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COAST GUARD RESCUES FISHERMEN FROM LIFERAFT

Date: April 12, 2005
Contact: PA3 Jeff Pollinger
(206) 391-6591

SEATTLE -- A Coast Guard helicopter hoisted two fishermen from a liferaft five miles south of Tillamook Head, Ore., today after they abandoned thier 58-foot fishing boat after it began taking on water.
Coast Guard Group/Air Station Astoria launched two HH-60 Jayhawk helicopters after recieving a distress call on VHF Channel 16 at 12:18 p.m. from the operator of the Joyce Marie. Fourteen minutes later, the Coast Guard recieved a distress signal from an emergency positioning radio beacon attached to the liferaft
The Coast Guard helicopter hoisted the men at 12:48 p.m. and transported them safely to shore.
Two 47-foot motor lifeboats from Coast Guard Stations Cape Disappointment and Tillamook were also launched at 12:30 p.m. to assist.
A boat crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment will tow the vessel, which appears to be stable, later today.
As this case demonstrates, properly functioning safety equipment such as EPIRBS, liferafts and VHF radios are essential to prevent loss of life during a sinking at sea. Commercial fishing vessel operators are encouraged to get a courtesy fishing vessel safety dockside exam prior to leaving port. The Coast Guard provides year round exams to help ensure that all of the required safety equipment is on board and in good condition. The exam is done as a service and is not a law enforcement exam. Any discrepancies are provided to the owner as a work list. Mariners interested in the courtesy dockside exam program can contact Dan Hardin at (206) 220-7226.

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.