One Coast Guard Air Station Sitka helicopter crew flew more than 560 miles in one night while performing back-to-back medical evacuations in southeast Alaska. Two calls for help came in at about the same time on Saturday evening and, after consulting with a flight surgeon, the crew launched to medevac the patients. One was located in Klawock and the other in Haines. Story here
Coast Guard Sector Northern New England had a busy summer, 25% busier than last year with 420 SAR cases. As the weather and ocean temperature begin to quickly cool off in the north, the Coast Guard urges mariners to dress appropriately, wear a life jacket, and practice safe boating by filing a float plan, preparing for emergencies, carrying a VHF radio, and registering your boat. Story here
Rescue 21 – the Coast Guard’s advanced command, control and communications system – cuts response time and helps rescuers locate boaters. The system provides lines of bearing from one or more receiver towers to the location of the radio call to help pinpoint where the distress call might be coming from. Watch the video and read story here
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