Office of External Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard

Date: April 4, 2008

Contact:  Lt. Dan Satterfield
(314) 269-2614

COAST GUARD RESPONDS TO FLOODING IN MISSOURI

ST. LOUIS - The Coast Guard activated two of its Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) after a request for assistance was received from the State of Missouri.

At approximately 12 p.m. yesterday, the Missouri's State Emergency Management Agency contacted the Coast Guard and requested assistance. As of 4:30 a.m. this morning, two DARTs have been deployed to southeast Missouri in the vicinity Sikeston.  In addition to the DARTs, two Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopters have been mobilized for state and local support.

A DART consists of three flat bottom boats known as flood punts, capable of navigating in shallow flood waters. Eight crewman trained in flood response accompany each DART.

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U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790