SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard suspended the search this evening for a man whose recreational vessel was found capsized off the coast of Ano Nuevo State Park, Calif., on Friday morning.

The 64-year old man was reported missing by his son when he did not return after departing from the Pillar Point Marina in an 18-foot white recreational boat on Wednesday.

Crews aboard 47-foot Motor Lifeboats from Coast Guard Stations Golden Gate and Monterey, two MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station San Francisco, a HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Sacramento, the Coast Guard Cutter TERN, an 87-foot coastal patrol boat homeported in San Francisco, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department fixed wing aircraft and two small boats, and the Pillar Point Harbor Master all responded to the search for the man. The Coast Guard Auxiliary also assisted in a shore-side search that stretched from Half Moon Bay to Santa Cruz.

Responding units searched more than 3,800 square nautical miles of water, an area more than twice the size of Rhode Island.   

PITTSBURGH — The Coast Guard honored a World War II hero with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at an American Legion in Pittsburgh, Friday.

Thomas A. Vitale received the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic efforts while helping exhausted and helpless survivors reach the safety of the USS Comanche during a torpedo attack on the S.S. Dorchester, Feb. 3, 1943.

"We were privileged to honor one of our Coast Guard heroes from WWII for distinguished bravery and selfless service," said Cmdr. Richard Timme, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh. "Mr. Vitale's actions are deserving of our recognition and are a shining example of the Coast Guard's crucial wartime service to the nation."

Editor's note: For high resolution images click the thumbnails above.

HONOLULU –  The Coast Guard signed a memorandum of agreement with Maui and Hawaii Counties to improve coordination and maintain consistent interoperability during search and rescue missions Thursday.

Rear Adm. Charles W. Ray, commander of the 14th Coast Guard District, met with Mayors Alan M. Arakawa of Maui County and William P. Kenoi of Hawaii County at each mayor’s respective city hall. Ray signed the agreements, which set forth terms by which the local fire departments, Ocean Safety, Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu, and Coast Guard Sector Honolulu will coordinate and carry out civil and military search and rescue missions. 

The objective of this agreement is to provide an instrument by which the local and federal responders will render timely notification and cooperative assistance to one another while conducting SAR missions. By doing so, responders can fully leverage each organization’s unique assets, capabilities, and local knowledge while conducting SAR missions.

“This agreement offers benefits to both local and federal responders,” said Lt. Cmdr. Matt Derrenbacher of Sector Honolulu. “But the real benefits go to the citizens who live in and visit the Hawaiian Islands. We’re here to serve the public by providing them the best rescue, response capabilities and coordination possible to save lives.” 

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

SAN DIEGO -- An aircrew from U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego airlift a man who needed urgent medical care from a cruise ship approximately 30 miles southwest of San Diego, Feb. 2, 2012.

The 61-year-old man was transported to Sector San Diego and transferred to emergency medical personnel for further care. U.S. Coast Guard video by Sector San Diego.

PADUCAH, Ky.—The Coast Guard approved a salvage plan, Friday, to remove both the supply ship Delta Mariner and a section of the Eggner Ferry Bridge that remains on its bow following an allision a week ago.

Salvage operations are anticipated to begin Saturday. Foss Maritime, owner of the Delta Mariner, has brought in numerous support vessels and technical salvage equipment in anticipation of debris removal operations.

"The Coast Guard is working closely with Foss Maritime to ensure the safest and most efficient salvage of the ship," said Cmdr. Claudia Gelzer, commanding officer of Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Paducah. "The company is cooperating fully and bringing the appropriate resources to bear in support of the operation. The goal is to free the ship from the bridge span debris and assess damages so it can be repaired and put back into service."

The Coast Guard has been enforcing a safety zone from mile marker 41 to mile marker 43 on either side of the bridge on the Tennessee River to protect the public from the damaged bridge and stricken ship since Jan. 26, 2012. The river was opened to commercial traffic on Jan. 28, 2012, with speed restrictions.

The Coast Guard Cutter Obion and 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 and Marshall County Police.

There are no reported injuries or pollution at this time.

The investigation into the cause of the incident is ongoing.

For more information about the allision, contact Lt. Ron Easley at 270-816-7627.

Editor's Note: A media availability is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, at Kenlake Marina, 888 Kenlake, Hardin, Ky., with representatives from Foss Maritime and the Coast Guard who will be available to answer questions regarding the salvage operations.

Click the below thumbnail to obtain a high-resolution version.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - Connie Deneweth (second from left), CEO of Traverse City State Bank, presents Cmdr. Joseph Buzzella, commanding officer of Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, the Caught Thriving Award, Feb. 2, 2011, at the air station. The air station was presented the award in recognition of their many volunteer and community outreach efforts, including a mentorship program with Traverse Heights Elementary School, partnership with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, volunteering with United Way, coaching youth sports teams, assisting with the Special Olympics, and other programs. Also pictured are Cmdr. Scott Langum, Air Station Traverse City executive officer, and Ann Bollinger, Traverse City State Bank CFO. U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy Air Station Traverse City

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City was presented with the "Caught Thriving Award" by Traverse City State Bank on Thursday at a ceremony at the air station.

The Caught Thriving Award is given monthly to local businesses and organizations that are helping the area to thrive.

The air station was recognized for its many volunteer efforts.  Members of the air station are helping the community through various volunteer efforts and outreach programs, including a mentorship program with students at Traverse Heights Elementary School, partnership with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, volunteering with United Way, coaching youth sports teams, assisting with Special Olympics events, and supporting other programs.

"There are many things that make being stationed in Traverse City special," said Cmdr. Joseph Buzzella, commanding officer of the air station.  "Most notably is the strong relationship between the Coast Guard and the community.

"This award recognizes the efforts of the men and women of Air Station Traverse City and the impact they make in this great town," he said.  "We are proud to continue the relationship that makes Traverse City a Coast Guard City."

For more information on this event, please contact the public affairs officer at Air Station Traverse City, Lt. j.g. Chris Breuer, at 231-922-8273.  During non-business hours, please contact the duty desk at 231-922-8212.

SAN DIEGO -- An aircrew from U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Diego airlifted a passenger in need of urgent medical care from a cruise ship approximately 30 miles southwest of San Diego Thursday evening.

The crew of the Inspiration requested the medevac for the 61-year-old man who was experiencing chest pain at approximately 5:30 p.m.

A Coast Guard flight surgeon was consulted and recommended an immediate medevac for the passenger.

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter launched from Sector San Diego to perform the medevac.

The Jayhawk crew hoisted the passenger from the cruise ship and transported him to Sector San Diego at 7:40 p.m., where he was transferred to emergency medical personnel for further care.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A crewman aboard the fishing vessel Julio Pedro was medevaced by the Coast Guard after it was reported he was suffering seizures approximately 67 miles west of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders were notified by the captain of the Julio Pedro stating his crewman, 37, was suffering intermittent seizures and vomiting. After consulting the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon, a medevac was deemed necessary.

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew who arrived on scene and lowered a swimmer to assess the situation. Due to the amount of gear on board the Julio Pedro, a water hoist was determined to be the safest way to get the man to safety.

The rescue swimmer helped the man put on his survival suit, placed him in the water and assisted with his safe hoist into the helicopter.

The injured crewmember was taken to Tampa General Hospital. 

The Coast Guard pilot involved in the rescue will be available for on camera interviews between 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Friday. Any interested media please contact Lt. Cmdr. Bill Friday at 727-539-9140. 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Coast Guard students and instructors of the Gulf Regional Fisheries Training Center visited the Texas State Aquarium to familiarize themselves with the various species of marine life in the Gulf of Mexico, Thursday.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the Gulf of Mexico was formed as a result of seafloor subsidence approximately 300 million years ago. It is approximately 995 square miles from east to west and approximately 560 square miles from north to south.

Circulating as a loop current, water enters the Gulf through the Yucatan Strait and exits through the Florida Straight, forming the Gulf Stream. This body of water is the ninth largest in the world; it serves as a deposit from the Mississippi River which pushes more than 3.3 million gallons of water into the Gulf every second, and its resources are some of the most productive in the world. 

These resources, such as fisheries, shrimp and oysters, are supplied to states all across the country.  To help keep the supply flowing, the Coast Guard helps regulate those resources and trains its members with instructors based at the Gulf Regional Fisheries Training Center in New Orleans. GRFTC conducts approximately 20 classes a year and trains nearly 400 law enforcement agents from the Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and state and federal fish and wildlife agencies. The students are from units ranging from Brownsville, Texas, to Key West, Fla.

The training center instructors combine classroom lectures that include learning about everything from the different lengths and weight of fish to the different fishing seasons.

They perform practical exercises such as the proper method of measuring fish and turtle excluder devices. Class members were also are given written tests regarding laws and regulations, types of vessels, how to use marine measuring tools and how to identify and preserve the many different species of marine life.

“This course teaches our boarding teams how to enforce the National Marine Fisheries rules and regulations in order to protect our natural resources,” said Petty Officer 1st Class David Walson, an instructor with GRFTC. “Byproduct reduction devices and turtle excluder devices allow unintended species to escape from fishing nets while still capturing the intended catch.”

To identify the marine life up close, class members spent one morning at the Texas State Aquarium with a book about sport fish in the Gulf. This book helps with identification and information on all popular species that are in the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit.

“Going to the aquarium was a great opportunity for hands on experience to transfer what we learned in the classroom to being able to identify various marine species,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Kyle Timberlake, a student. “Overall the class was fun and I’ve learned new fisheries enforcement regulations to help protect the fishermen and our natural resources.”

After completion of the class, members return to the field to continue the living marine resource and the marine environmental protection missions with their perspective units along the Gulf Coast. They will conduct boardings using the skills taught to them by GRFTC.

The Gulf of Mexico has more than 400 species of shells, it is home to two of the 10 busiest ports in the world, and its shores and beaches are ideal for swimming, water sports and fishing. With all these facts in play, and many more, the goal of GRFTC is to ensure that class members learn and retain everything that is taught, and are prepared when boarding a vessel in the Gulf to help ensure the protection of the Gulf and its resources.

This most recent class included students from Station Sabine Pass, Texas, Station Port O’Connor, Texas, Sector Hampton Roads, Va., the Coast Guard Cutter Brandt stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the Coast Guard Cutter Amberjack, stationed in South Padre Island, Texas.

Images are available of this event:
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1522933
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1522930
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1522927
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1522915
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1522903 

Video is available here:
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1523506
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1523503 

HONOLULU – The Coast Guard and the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration are responding to a whale reportedly entangled from head to tail in fishing nets 6 miles south of Maalaea Bay, Maui Thursday.

Station Maui received a call at 8 a.m from the charter boat Maui Diamond 2 reporting an adult male humpback whale entangled in fishing net from head to tail dragging two orange buoys.

A Coast Guard crew from Station Maui and a National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration marine mammal specialist launched aboard a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium at 9 a.m. to evaluate and tag the whale. The crew of the charter boat remained on scene until the RB-M arrived.

“We had a great opportunity here with the Maui Diamond 2 standing-by the animal and we wanted to respond as quickly as possible.  Hopefully, our team will have the ability to tag the whale and gather enough information to allow a team of advanced responders to relocate and free the animal" said Eric Roberts, 14th Coast Guard District marine mammal response manager.

A Coast Guard Auxiliary airplane was also launched to observe the from the air. The RB-M is currently following the whale.

Mariners are asked to report distressed or entangled marine mammal sightings to either the NOAA Fisheries Hotline at 888-256-9840 or the US Coast Guard on channel 16.

Protecting the nation's natural resources is one of the Coast Guard’s five strategic goals.  The Coast Guard is the foremost agency with the capability and authority to project a federal law enforcement presence into the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and upon the high seas. The Coast Guard's strategic plan for marine protected species is called Ocean Steward.

Coast Guard objectives include assisting in preventing the decline of marine protected species populations, promoting the recovery of marine protected species and their habitats, partnering with other agencies and organizations to enhance stewardship of marine ecosystems and ensuring internal compliance with appropriate legislation, regulations and management practices.

The Coast Guard uses a wide variety of multi-mission assets to carry out its strategic goal of protecting the maritime environment. The 45-foot Response Boat-Medium is part of the Coast Guard’s recapitalization efforts to ensure the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct its many missions. One of the many benefits of the RB-M, aside from its multi-mission capabilities, is the jet drive used to power the vessel. The jet drive can easily maneuver the RB-M if a whale gets too close, without the risk of harming the endangered species. Hawaii's first RBM was delivered in June 2010.

For more information on the Coast Guards recapitalization program, click the following link: http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/.

Media are invited to contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office for more information on the Coast Guard’s ongoing efforts to protect the natural resources of the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific at 808-535-3230. For more information on NOAA involvement in this case contact Wende Goo at 808-721-4098

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MIAMI — Students from the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy in Miami participate in a Q&A session with retired Coast Guard captain and International Space Station Mission Commander Dan Burbank via video chat Feb. 2, 2012. The event also included an in-person Q&A session with U.S. Coast Guard Academy faculty and cadets. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nick Ameen.

MIAMI - Students from the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy watch a live video connection with Commander Dan Burbank, retired Coast Guard captain as he answers their questions aboard the International Space Station Feb. 2, 2012 at the MAST Academy. The initiative, which is organized by faculty members at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., is designed to boost the awareness of and to encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI – A student from Key Biscayne Community School in Miami asks Lt. Cmdr. Royce W. James, Ph.D Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff at U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., asks a question about the ozone layer Feb. 2, 2012 at the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy. Students got a chance to ask science questions and learn about Coast Guard missions and the life as a Cadet at the Coast Guard Academy before watching a live video connection with Commander Dan Burbank, retired Coast Guard captain as he answers their questions aboard the International Space Station. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI- Lt. Cmdr. Royce W. James, Ph.D Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff at U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., talk to students from the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy and Key Biscayne Community School about physics Feb. 2, 2012 at the MAST Academy. Students got a chance to ask science questions and learn about Coast Guard missions and the life as a Cadet at the Coast Guard Academy before watching a live video connection with Commander Dan Burbank, retired Coast Guard captain as he answers their questions aboard the International Space Station. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI – Lt. Cmdr. Royce W. James, Ph.D, Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff at U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., prepares to be interviewed by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nick Ameen, a Public Affairs Specialist at 7th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Feb. 2, 2012 at the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy. During the interview James talked about his possible future in the astronaut program, the importance of Science to the Coast Guard and helping students purse their dreams. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI – Cadet Julia Kane, U.S. Coast Guard Academy hands out a prize to a Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy student for answering a science question correct Feb. 2, 2012 at the MAST Academy. Coast Guard members from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., organized a visit to the MAST Academy so student can watch a live video connection with Commander Dan Burbank, retired Coast Guard captain as he answers their questions aboard the International Space Station to boost the awareness of and to encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). U.S. Coast guard Photo by Petty Officer Sabrina Elgmamal.

BAYFIELD, Wis. — The U.S. Coast Guard is issuing a warning Thursday that the unusually warm temperatures observed this year have greatly increased the possibility of weakened ice.

"Due to the unseasonably warm temperatures, the ice conditions on Lake Superior are deteriorating quickly and are inherently unsafe," said Chief Petty Officer James Robertson, officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Bayfield, Wis.

The combination of warmer temperatures and shifting winds has caused extremely hazardous ice conditions on the lake. The Coast Guard cautions the public about venturing out on the ice and reminds all citizens that ice can be dangerous and unpredictable.

Proper precautions should always be taken before heading out on the water or the ice. 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.

For more information, contact Coast Guard Station Bayfield at 715-779-5100.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The crew of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter medically evacuated a 46-year-old man Thursday from Mona Island, Puerto Rico.

Search-and-rescue coordinators at the Coast Guard Sector San Juan command center were contacted at approximately 8:06 a.m. Thursday by a Puerto Rico Department of Natural Environmental Resources park ranger, who notified that one of their employees was suffering from a seizure.

After consultation with a Coast Guard flight surgeon, a medevac was determined necessary. A Coast Guard rescue aircrew from Air Station Borinquen was launched to conduct the medevac.

The Coast Guard rescue aircrew landed on Mona Island, received the patient and transported him to the Medical Center Hospital in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.  The patient was transferred to awaiting Emergency Medical Service personnel for further medical care.

The condition of the patient is unknown at this time.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Senior Chief Petty Officer Colleen McCarthy, (left), officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Kenosha, Wis., and Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Beatty, officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Frankfort, Mich., pin new rank insignia on the collar of Rebecca Polzin, officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Michigan City during her advancement to senior chief petty officer, Feb. 2, 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Kody Felthoff.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Capt. Matthew Sibley (left), commander of Coast Guard Sector Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee, Wis., congratulates Rebecca Polzin, officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Michigan City, after her advancement to senior chief petty officer on Feb. 1, 2012.  U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Kody Felthoff.

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. — Rebecca Polzin, a native of Preston, Minn., and current officer-in-charge of Coast Guard Station Michigan City, Ind., was advanced to the rate of senior chief petty officer in the U.S. Coast Guard during a ceremony held at Station Michigan City, today.

As officer-in-charge of Station Michigan City, Polzin ensures the 19 enlisted active-duty Coast Guardsmen and seven enlisted reservists assigned there successfully carry out the unit's missions: search and rescue; maritime law enforcement; ports, waterways, and coastal security; and marine environmental protection.

A 12-year Coast Guard veteran, Polzin has been stationed at six different units across the United States, including the Coast Guard Cutter Monomoy, aboard which she deployed to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A native of Preston, Minn., Polzin graduated from Coast Guard Recruit Training Center Cape May, N.J., in September 1999. Polzin has her 100-ton Merchant Mariners license and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nutrition, fitness and health at Purdue University.

Her military decorations include one Coast Guard Commendation Medal, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals and one Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

For more information, contact Coast Guard Station Michigan City at 219-879-8371.

WHO: Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh/Thomas A. Vitale

WHAT: Presentation of the Navy and Marine Corps Medal

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 3, 2012 at 10:15 a.m.

WHERE: American Legion, 820 Broad Ave, Belle Vernon, Pa., 15012

PITTSBURGH — The Coast Guard will honor a World War II hero with the Navy and Marine Corps Medal at an American Legion in Pittsburgh, Friday.

Thomas A. Vitale will receive the Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his heroic efforts while helping exhausted and helpless survivors reach the safety of the USS Comanche during a torpedo attack on the S.S. Dorchester, Feb. 3, 1943.

"This award recognizes that Mr. Vitales' actions were in keeping with the highest ideals of military service and in particular the Coast Guard life-saving ethos," said Cmdr. Richard Timme, commanding officer of MSU Pittsburgh. "We are honored to have a part in presenting it to one of our genuine World War II heroes."

ENGLEWOOD, Fla. — Two Englewood residents are safe after being rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard approximately 13 miles west of Stump Pass, Fla., Tuesday.

The two men were spotted sitting on the hull of their submerged vessel frantically waiving their arms 1800 yards away by watchstanders aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Diamondback, homeported in Miami, while it was in transit to drydock.

The cutter Diamondback launched their smallboat crew who took the men off the submerged vessel and brought them aboard the cutter.

"Luck on behalf of the survivors along with vigilant watchstanding by the cutter Diamondbacks crew ultimately saved their lives as their vessel capsized prior to them making any callouts for help and they didn't have any kind of signaling equipment on board," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Robert Wood, command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg's command center. "Having an electronic position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) on board all vessels is highly recommended to expedite the rescue process in distress cases unforseen." 

The two men were transferred to Coast Guard Station Cortez. No injuries were reported.

SEATTLE — The Coast Guard and Washington Dept. of Ecology are responding to a vessel explosion that occurred at the John Wayne Marina in Sequim Bay, Wash., at approximately 6 p.m., Tuesday. 

An approximately 40-foot vessel exploded while moored and sank in the bay. One person was pulled from the wreckage and airlifted, by an Airlift Northwest helicopter crew, to Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle. The condition of the person and his relationship to the vessel are unknown at this time. 

Clallam County Firefighters are deploying oil containment boom around the vessel to contain any sheen caused by the sinking.

Coast Guard and Ecology personnel are en route to the scene to coordinate cleanup efforts and begin an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion. 

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

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

Seaman Jarrod Reed (center), along with Seaman Charles Gray (left) and Seaman Pablo Taborda Jr., were recognized as the Coast Guard's Shipmate of the Week on Friday. The three men were all standing lookout watch while underway on Coast Guard Cutter Venturous when they spotted five fishermen in the water two nautical miles away, allowing the ship's crew to effect a rescue of the men. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. j.g. Jason Veara.

CLEVELAND — An East Liverpool, Ohio, native and two others were recognized as the Coast Guard's "Shipmates of the Week" on Friday for helping rescue five fishermen off the southern coast of Jamaica earlier this month.

The three men are only recent graduates of basic training at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May, N.J.

Click here to read a blog post, announcing the men as the Coast Guard's "Shipmates of the Week."

Seaman Jarrod Reed of East Liverpool, Seaman Charles Gray of Norcross, Ga., and Seaman Pablo Taborda, Jr. of Miami were standing lookout watch on Jan. 3, during a counter-narcotics patrol aboard Coast Guard Cutter Venturous, a 210-foot medium-endurance cutter homeported in Saint Petersburg, Fla.

As the ship's crew encountered 12-foot seas and 35-knot winds, the trio spotted a light in the distance at 11 p.m. and reported it to the crew standing watch on the bridge.

“The OOD (officer of the day) thought it might be a buoy, but we were confident we had spotted something more than that,” said Taborda, who graduated Coast Guard basic training on Dec. 9, 2011, and had only been on patrol with Venturous four days. “Our commitment as Coast Guardsmen and our confidence as look outs made the OOD and the command want to check it out further.”

With no correlating radar contacts in the area, the crew of Venturous went to investigate the light. The crew used their forward looking infrared camera and spotted the five fishermen clinging to the wreckage of their sunken fishing vessel. The light the fishermen used to signal the lookouts was a cell phone that surprisingly survived the capsizing of the vessel. Gray, Reed and Taborda had spotted the cell phone light from more than two miles away in 12-foot seas.

“Even though you’re the lowest man on the totem pole, you’re still capable of making that big difference in somebody’s life,” said Reed, who graduated Coast Guard basic training on Sept. 9, 2011.  “We were able to make a difference that night.”

Each recruit at Training Center Cape May receives lookout training as part of their basic training, but Gray referenced another skill he learned at Training Center Cape May that is even more important.

“The most important thing I took away from training in Cape May is not to become complacent because that’s when someone can get hurt, or in this case, we could’ve very easily missed those guys,” said Gray, who graduated from the training center on Sept. 23, 2012. “They very well would be dead right now had we not seen them.”

Note: For more information, please contact Chief Warrant Officer Donnie Brzuska at 609-898-6362 or 609-224-0214 or email: donnie.c.brzuska@uscg.mil.

This image from the Coast Guard Cutter Venturous' infrared camera shows survivors waiving for help. U.S. Coast Guard photo

MIAMI - Miami native and two others were recognized as the Coast Guard's Shipmates of the Week http://coastguard.dodlive.mil/2012/01/shipmate-of-the-week-sn-charles-gray-jarrod-reed-pablo-taborda/ for helping to rescue five fishermen off the southern coast of Jamaica Jan. 3, 2012.

Seaman Pablo Taborda, Jr. of Miami, Seaman Charles Gray of Norcross, Ga., and Seaman Jarrod Reed of East Liverpool, Ohio, were standing lookout watch during a counter narcotics patrol aboard Coast Guard Cutter Venturous, which was encountering 12-foot seas and 35-knot winds at the time. The trio spotted a light in the distance in the punishing weather and reported it to the bridge.

The OOD (officer of the day) thought it might be a buoy, but we were confident we had spotted something more than that,” said Taborda, who graduated Dec. 9, 2011, with Recruit Company Whiskey 185 and had only been on patrol with Venturous four days. “Our commitment as Coast Guardsmen and our confidence as look outs made the OOD and the command want to check it out further.”

With no correlating radar contacts in the area, the crew of Venturous went to investigate the light. The crew used their forward looking infrared camera and spotted the five fishermen clinging to the wreckage of their sunken fishing vessel. The light the fishermen used to signal the lookouts was a cell phone that surprisingly survived the capsizing of the vessel. Gray, Reed and Taborda had spotted the cell phone light from more than two miles away in 12-foot seas.

“Even though you’re the lowest man on the totem pole, you’re still capable of making that big difference in somebody’s life,” said Reed, who graduated Sept. 9, 2011, with Recruit Company Lima 185. “We were able to make a difference that night.”

Each recruit at Training Center Cape May receives lookout training as part of their basic training, but the Gray referenced another skill he learned at Training Center Cape May that is even more important.

“The most important thing I took away from training in Cape May is not to become complacent because that’s when someone can get hurt, or in this case, we could’ve very easily missed those guys,” said Gray, who graduated Sept. 23, 2012, with Recruit Company November 185. “They very well would be dead right now had we not seen them.”

Capt. Bill Kelly, the commanding officer of Training Center Cape May, will brief basic training recruits here Wednesday at 10 a.m. on the success of their shipmates already in the fleet and motivate them in their final weeks of training. Members of the media are invited to attend this event, which will lbegin at 10 a.m. and last approximately 30 minutes. Interviews with Kelly and the recruits will be available following Kelly’s brief presentation.

"What we do here is important, and it does make a difference," said Kelly.  "The basically trained, physically fit, smartly disciplined non-rates we graduate week in and week out will be called upon to serve the day they step aboard their first units."   

Note: For more information, please contact Donnie Brzuska at O: 609-898-6362, C: 609-224-0214 or E: donnie.c.brzuska@uscg.mil. Please click on the link above for high-resolution photos.

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard Cutter Healy and tanker vessel Renda crews reached the ice-free portion of the Bering Sea late Sunday afternoon.

The two vessels are now parting ways as the Healy returns to homeport in Seattle.

"Throughout this historic journey the Coast Guard has benefited from federal, state and local partnerships to deliver the critical fuel supply to the City of Nome," said Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, 17th Coast Guard District commander. "Our number one priority in the last leg of this evolution is to continue ensuring the safety of both crews and the safety of the environment."

During the delivery of more than 1.3 million gallons of fuel to the city of Nome and subsequent return, the Healy escorted the Renda through about 800 miles of ice-covered Bering Sea. The delivery was necessary due to an early winter storm that prevented a scheduled fuel resupply to the city.

Click here for hourly images from the Coast Guard Cutter Healy.

Click the links below to see background information on the mission:

Multimedia Release: Healy, Renda begin departure from Nome

Multimedia Release: Update of Coast Guard Operations in Nome

Nome fuel delivery complete, vessels prepare for departure

Multimedia Release: Renda begins Nome fuel transfer

Photo Release: Coast Guard, tanker Renda prepare for fuel transfer

Video Release: Coast Guard, tanker Renda prepare for fuel transfer

Imagery Available: Coast Guard Cutter Healy, Russian tanker vessel Renda arrive in Nome

Multimedia Release: Healy, Renda seen from Nome

Renda passes port state control exam, operation moves forward

Cutter Healy, Renda to bring aid to Nome

For more information contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant DeVuyst 907-463-2067.