KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard rescued five from the 55-foot fishing tender St. Joesph 52 miles southeast of Cordova Friday night.

The Coast Guard Communications Station in Kodiak received a mayday call from the tender, relayed by the fishing vessel Heidi Linea, at 9:20 p.m. reporting that they had experienced a loss of steering in 20-foot seas. Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Cordova to respond.

"The helicopter crew arrived on scene at 11 p.m. and after discussing the situation with the master it was decided it was unsafe to the leave the crew aboard in 20-foot seas," said Petty Officer Jacques Castro, a search and rescue controller with Coast Guard Sector Anchorage. "All five crewmembers were safely hoisted and taken to Cordova."

The St. Joesph remains adrift. Plans are being made for an overflight of the area Saturday to relocate the vessel. A broadcast notice to mariners is being issued to alert mariners in the area of the possible hazard to navigation posed by the drifting vessel.

Personnel from Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Valdez are working with the master of the tender to assess the situation and determine if the vessel can be saved.

HONOLULU – Coast Guard aircrews piloting two MH-65 Dolphin helicopters conducted a medical evacuation of a 35-year-old Polish woman suffering symptoms of pneumonia aboard the cruise ship The World, approximately 92 miles southwest of Kona, Big Island, Friday.

Coast Guard watchstanders in Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu was notified of the patient's condition at approximately 9 p.m. Thursday.

At the time, the vessel was 293 miles southwest of Kona, Big Island. The World was originally en route to Honolulu but diverted to the Big Island to conduct the medevac. The ship’s doctor was treating the patient and her condition was stable at that time. The ship’s doctor reported that the ship would have an insufficient amount of oxygen by the time they reached port, due to the amount the patient was consuming, at 6 a.m. Friday.

The Coast Guard flight surgeon, upon hearing this, recommended the patient be medically evacuated and taken to a hospital ashore to receive treatment.

Coast Guard aircrews aboard two Dolphins and an HC-130 Hercules airplane were launched to conduct the medevac. The C-130 provided air cover for the operation. The first Dolphin rendezvoused with the ship 115 miles south of the coast to deliver oxygen for the patient at 11 a.m.

The second helicopter met the ship 92 miles southwest of Kona and safely hoisted the patient at approximately 12:15 p.m. The patient was taken to Kona Community Hospital for further treatment.

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

HONOLULU – As part of National Safe Boating Week, May 19-25, the Coast Guard has created several public service announcements with tips on how to improve safety on the water.

The following 30-second public service announcements are available for download and cover a variety of topics:

The hazards of alcohol: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629345

Filing a float plan: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629349

The importance of life jackets: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629352

Free vessel safety checks: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629355

VHF radio use: http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=1629358

For more information contact the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.

NEW YORK – Coast Guard Vice Adm. Rob Parker greets Coast Guard Capt. Eric Jones, Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, during a reception held aboard the tall ship May 25, 2012, during Fleet Week New York, the city’s celebration of the sea services.  Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas McKenzie.

NEW YORK - From left, Michael Johnson, Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Juan Torres, Coast Guard Capt. Steven Pope, Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Jeffrey Ryan and Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Allen Mordica (retired) –– re-enactors who comprise the Coast Guard Historic Ship’s Company –– attend a reception in replica War of 1812 uniforms aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle Friday, May 25, 2012, during Fleet Week New York, the city’s celebration of the sea services. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas McKenzie.

NEW YORK - The Coast Guard has established the Historic Ship’s Company to commemorate the War of 1812 and to interpret the history of the Revenue Marine - forerunner of the Coast Guard. The group illustrates the historic missions of the service and how they correspond to the missions of the modern day Coast Guard.

Fleet Week New York is the city’s celebration of the sea services held since 1984. Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships.

The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a 295-foot barque used as a training vessel for future officers of the U.S. Coast Guard, is one of two active commissioned sailing vessels in American military service -- the other being the U.S.S. Constitution.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard is scheduled to hold an acceptance ceremony and demonstration Tuesday at 1:30p.m. at Coast Guard Base San Juan in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico to receive the new Rescue 21 communications system covering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

WHO: Congresswoman Donna Christensen, United States Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress

Congressman Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico Resident Commissioner

Capt. Drew W. Pearson, Sector San Juan commander

Capt. John Wood, Coast Guard Acquisition Directorate’s C4ISR program manager

James Norton, Vice President for General Dynamics C4 Systems

WHAT: Rescue 21 acceptance ceremony, media availability, and demonstration.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 29 at 1:30p.m.

WHERE: Coast Guard Base San Juan, Calle La Puntilla, San Juan, Puerto Rico

RSVP: Credentialed media should RSVP to Ricardo Castrodad, Sector San Juan public affairs officer, at 787-510-7923 to facilitate entry into the installation.

Note to Editors: Credentialed media should arrive to the installation by no later than 1:30p.m. to arrive at event location and stage any camera equipment before commencement of ceremony.

Rescue 21, the Coast Guard’s advanced command, control and direction-finding communications system, was created to more efficiently locate mariners in distress to save lives and property at sea and on navigable waterways.

Capt. Drew Pearson, Commander of Sector San Juan, will join Coast Guard’s program manager for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems to talk about how Rescue 21’s state-of-the-art technology is enhancing search and rescue mission execution and maritime safety along the coasts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Congresswoman Christensen, United States Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress, and Congressman Pedro Pierluisi, Puerto Rico’s Resident Commissioner, will be speaking at the event. James Norton, Vice President for General Dynamics C4 Systems, will also deliver remarks.

Speakers will be made available to the media following the ceremony, followed by a tour of the Coast Guard Command Center and a Rescue 21 demonstration with visuals of the system at work for those interested.

More information about Rescue 21, which is operating throughout the U.S., can be found at http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/rescue21.

SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Coast Guard has established a safety zone during the Golden Gate Bridge 75th anniversary Celebration scheduled for Sunday, May 27, 2012.

The safety zone has been established to help ensure the safety of the many participants and spectators  of the celebration, which will include a fireworks display scheduled to commence at 9:30 p.m. The safety zone is published in the Federal Register and will be advertised via radio broadcast notice to mariners. The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and fellow federal, state and local law enforcement vessels will be patrolling the safety zone to ensure the safety of the public.

The safety zone, which is depicted on “Chart 1”, will be in effect starting at 8:30 p.m. through 10:15 p.m., Sunday, May 27. Marine traffic will be restricted by the safety zone from the Golden Gate Bridge to just east of the Golden Gate Yacht Club. This safety zone is also necessary to accommodate the setup and transit of the fireworks barges that will be playing a vital role in the celebration. No vessel will be permitted to enter the safety zone without permission from the Coast Guard. Vessel operators given permission to enter or operate in the safety zone must comply with all directions given to them by the Captain of the Port or a designated representative. Persons and vessels may request permission to enter the safety zone on VHF- 23A or through the 24-hour Command Center at telephone (415) 399-3547.

Chart 1 - Not for navigation

Signed copy of the Captain of the Port Order establishing the safety zone

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – El Capitán de Navío Drew W. Pearson, Comandante del Sector San Juan de la Guardia Costanera, invita a la prensa del país a la ceremonia de aceptación y demostración del nuevo sistema de comunicaciones de búsqueda y rescate marítimo “Rescue 21” el día martes, 29 de mayo a las 1:30p.m. en la Base de la Guardia Costanera en La Puntilla, Viejo San Juan.

EVENTO: Ceremonia y demostración del sistema de comunicaciones de búsqueda y rescate marítimo Rescue 21.

QUIEN: Hon. Pedro Pierluisi, Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico;

Hon. Donna Christiansen, Delegada Congressional de las Islas Vírgenes de EE.UU;

Capitán de Navío Drew, W. Pearson, Comandante del Sector San Juan U.S. Coast Guard

Capitán de Navío John Wood, Director del Programa de Comando, Control, Comunicaciones, Computadoras (C4ISR), U.S. Coast Guard;

James Norton, vicepresidente de General Dynamics para los Sistemas de Comando, Control, Comunicaciones y Computadora (C4).

CUÁNDO: El martes, 29 de mayo a las 1:30p.m.

DÓNDE: Base de la Guardia Costanera, Calle La Puntilla, Viejo San Juan

NOTA A EDITORES: Los medios de comunicación pueden llamar a Ricardo Castrodad, Oficial de Asuntos Públicos de la Guardia Costanera al 787-510-7923 para información. Además, deberán presentar sus credenciales para obtener acceso a la instalación y llegar con tiempo para realizar montaje de equipo de cámara antes del comienzo de la ceremonia.

El Comisionado Residente de Puerto Rico, Hon. Pedro Pierluisi, será el orador invitado del evento. Los ponentes estarán disponibles para los medios después de la ceremonia, seguido por una gira del Centro de Mando de la Guardia Costanera, donde se llevará a cabo una demostración en vivo de “Rescue 21.”

“Rescue 21”, el sistema más avanzado de comunicaciones para comando, control y radiolocalización de la Guardia Costanera, fue creado para localizar de manera más eficiente a los navegantes en peligro y poder salvar vidas y propiedad en el mar y las vías navegables.

El Capitán de Navío Drew Pearson, Comandante del Sector San Juan, se unirá al Director del Programa de Comando, Control, Comunicaciones, Computadoras, Inteligencia, Vigilancia y Reconocimiento (C4ISR) de la Guardia Costanera, el Capitán de Navío John Wood, para hablar sobre cómo la tecnología más avanzada de “Rescue 21” está impactando y mejorando la ejecución de la misión de rescate y seguridad marítima en las costas de Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes de los Estados Unidos.

Para más información acerca de Rescue 21, que está operando en todo los EE.UU., se puede encontrar en http://www.uscg.mil/acquisition/rescue21

 NEW YORK - The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and local agencies held an on-water news conference in Stratford, Conn., May 20, 2012.

A rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station New Haven, Conn., Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 24-02, local marine emergency response crews and members from a paddle sport company demonstrated on the water rescue capabilities and talked about their coordination for emergency response.

This event was held in conjunction with the National Safe Boating Week campaign, May 19-25. The campaign is designed to encourage boaters to use life jackets and proper safety equipment aboard their recreational vessels. 

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo conducts the offload of 50 bales of cocaine at Coast Guard Base San Juan Tuesday night following a multi-agency maritime drug seizure off the southern coast of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islans Sunday night (U.S. Coast Guard photos).

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) authorities disrupted a maritime illegal drug shipment Sunday night and seized approximately 2,833 pounds (1.4 tons) of cocaine off the southern coast of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The drug shipment was estimated to have a street value of over $25 million dollars.

“The outstanding efforts and collaboration between all law enforcement authorities are responsible for this successful disruption and seizure, which prevented a major drug shipment from reaching our shores,” said Coast Guard Capt. Drew Pearson, Sector San Juan commander.

While on a routine patrol, CBP agents onboard a CBP DCH-8 marine surveillance aircraft detected four men aboard a suspicious vessel, approximately 50 nautical miles south of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Sunday evening.

Coast Guard Sector San Juan Watchstanders were notified and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo, who was patrolling the area at the time, to interdict the suspect vessel.

The crew of the CBP marine patrol aircraft observed the men onboard the suspect vessel jettison suspicious objects overboard and began to flee at a high rate of speed after they noticed the presence of law enforcement authorities in the area.

The crew of the Coast Guard Sapelo arrived on scene and began to recover the jettisoned cargo from the water. After searching all night and the following day with the assistance of a Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Borinquen, the crew of the Sapelo was able to recover 50 bales of suspected illegal contraband that had been thrown overboard from the suspect vessel. A further inspection and testing of the suspected drug shipment revealed the contraband to be cocaine.

The crew of a Coast Guard Cutter Sapelo transported the illegal drug shipment to Coast Guard Base San Juan Tuesday night, where they transferred custody to awaiting Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agents.

“This interdiction is part of CBP's continued effort to work with fellow federal, state, local, and international partners to combat individuals and criminal organizations that pose a threat to our communities,” indicated Johnny Morales, Director of Air Operations for CBP’s Caribbean Air and Marine Branch.

“This massive seizure of 1.4 tons of cocaine is a clear indication of the hard work and dedication that the DEA, the U.S. Coast Guard, Puerto Rico Police Department and Customs & Border Protection have in combining our resources,” said Drug Enforcement Administration, Caribbean Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Pedro Janer. “We will continue to stop these groups who think they can smuggle narcotics into Puerto Rico with flagrant disregard of our enforcement capabilities and our laws.”

WHO: Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans and Coast Guard Station New Orleans.

WHAT: Search-and-rescue demonstration and boating safety expo.

WHEN: May 26, 2012 at 1 p.m.

WHERE: Cabela's, located at 2200 W. Cabela's Parkway, Gonzales, La., 70737.

NEW ORLEANS — The Coast Guard will conduct a search-and-rescue demonstration over the Cabela's parking lot for National Safe Boating Week, Saturday.

An Air Station New Orleans MH-65C Dolphin helicopter and crew will conduct a hoist-basket deployment above the parking lot, and a Station New Orleans response boat and crew will be present and will have on hand an array of search and rescue equipment.

The Coast Guard will be available to the public to discuss various types of equipment such as life jackets, flares, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons and other devices essential for safe boating.

Editor's note: Media interested in attending the event are advised to arrive 15 minutes prior to start time.

Click for video.

MIAMI — Five people were rescued from a disabled 29-foot boat by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Diamondback approximately 15 miles east of Miami Beach, Fla., Thursday afternoon.

The boat lost one of its two engines, ran out of gas, and became disabled in 9-foot sea swells.

Coast Guard Sector Miami watchstanders were notified shortly after 8 a.m. that the vessel was disabled. The crew of the 87-foot, Miami Beach-based cutter Diamondback arrived on scene at approximately 12:30 p.m., and took the vessel in tow.

According to the report, the five individuals aboard the vessel were wearing life jackets. However, the vessel was not equipped with an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).

The Coast Guard strongly encourages all boaters to use multiple forms of safety of gear, such as:

• Life jackets
• EPIRBs
• VHF-FM radios (cell phones aren't always reliable offshore)
• Distress signals (flares, signaling mirrors)
• Sound-producing devices (air horns, whistles)

Boaters are also strongly encouraged to file a float plan before heading out to sea. For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.

"Upon arriving on scene with the vessel, I evaluated the deteriorating weather conditions and made the challenging decision to place the vessel in tow to prevent it from capsizing," said Lt. Emily Rose, commanding officer, cutter Diamondback. "Partnering with commercial salvage, we ensured all five people were brought safely back to land. Saving lives is what members of the Coast Guard do every day."

NEW YORK – Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Bob Papp, center, greets Coast Guard Capt. Eric Jones, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, during a reception aboard the ship Thursday, May 24, 2012. The Eagle is one of many tall ships participating in Fleet Week New York, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012 May 23-30, 2012 in New York City. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas McKenzie.

NEW YORK – Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Bob Papp, center, poses with a group of War of 1812 re-enactors aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle Thursday, May 24, 2012. The Eagle is one of many tall ships participating in Fleet Week New York, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012 May 23-30, 2012 in New York City. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas McKenzie.

NEW YORK – A Coast Guard musician plays a selection of classical music during a reception aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle Thursday, May 24, 2012. The Eagle is one of many ships participating in Fleet Week New York, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012 May 23-30, 2012 in New York City. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas McKenzie.

NEW YORK – Coast Guard Rear Adm. Daniel Neptun, Commander of the First Coast Guard District (right), listens as a War of 1812 re-enactor explains the symbolism and evolution of naval officer attire and customs during reception aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle Thursday, May 24, 2012. The Eagle is one of many tall ships participating in Fleet Week New York, the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 and OpSail 2012, May 23-30, 2012 in New York City. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas McKenzie.

NEW YORK - Fleet Week New York is the city’s celebration of the sea services held since 1984. Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation of many of the participating ships.

The Coast Guard Cutter Eagle, a 295-foot barque used as a training vessel for future officers of the U.S. Coast Guard, is one of two active commissioned sailing vessels in American military service -- the other being the U.S.S. Constitution.

Each summer, Eagle conducts cruises with cadets from the United States Coast Guard Academy for periods ranging between a week to two months. The primary mission is training the cadets in basic seamanship and leadership skills, but the ship also performs a public relations role. Eagle makes calls at foreign ports as a goodwill ambassador and it is customary during these port calls for the captain and crew to hold an open house, welcoming guests aboard and offering tours of the vessel.

Who: Coast Guard Auxiliary, Coast Guard Sector Baltimore, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and U.S. Power Squadrons.

What: Free to the public safe boating event.

When: Saturday, May 26, 2012, 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

Where: The Annapolis City Dock at 1 Dock Street, Annapolis, MD 21401 

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Coast Guard, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Power Squadrons are scheduled to sponsor a safe boating event at the Annapolis City Dock in Annapolis, Md., Saturday.

Beginning at 10 a.m., boaters can receive a free vessel safety examination from auxiliarists who check for compliance with all federal and state regulations. Vessel exams will be available in Ego Alley. Boater's can also schedule vessel examinations and boater safety classes for future times at their dock.

Additionally, examiners will suggest ways to bring a boat into compliance, but do not report any violations found during the check. The examiners can provide safe boating advice and literature. Boats can be inspected on trailers and in the water.

Beginning at noon, speakers from the Coast Guard, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons will talk about boating safety and how the public can help improve safety on the water.

In addition to safety inspections, the event will also feature:

* A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium search and rescue boat from Coast Guard Station Annapolis

* Demonstrations on proper wearing of life jackets, a man overboard drill, and how to trailer a boat

* Coastie, the robotic Coast Guard Cutter mascot, and Seavester, the Power Squadron's robotic mascot, will be providing entertainment and literature for children

* A boating safety scavenger hunt for children

Most activities during this free , public event will end at 2 p.m.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteers who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard has approved the Marine Event Permit for the Spinnaker Cup offshore sailing race scheduled to begin Friday, May 25.

In the wake of the April 14, 2012 loss of five lives from the sailing vessel Low Speed Chase during the 2012 Full Crew Farallones Race, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco called for an offshore yacht racing safety stand down to provide the time necessary to review their safety procedures. 

The April 28 Offshore Yacht Racing Association Duxship Race and the May 12 Singlehanded Sailing Society Farallons Race were the races affected by the safety stand down, and both events were adjusted to stay within the demarcation line that runs from Point Bonita and Land’s End.  No other races were impacted by the safety stand down.

US Sailing, the national governing body for the sport of sailing, has released its preliminary independent review of the Low Speed Chase casualty and Bay Area offshore racing safety procedures.  The preliminary findings are available from US Sailing.  

Spinnaker Cup event organizers resubmitted their permit application with a number of safety enhancements.  These enhancements are consistent with the US Sailing Independent Review Panel’s preliminary recommendations.  The Coast Guard looks forward to working with the newly formed local offshore racing council to ensure similar safety enhancements are incorporated into future events. 

"The Coast Guard appreciates the tremendous support of the offshore race organizers and sponsoring yacht clubs during this safety stand-down," said Capt. Cynthia Stowe, the Coast Guard Captain of the Port of San Francisco. "The coordination and support from this local community will help further our common goal of ensuring all mariners return home safely."

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard invites media to sail aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Eagle as part of their cruise into Norfolk, June 8, celebrating Operation Sail 2012 and the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

What: Media will be shuttled to the Eagle and be part of the tall ship Parade of Sail during its transit to the Town Point Park in Norfolk.

When: Media attending will need to meet no later than 4:15 a.m., June 8, and will be underway until approximately noon.

Where: Media attending will meet shuttle transportation at the Nauticus Circle at 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510.

Additional information:

For security purposes, all guests must provide picture identification prior to boarding the shuttle.

Click here for the OpSail 2012 Virginia media credentialing application form, which must be submitted by Wednesday.

Guests should be physically capable of climbing a portable flight of steps up the ship’s side from the transfer vessel to embark the Eagle and should wear comfortable clothing and flat footwear.

Personal carry-on belongings should be minimized and guests are encouraged to eat prior to the event. They are welcome to bring a snack if desired. It is also suggested that guests bring sunscreen and water.

In the event of inclement weather, guests may call 800-787-8724 the morning of June 8 for information on the status of the event.

Contact Debbie Schwartz, the OpSail 2012 Virginia media relations manager, at 757-633-8678, Debbie.schwartz@diainc.com, or Coast Guard 5th District External Affairs at 757-398-6272 with any questions.

** Editor's Note: There are only 10 positions available for media wishing to ride along during the transit to Norfolk. Interested media should contact the Coast Guard 5th District External Affairs office at 757-398-6272 to add their name to the list. With the limited space, if there are more than 10 interested media outlets, the Coast Guard will choose which media will ride aboard the Eagle. If the Coast Guard has to choose media outlets, pooling will be mandatory for those who ride along.

Who: Coast Guard Cutter Block Island and Coast Guard Sector North Carolina personnel

What: A 5K run or walk organized by the Coast Guard to raise boating safety awareness.

When: Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Where: Fort Macon State Park Visitors Center at 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512

The run will start by the firing of a cannon at Fort Macon State Park.  Runners will race across the fort's historic grounds and through Fort Macon Coast Guard base to help promote safe boating.

In 2011, the Coast Guard recorded 4,588 recreational boating accidents that involved 758 deaths, 3,081 injuries and approximately $52 million dollars of damage to property.

Race participants are highly encouraged to wear a life jacket during the run to help remind people to wear a life jacket while on the water.

Before and after the run until 11 a.m., the Coast Guard Auxiliary will provide information about boating safety resources as well as tours of the Coast Guard units at the Fort Macon Coast Guard Base.

Media planning to attend the event should contact Petty Officer 1st Class Brandyn Hill at 757-667-1486.

PHILADELPHIA — Members of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay held a change of command ceremony Thursday at Penn's Landing Caterers here.

Capt. Kathy Moore relieved Capt. Meredith Austin, who served as the sector commander since June 2009. Moore  reported from Coast Guard Sector and Air Station Corpus Christi, Texas, where she served as deputy commander.

As commander of Sector Delaware Bay, Moore is responsible for search and rescue, ports, waterways and coastal security, aids to navigation, maritime law enforcement, pollution response, commercial vessel safety and icebreaking in her area of responsibility.

BOSTON — A Coast Guard crew medically evacuated a 67-year-old man from a cruise ship 414 miles southeast of Cape Cod, Mass., Monday.  

Watchstanders at the Coast Guard 1st District Command Center received a call at 10:55 a.m., Monday, from the 916-foot cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas requesting assistance for a male suffering from stroke-like symptoms.

An MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter crew and an HU-25 Falcon Jet crew from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod launched to assist. 

The helicopter crew safely hoisted the man from the Enchantment of the Seas and transported him to Massachusetts General Hospital as the Falcon crew provided communication support. 

"Given the poor weather and the distance from shore, we had to meticulously plan the flight in order to coduct the medevac," said L.t. j.g. Garin Kirkpatrick, the Auxiliary Liaison Officer for Air Station Cape Cod. "We're glad we were able to get out there, pick up the patient, and get him to medical treatment."

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PITTSBURGH — The Coast Guard Captain of the Port Pittsburgh will establish a safety zone from mile marker .4 to mile marker .6 on the Allegheny River, Saturday, for a fireworks display sponsored by the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Navigation will be restricted the entire width of the river from mile marker .4 to mile marker .6. The safety zone will be enforced from 9 p.m. until approximately 11:30 p.m.

Persons and vessels shall not enter into, depart from, or move within this safety zone unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or a designated representative. A Coast Guard patrol commander will be on scene and available on VHF-FM Channel 16.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to Chief Petty Officer Chris Blank at 412-644-5808 ext. 2504 during normal working hours between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, except federal holidays. After normal working hours, contact Marine Safety Unit Pittsburgh duty officer at 412-670-4288. All concerned traffic can contact the Coast Guard the day of the event on VHF-FM Channel 16.

PORTLAND, Ore. — The Coast Guard will enforce and maintain a controlled access area on the Willamette River while Navy and Coast Guard vessels are tied up at the seawall between the Steel and Morrison Bridges beginning noon, Tuesday, June 5, until noon, Monday, June 11.

Commercial vessels have made special transit arrangements with the Captain of the Port, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, prior to this year’s Fleet Week.

Boaters who need to pass through the controlled access area must contact the Coast Guard security escort vessel on VHF-FM channel 16.  If a boater does need to transit the controlled access area, they may experience a waiting period.

Those wishing to transit the security zone must follow these rules:

• No firearms permitted inside the controlled access area.
• Boaters wishing to transit the controlled access area are required to wait in pre-identified staging areas for official patrol escorts.
• Staging areas are located on the east side of the river just north of the Steel Bridge and just south of the Morrison Bridge.
• Delays are expected and vessels may be boarded before being escorted through the controlled access area. Please plan accordingly.
• While transiting the controlled access area, all vessels shall operate at the minimum speed necessary to maintain a safe course and shall proceed as directed by the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort.
• Vessels will follow the official Coast Guard Auxiliary patrol escort in a single file line and must stay to the east bank of the river. Do not break away from the escort line.

Violations of a controlled access area may result in a penalty action under the provision of 33 USC 1231 (maximum fine of $37,500).

Additional information about Fleet Week and the Rose Festival can be found at:

http://www.rosefestival.org/events/fleet/

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard ended an 11-day response effort to the damaged container ship MSC Idil Monday, after salvage professionals finalized temporary repairs to the ship’s hull off the coast of Puerto Rico. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo taken May 12).

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard ended an 11-day response effort to the damaged container ship MSC Idil Monday, after salvage professionals finalized temporary repairs to the ship’s hull off the coast of Puerto Rico.

The Panamanian flagged ship MSC Idil continued its transit to Freeport, Bahamas, where vessel owner Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) will conduct further assessments of the ship’s condition.

“Our team of rescue boats, helicopters, cutters and Search and Rescue planners answered the call and mounted a coordinated first response,” said Capt. Drew W. Pearson, Sector San Juan commander. “As the situation stabilized we were able to work together; the Coast Guard, the MSC Idil and the salvage team, to protect those in danger from the sea and protect the sea itself.”

The 900-foot container ship suffered an onboard explosion May 11, approximately 60 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico, during the vessel’s transit to Barcelona, Spain.

The MSC Idil is investigating the cause of the explosion. The ship’s crew were able to maintain full control their cargo and prevent the discharge of pollution into the environment. The MSC Idil reportedly had 588,000 gallons of fuel oil and 62,000 gallons of diesel onboard at the time of the incident.

“The key to the success of this response was the combined effort from the U.S. Coast Guard, MSC, DonJon-Smit, Atlantic Diving, Borinquen Towing, and San Juan Towing,” said Lt. Kristen Preble, Sector San Juan Incident Management Division chief. “Their ability to quickly and effectively work together to address the safety of the crew, the ship, and the environment under demanding conditions was phenomenal.”

Among Coast Guard surface and air units that provided rescue assistance and conducted monitoring efforts throughout the response were a Boat Station San Juan 45-foot Response Boat Medium and 33-foot Special Purpose Craft-Law Enforcent; the Cutter’s Matinicus, Sapelo and Key Largo; Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopters from Air Station Borinquen; and a HC-144 Ocean Sentry Aircraft from Air Station Miami. A Customs and Border Protection Caribbean Air and Marine Branch marine patrol aircraft also participated during initial response efforts.

Coast Guard Cutters Key Largo, Matinicus and Sapelo are 110-foot patrol boats homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.