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Coast Guard Public Affairs |
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News Release |
Date: November 26, 2009 |
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Coast Guard rescues mariner, vessel sinks near Morro Bay Harbor |
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MORRO BAY, Calif - The Coast Guard rescued a mariner from a 56-foot recreational boat that sank approximately one and three-quarter miles southwest of the entrance to Morro Bay Harbor just before midnight on Wednesday, November 25th. Coast Guard Station Morro Bay responded with a 47-foot motor life boat to a report that the vessel Firefly was caught in the surf zone off Cayucos, Calif. Morro Bay Harbor Patrol also responded. The mariner maneuvered the vessel out of the surf zone and was heading south to Morro Bay Harbor. The Coast Guard crew located the vessel and commenced an escort to Morro Bay Harbor. During the transit the vessel became disabled with approximately 3-4 feet of water in the engine room. A second motor life boat from Station Morro Bay was launched to further assist. Coast Guardsmen from the motor life boats attempted to dewater the vessel, but it continued to take on water at a greater rate than the pumps could handle. When the vessel was listing hard to starboard and only about 2 inches of freeboard remained, the decision to evacuate the vessel was made. The vessel quickly sank in approximately 150 feet of water. Floating debris from the vessel was retrieved by the Coast Guard and Harbor Patrol. Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Santa Barbara is investigating. The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to maintain proper safety equipment on their vessel, including flotation devices, flares or smoke signals and a marine VHF radio. Being able to radio or signal for help can mean the difference between assisting a crew in need or searching for a crew lost at sea. |
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### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790.
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