Date: June 29, 2009

Contact: Petty Officer
George Degener
(216) 902-6020 office
(216) 310-2608 cell

Coast Guard assists sailing vessel in distress

CLEVELAND - The U.S. Coast Guard assisted a sailing vessel that was lodged against a rock wall at Edgewater Park, here, at approximately 4:40 p.m., Monday.

Station Cleveland Harbor received a distress call from a cellular phone at approximately 4:35 p.m. from sailing vessel in Edgewater Park , requesting assistance because of engine failure.

The station launched a 25-foot response boat and a 41-foot utility boat which arrived on scene to find the vessel against the rocks with one man aboard. The man was wearing a life jacket.

The 25-foot response boat pulled the sailing vessel off the rocks and transferred the tow to the 41-foot utility boat, which took the vessel to Edgewater Marina.

No injuries were reported.

The Coast Guard recommends that all mariners wear life jackets while boating and that all vessels have a means of communication onboard. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadron offer free Vessel Safety Checks to mariners, which include a complete examination of both safety equipment and machinery.

"It's definitely important to have your boat looked at", said Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Martin, the coxswain of the 41-foot utility boat, "that way you avoid problems before you get out on the water."

For more information contact Petty Officer George Degener at (216)-902-6020.

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