29-foot TowBoat U.S. vessel Triple J, reporting that his vessel was taking on water.

A 25-foot Response Boat from Station Cape Cod Canal, a 41-foot utility boat from Station Woods Hole and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tigershark were immediately launched to search for the captain.

The Wareham, Mass., harbor master found the Triple J unmanned and partially submerged around 6 a.m. approximately three miles south of Hog Island Channel.

“He called us on a VHF-radio and we were able quickly find a fixed position,” said Lt. Brian Hall, the command duty officer at Sector Southeast New England. "We launched several assets and are conduct a thorough search of the area."

Assisting in the search are:

• Bourne, Mass., Police Department
• Wareham Harbor Master
• Marion, Mass., Harbor Master

View Larger Map

BOSTON — The Coast Guard has ended its search for the missing TowBoat U.S. captain off Pocasset, Mass., Wednesday.

Divers from the Wareham, Mass., Fire Department located the man deceased inside the cabin of the 29-foot Triple J around 8:30 a.m.

“Ending a search like this is a hard outcome to accept,” said Lt. Brian Hall, the command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The Coast Guard and other agencies began the search after watchstanders from the Sector Southeastern New England command center received a distress call at approximately 1 a.m. from the Triple J’s captain, reporting that his vessel was taking on water.

A 25-foot Response Boat from Coast Guard Station Cape Cod Canal, a 41-foot Utility Boat from Coast Guard Station Woods Hole and the Coast Guard Cutter Tigershark were immediately launched to search for the captain.

The Wareham, Mass., harbormaster found the Triple J unmanned and partially submerged around 6 a.m. approximately three miles south of Hog Island Channel.

Other agencies involved in the search were:

• Bourne, Mass., Police Department
• Wareham Harbormaster
• Marion, Mass., Harbormaster

"Sadly, accidents like these are a very real danger of working on the water,” said Lt. Daniel Tanksley, a command
duty officer at the 1^st Coast Guard District Command Center. “In the wake of tragedies like this, we urge mariners to recognize these dangers, operate safely, and be prepared for the worst.”

Editor's note: For high resolution version, click the image above.

LIHU’E, Kauai – Coast Guardsmen from Station Kauai, along with members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, joined Bernard J. Carvalho, Jr., mayor of the County of Kauai, in signing a proclamation declaring May 19-25 National Safe Boating Week on Kauai, Tuesday.

National Safe Boating Week is an annual Coast Guard and Coast Guard Auxiliary supported initiative with the goal of encouraging safe boating practices by mariners throughout the country. The week highlights the importance of safety equipment aboard vessels such as life jackets, proper communication equipment, and the benefits of owning an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The hope is to encourage people to carry appropriate safety equipment which could save their life.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary photo by Jim Jung.

SEATTLE — Boom is deployed, May 15, 2012, to contain the oil sheen that was leaked after a boat fire sunk the fishing vessel Deep Sea on Sunday near Whidbey Island, Wash. A total of 2,100 gallons of diesel fuel has been recovered and 4,400-feet of boom deployed in response to the incident. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard, Washington Dept. of Ecology, Health, and Natural Resources continue to respond to the sunken fishing vessel Deep Sea, Tuesday, located in Penn Cove near Whidbey Island, Wash.

The cracked vent estimated to be leaking two gallons per minute was plugged and is no longer emitting fuel. Three deployable skimmers, two vacuum trucks, one vessel containing bales of absorbent material and two dive teams are on-scene. One boom-tending vessel is en route.

The dive teams continue to siphon fuel from the vessel’s external vents. Once complete, the teams will look for any remaining fuel located inside the vessel. Approximately 2,100 gallons of diesel has been recovered. In addition, 4,400-feet of boom has been deployed to contain the surface sheen.

Coast Guard pollution investigators will remain on scene until the containment and cleanup process is complete. The Oil Spill Liability Fund will remain open to pay for the response effort until completion.   

The Washington Dept. of Ecology continues to monitor shore areas for potential environmental effects from the spill.  Oil sheen - a very thin coating of oil - covers the surface of nearby waters.  Some sheen has reached shore in places.  The sheen is too thin for removal from the water.

Ecology is analyzing water samples collected on Monday from Penn Cove to help evaluate environmental impacts from the spill. There have been no injured or killed mammals or fish observed or reported.

The Washington Dept. of Health has temporarily closed Penn Cove to shellfish harvesting because of the diesel spill.  The major commercial shellfish operation in Penn Cove voluntarily stopped harvesting on Sunday before any diesel reached its shellfish. The volume of diesel spilled from the boat grew through Monday, leaving a visible fuel sheen over the commercial operation and leading the state to close the area. Recreational shellfish harvesting in Penn Cove is also being temporarily closed. Before the area is reopened to harvest, the shellfish will be tested to confirm that they’re safe to eat.

The Dept. of Natural Resources is developing options for salvaging the vessel once the Coast Guard and Ecology's environment assessment team have completed their work.

For additional information on the response, respectively contact:

13th Coast Guard District Public Affairs office at (206) 220-7237

Larry Altose, Dept. of Ecology at (425) 649-7009; cell: (206) 920-2600

Donn Moyer, Dept. of Health at (360) 236-4076; cell: (360) 280-0487

Toni Droscher, Dept. of Natural Resources at (360) 902-1523

NEW YORK - Capt. Joseph Vojvodich, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, New Haven, Conn., right, presents a public service award pin to Les Trafford, owner of Sea-Tow Shinnecock/Moriches, N.Y., May 15, 2012. Trafford was recognized for his exemplary commitment to maritime safety and support of Long Island, N.Y., Coast Guard units. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta H. Disco.

NEW YORK -  Capt. Joseph Vojvodich, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound, New Haven, Conn., right, presents a certificate of merit to Les Trafford, owner of Sea-Tow Shinnecock/Moriches, N.Y., May 15, 2012. Trafford was recognized for his exemplary commitment to maritime safety and support of Long Island, N.Y., Coast Guard units. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Jetta H. Disco. 

Click the below thumbnail to obtain a high-resolution version

CLEVELAND — The keynote speaker and public service award recipients from the U.S. Coast Guard pose for a picture following the Cleveland Federal Executive Board's Wings of Excellence Federal Employee Recognition Ceremony at the Marriot Key Center in Cleveland, May 11, 2012. Pictured left to right are: (back row) Greg Harris, vice president of development at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum; Lt. Richard Colby, an asset line manager at Civil Engineering Unit Cleveland; Petty Officer 1st Class Scott Hutton, a storekeeper with Base Support Detachment Cleveland; Petty Officer 1st Class Ben Phlipot, an information systems technician with Electronic Systems Support Unit Cleveland; Capt. Thomas Routhier, commanding officer of Base Cleveland; (front row) David Bolanz, area housing manager for the 9th Coast Guard District; Katherine Carver, a real property accountability specialist with Civil Engineering Unit Cleveland; and Lt. Cmdr. David Uhl, chief of reserve readiness for the 9th Coast Guard District. NASA photo by Michelle M. Murphy

NEW YORK – A Coast Guard law enforcement team terminated a vessel voyage in Sandy Hook Bay, N.J., Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

While performing a routine vessel safety check on a 19-foot pleasure craft with one person onboard, the crew from Coast Guard Cutter Chinook noted three violations: no life jackets, Type IV flotation device or sound-producing device.

The crew of the Chinook terminated the voyage and escorted the vessel to Atlantic Highlands Marina. The man was fishing for clams when he was boarded by the Coast Guard.

“We terminated the vessel voyage for the safety of the passenger onboard,” said Chief Petty Officer Rodger Krass, a Sector New York command duty officer. “The person was not properly equipped to be on the water.”

Although the outside air temperatures are warming up, water temperatures are still very cold, and sea conditions can present unforeseen challenges. Proper safety equipment can save your life in an emergency.

The public is invited to explore a variety of Coast Guard rescue boats and witness a Coast Guard helicopter from Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., conduct a search and rescue demonstration with a Station New Haven Rescue boat crew.

Also at the open house:

• Local police and fire department units will offer demonstrations of their vehicles and equipment.

• Coast Guard Auxiliary and New Haven Power Squadrons will be available to discuss boating safety and “paddle smart” activities.

• Environmental organizations, such as the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, will be available to discuss issues that affect Long Island Sound.

• A U.S. Air National Guard Black Hawk Helicopter will be on display and the crew will be available to talk to the public.

WHO: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound and partnering agencies

WHAT: Annual open house, admission is free. Participants include: CG Station New Haven, Conn., Air National Guard, New Haven and West Haven Fire Dept., New Haven, Milford and Branford Police Dept., Conn. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, International Ice Patrol, Sea Cadets, USCG Auxiliary and the TSA.

WHEN: Saturday, May 19, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

WHERE: U.S. Coast Guard Sector Long Island Sound

             120 Woodward Ave, New Haven, Conn.

WHY: National Safe Boating Week.

Hot dogs, burgers, chips, sodas and a variety of baked goods will be for sale.

This is a great opportunity for the public to ask questions and learn about the various Coast Guard missions within the Connecticut and Long Island area.  There will be plenty of information to help educate people on how to stay safe on the water this summer.

It is important to note that the Coast Guard does not work alone in its efforts to rescue people in distress and protect the environment.  The open house also serves as a way to maintain and highlight important relationships federal, state and local agencies that participate in search and rescue efforts in the area.

NEW YORK - A Coast Guard rescue boat crew medically evacuated two men from a tanker anchored at Stapleton Anchorage in New York Harbor, Tuesday, May 15, 2012.

The crew of the tanker Aztec called the Coast Guard requesting medical assistance at 11:28 a.m. for a 60-year-old man reportedly suffering from symptoms of a heart attack.

The Coast Guard rescue crew from Station New York, with an emergency medical technician onboard, evacuated the man from the Aztec to provide medical attention and transportation to shore. The man was transferred to local emergency medical services personnel waiting on Staten Island.

In a second call shortly after the first rescue, the crew of the Aztec again radioed the Coast Guard requesting medical assistance for a 58-year-old-man reportedly suffering from symptoms of a seizure.

The Station New York rescue boat crew returned to the Aztec and safely evacuated the second man from the vessel. He was transferred to local emergency medical services personnel waiting on Staten Island.

Both men were taken to Staten Island University Hospital.

"It was unusual to have two medevacs from the same vessel," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason C. Aleksak, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station New York. “Fortunately we were able to provide the attention both patients needed and get them to further medical care."