N. FL, GA, SC News Releases

MEDIA AVAILABILITY Coast Guard to host press briefing with three survivors from capsized vessel

2010-05-22T01:38:56Z

***RSVP: Contact Coast Guard PAO PA3 Michael Hulme, 904.564.7622, NH JAX PAO Tami Begasse or Loren Barnes, 904.542.7820, or Baptist Medical PAO Robin Kraich, 904.627.1950 with questions. Media should plan to arrive at the gate no later than 15 minutes prior to the press conference.***

Who: U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Rebecca Sullivan (28); Elias Nevarez (31); and John Nevarez (32). Members of the Coast Guard and the attending physicians will also be in attendance.

What: A press conference is being held at Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville with the three survivors rescued after their boat capsized and they were found clinging to a cooler about 30 miles off the Georgia Coast. The survivors sustained sunburns, dehydration, jelly fish stings, and exhaustion from their ordeal. They received care and were discharged on Thursday, May 20, from Naval Hospital Jacksonville and Baptist Medical Center Beaches.

Where: Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, 4200 Ocean Street, Atlantic Beach.

Directions from Interstate 95: take Atlantic Blvd east exit to the beaches. Go north on Highway A1A. Highway A1A becomes Ocean Street in Atlantic Beach. Continue north to 4200 Ocean Street. (Note - Atlantic Beach passes Mayport Road just over the Intercoastal Bridge – do not exit there. Keep going east toward the Beaches until you come to A1A).

When: 3 p.m. EDT. Friday, May 21, 2010.

Coast Guard presents boating safety award to Deadliest Catch captain

2010-03-26T18:17:18Z

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard’s Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety is presenting the Pillar of Support Award to Keith Colburn, captain of the fishing vessel Wizard from the Deadliest Catch series, Sunday at 5:30 p.m., at the opening event of the International Boating and Water Safety Summit in Daytona Beach for his outstanding contributions to the National Recreational Boating Safety program.

As the national spokesperson for the Coast Guard’s “Boat Responsibly” safety initiative, Colburn has devoted much of his shore time during the past year at boat shows, water sporting events and has appeared in four television and radio Coast Guard public service announcements advocating safe boating.

“Captain Colburn is a well-known and respected seaman who recognizes the importance of responsible boating safety procedures,” said Rear Adm. Kevin Cook, the Coast Guard’s director of prevention policy. “We have been extremely pleased to have Keith support this important safety initiative.”

While in Daytona Beach, Colburn will be doing a life jacket demonstration with Daytona Beach Sea Cadets at the Daytona Lagoon Water Park, Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Members of the Coast Guard, Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and National Safe Boating Council will be available to speak with the press.

Editors Note: Media interested in attending are asked to contact Jennifer Mata at (703) 823-1600 (office), 917-945-5413 (cell) or jmatta@pcicom.com. The Coast Guard Boating Safety Division is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, and property damage by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to “Boat Responsibly!” For more information and tips on boating safety, go to www.USCGboating.org

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Coast Guard to partner with “Deadliest Catch” Capt. Keith Colburn for boating safety event in Daytona Beach

2010-03-26T18:15:53Z

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Capt. Keith Colburn, of the fishing vessel The Wizard and star of the Discovery Channel television program, The Deadliest Catch, will appear at the Wave Pool at Daytona Lagoon Water Park Sunday from 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., where he will provide a life jacket demonstration and speak to members of the Daytona Beach Sea Cadets about water safety.

Also, Colburn will be a featured speaker at the 2010 International Boating and Water Safety Summit, also in Daytona Beach.

Colburn will be available for media interviews following the event from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m.

WHO: Colburn, is the star of the Discovery Channel television program The Deadliest Catch and national spokesperson for the Coast Guard’s “Boat Responsibly!” initiative. Also available for interview will be Petty Officer 3^rd Class Michael Hulme representing the Coast Guard along with Senior Chief Petty Officer Michael Jensen, officer-in-charge, Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon Inlet, located in New Smyrna Beach, Fla.. In addition, Lt .j.g. Lisa Petit of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps and Capt. Richard Moore of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission will be available.

WHAT: Colburn will be speaking to the Daytona Beach Sea Cadets about water safety and demonstrating new styles of life jackets for children and adults.

WHEN: Sunday between 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Media interviews for participants are available immediately following the demonstration. Other media interviews are available from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Daytona Lagoon Water Park, 601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, Fla. Demonstration will take place at the Wave Pool.

WHY: Colburn’s appearance is in conjunction with the opening of the 2010 International Boating and Water Safety Summit, March 28-31, sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council and the National Water Safety Congress, and held at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort.

EDITOR’S NOTE: FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE AN INTERVIEW:

Contact:

Jennifer Matta at Tel: 703-823-1600 or by email at jmatta@pcicom.com

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Joy Hill at Tel: 352-258-3426 or by email at joy.hill@myfwc.com

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Rescue footage available Coast Guard medically evacuates fisherman 65-miles east of Georgetown, S.C.

2010-01-29T23:47:54Z

News Release

Date:
Jan. 29, 2010

Contact:
Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme
305-318-1864

*Rescue footage available* Coast Guard medically evacuates fisherman 65-miles east of Georgetown, S.C.

To view videos of the rescue, please click here.

Additional video can be found here.

GEORGETOWN, S.C. – The Coast Guard medically evacuated a 54-year-old man Friday from a 41-foot commercial fishing vessel 65-miles east of Georgetown.

Rescued was John Ray Carter, 54.

Carter was aboard the Crystal C, homeported in Wilmington, N.C., when he started showing signs of a possible heart attack and was in need of immediate medical attention. A crewmember aboard the 41-foot vessel relayed a mayday to search and rescue coordinators at Coast Guard Sector Charleston, S.C., via VHF radio for assistance.

An HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Air Facility Charleston immediately launched to assist the fisherman. Carter was provided initial medical attention en route to Georgetown Memorial Hospital.

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Coast Guard suspends search for source of multiple flares

2010-01-28T22:38:21Z

News Release

Date:
Jan. 28, 2009

Contact:
Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme
(305) 318-1864

Coast Guard suspends search for source of multiple flares

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard has suspended the search for the source of multiple flares reported east of New Smyrna Beach.

“Every Case is different and we look at all the factors involved,” said Capt. Andy Blomme, commander, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, Fla. “We have saturated the area with air and surface assets and we have had no reports of distress and our search units haven’t seen any sign of debris.”

The Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, Fla., operations center received a call from a good Samaritan at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday, who reported seeing two red flares in the vicinity of Ponce de Leon Inlet, Fla. An additional nine flares were also reported by Coast Guard crews on scene and good Samaritans.

The Coast Guard has received no reports of missing or overdue boaters in the area. The Coast Guard will continue to monitor marine frequencies for possible boaters in distress.

The following assets assisted in the search:

* A 47-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon Inlet

* The crew of the Miami based 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin

* An HU-25 fixed wing air crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami

* An HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, Ga.

* An HH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater, Fla.

* An HC-130 Hercules aircraft and crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami

If you have any information on the source of the flares, please call the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville operations center at (904) 564-7512.

The Coast Guard emphasizes the importance of filling a float plan. A float plan is a simple tool every boater can leave with a loved one or friend. Filing a float plan provides rescuers with vital information such as the make and color of the vessel, the number of passengers, any and all medical conditions and the planned location of the voyage and return time.

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Jacksonville Guardian selected for top enlisted position for Coast Guard reservists

2010-01-27T22:15:10Z

News Release

Date:
Jan. 27, 2010

Contact:
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Evanson
(305) 318-1864

Jacksonville Guardian selected for top enlisted position for Coast Guard reservists

Coast Guard Master Chief Petty Officer Mark H. Allen has been selected to serve as the fifth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force. He will begin his duties May 15, 2010. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Coast Guard has announced that Master Chief Petty Officer Mark H. Allen, current reserve command master chief for Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville has been selected to serve as the fifth Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard Reserve Force, a prestigious position designed to serve as lead advisor on issues affecting the Coast Guard’s enlisted reserve force.

"The Commandant [of the Coast Guard] called to tell me. My wife and I were amazed and honored," said Allen. "I promised him I will do my best to take care of the crew and help remove and identify obstacles," said Allen.

Allen, a native of Fort Washington, Md., will relieve the current MCPO-CGRF, Jeffrey D. Smith, during a change of watch ceremony scheduled for May 15, 2010, in Alexandria, Va.

"I have known Master Chief Allen for some time now and his selection is no surprise to me," said Master Chief Petty Officer Bob Brayman, command master chief for Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville.

Allen has served in the Coast Guard since 1977.

As MCPO-CGRF Allen will report directly to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, the senior uniformed officer in the organization, as an advisor and advocate for the Coast Guard’s 8,000 reservists who enhance Coast Guard’s readiness.

Reservists play a pivotal role in Coast Guard operations. About 200 Coast Guard Reservists have deployed to Haiti to provide security and humanitarian aid to the earthquake stricken nation.

Vice Adm. Robert J. Papp, Jr., who was nominated by President Barack Obama to assume the watch as the 24th Coast Guard Commandant in May, selected Allen to be part of his leadership team along with Master Chief Petty Officer Mike Leavitt, who has been selected to serve as the 11th active duty Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard.

Allen and Leavitt will work together in matters affecting the enlisted members of the Coast Guard, both active and reserve, and their families.

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Coast Guard is responding to multiple flares off the coast of New Smyrna Beach

2010-01-27T14:36:18Z

News Release

Date:
Jan. 27, 2010

Contact:
Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael Hulme
(305) 318-1864

Coast Guard responding to multiple flares off Coast of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard is responding to multiple flares approximately 10 to 30-miles off the coast of New Smyrna Beach.

The Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville, Fla., operations center received a call from a good Samaritan at approximately 8 p.m. Tuesday, who reported witnessing two red flares in the vicinity of Ponce de Leon Inlet, Fla. An additional nine flares have been reported by both Coast Guard crews on scene and good Samaritans.

The following assets have searched or are searching:

A 47-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Ponce de Leon Inlet
The crew of the Miami based 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin
An HU-25 fixed wing air crew from Coast Guard Air Station Miami
An HH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, Ga.
An HH-60 Jayhawk rescue helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater, Fla.

If you have any information that can assist rescue crews, please notify the Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville operations center at (904) 564-7512.

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Update 2 missing boaters swim safely to shore after vessel capsizes

2010-01-26T04:14:17Z

News Release

Date:
Jan. 25, 2009

Contact:
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Evanson
(305) 318-1864

*Update* 2 missing boaters swim safely to shore after vessel capsizes

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Two missing boaters involved in a single boating accident in the Intracoastal Waterway near the Port St. John's Boat Ramp, were located in Cocoa, Fla., Monday after swimming to shore several miles away from the scene of a capsized vessel.

Missing were Roxane Delaney, 28, and Kenneth Kelly, 29, of Sharpes, Fla.

A 25-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Canaveral, Fla., rescue boat and helicopter crews from the Brevard County Sheriff's Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission searched for approximately four hours after receiving notification of a capsized vessel with four people aboard.

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters to always wear a life jacket while on the water. The proper use of a life jacket will greatly increase your chance of survival during an emergency.

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Vessel capsizes near Port Canaveral, 2 people missing

2010-01-26T01:39:26Z

News Release

Date:
Jan. 25, 2009

Contact:
Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Evanson
(305) 318-1864

Vessel capsizes near Port Canaveral, 2 people missing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Rescue crews from the Coast Guard, Brevard County Sheriff's Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission are searching for two boaters in the Intracoastal Waterway in the vicinity of the Port St. John's Boat Ramp Monday after a report of a single boat accident.

Missing are Roxane Delaney, 28, and Kenneth Kelly, 29, of Sharpes, Fla.

A 25-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Canaveral, Fla., rescue boat and helicopter crews from the Brevard County Sheriff's Department and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission began searching at approximately 6:30 p.m., after notification of a capsized vessel with four people aboard.

It has been confirmed that two of the boaters swam to shore, while two remain missing.

No additional details are known at this time.

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Coast Guard medically evacuates man from tug boat

2010-01-18T02:55:34Z

News Release

Date:
Jan. 17, 2010

Contact:
Petty Officer 3rd Class Cindy Beckert

305-318-1864

Coast Guard medically evacuates man from tug boat

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Coast Guard medically evacuated a 47-year-old man Sunday night from a 92-foot tug boat near the entrance of the St. Johns River near the Mayport, Fla., jetties.

A Coast Guard Station Mayport 47-foot Motor-Lifeboat crew evacuated Andy Syska, hometown unknown, from the vessel Peggy Winslow. A crewmember aboard the vessel sent a radio distress call to Coast Guard search and rescue coordinators at Sector Jacksonville around 7 p.m. to report Syska suffered a leg injury and was in severe pain.

The Coast Guard crew transported Syska to awaiting EMS at the Mayport boat ramp. Syska was reportedly in fair condition.

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N. FL, GA, SC News Releases

***MEDIA AVAILABILITY*** Coast Guard to host press briefing with three survivors from capsized vessel

Coast Guard presents boating safety award to Deadliest Catch captain

Coast Guard to partner with “Deadliest Catch” Capt. Keith Colburn for boating safety event in Daytona Beach

*Rescue footage available* Coast Guard medically evacuates fisherman 65-miles east of Georgetown, S.C.

Coast Guard suspends search for source of multiple flares

Jacksonville Guardian selected for top enlisted position for Coast Guard reservists

Coast Guard is responding to multiple flares off the coast of New Smyrna Beach

*Update* 2 missing boaters swim safely to shore after vessel capsizes

Vessel capsizes near Port Canaveral, 2 people missing

Coast Guard medically evacuates man from tug boat

MEDIA AVAILABILITY Coast Guard to host press briefing with three survivors from capsized vessel

Rescue footage available Coast Guard medically evacuates fisherman 65-miles east of Georgetown, S.C.

Update 2 missing boaters swim safely to shore after vessel capsizes