Date: Aug. 1, 2008

Contact: Petty Officer Will Mitchell
(216) 902-6020 office
(216) 310-2608 cell

COAST GUARD RESCUES BOATERS WHO STRUCK A BREAKWALL

ASHTABULA, Ohio - The Coast Guard rescued five people off a sinking boat in Conneaut Harbor, Thursday after the boaters' 22-foot pleasure craft struck the harbor  breakwall.

The crew of a Coast Guard 33-foot Special Purpose Craft - Law Enforcement from Coast Guard Station Ashtabula helped three adult males and two boys off the sinking boat and onto the nearby breakwall.

A good samaritan was already on-scene assisting the boaters before the Coast Guard arrived, but soon got in trouble when his rudder became fouled by a rope he tried to throw to the distressed boaters.

The good samaritan was able to fix his boat and left the scene after the five boaters were safely on the breakwall.

The Coast Guard escorted them on their walk down the breakwall back to shore where they were treated by awaiting Emergency Medical Services.

"When boaters are operating around jetties and breakwalls they are recomended to operate at slower speeds and keep a vigilant watch," said Petty Officer 2nd Class John Strottmann of Station Ashtabula. "Boaters can also take a safe boating class that the Coast Guard Auxiliary offers, and if they are unfamiliar with the area there is nothing wrong with stopping to get your bearings." Strottmann continued.

For further Information contact Petty Officer Will Mitchell, Ninth District Public Affairs Office, at (216) 310-2608.