ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Coast Guard rescued two persons in the water in the vicinity of Pinellas Point, Fla., Saturday.

At 1:42 p.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg receieved a 'mayday' call via Ch. 16 from a 24-year-old male and a 25-year-old male stating that their 16-foot Hobie Cat recreational craft had capsized and that they were in need of immediate assistance. 

At 1:55 p.m., Station St. Petersburg launched a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boat crew to the scene.

Once on scene at 2:07 p.m., the crew was able to safely recover both persons from the water. 

Crewmembers from Eckerd SAR responded, were able to re-right the Hobie Cat and took it in tow.

Due to the shallow water depth, the two survivors were transferred to the Eckerd SAR vessel and taken back to shore. 

The two men were able to contact the Coast Guard due to the fact that they had brought hand-held radios on their trip.

No injuries were reported. 

In an effort to reduce the number of incidents on the water and to increase the safety of people on the water, the Coast Guard recommends the following:

• Protect yourself against hypothermia and invest in a dry suit or other Coast Guard-approved full-body floatation survival gear. Although Gulf Coast water temperatures are still relatively warm during the end of summer, the threat of hypothermia is still great. The human body reacts to 50 to 60-degree water the same way as it does in 70 to 80-degree water with prolonged exposure. As soon as a person's core body temperature drops below 95 degrees, hypothermia sets in and occurs 25 times faster in cold water than in cold air. A person in the water not wearing a life jacket can lose body heat from efforts to remain afloat. Once the shivering stops, the body is no longer able to heat itself, and the person can lose consciousness and drown.
• Be sure to check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly and boaters should keep a watchful eye on the forecasted conditions.
• The Coast Guard urges mariners to outfit their boat with a functioning marine-band radio, as cell phones are typically an unreliable source of communication due to gaps in coverage and limited battery life. Using channel 16 on a marine-band radio is the most reliable way to communicate a distress to search and rescue personnel in the event of an emergency while on the water.
• Emergency position indicating radio beacons (EPIRBs) provide boaters an excellent enhancement with regard to safety during an offshore voyage. In the event of an emergency, the beacon can transmit the boat's position and other identifying information that will aid in expediting the rescue.

MIAMI- Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six Detachment, Mayport, Fla., determined the cylindrical mine located by a Good Samaritan Thursday afternoon to be a training device and is no threat to surrounding areas.

Coast Guard crews from Station Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin enforced a safety zone, Thursday while crewmen from Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six Detachment, Mayport investigated the cylindrical mine.

The mine will be removed and towed to Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale this evening.

For more information please contact Navy EOD personnel at 904-219-8114.

 
MIAMI - A Good Samaritan located a mine in the water 1 mile east of Dania Beach, Fla., Thursday. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

MIAMI- Coast Guard crews from Station Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Coast Guard Cutter Dolphin are enforcing a safety zone, Thursday after a Good Samaritan located a mine in the water 1 mile east of Dania Beach, Fla.

Crewmembers from Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Six Detachment, Mayport, Fla., are en route to retrieve the ordnance.

A temporary safety zone will be established around the site near Dania Beach as Navy EOD Mobile Unit Six detachment Mayport personnel positively identify and determine proper disposition for the ordnance.

Vessels will be required to maintain a minimum 1,000 yard distance from the site while Navy EOD Unit Nine personnel conduct operations. Boaters are requested to make alternate transit arrangements during that time period.

For more information please contact Navy EOD personnel at 904-219-8114.

Click images for video

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber, the first Fast Response Cutter, arrives at its homeport of Miami Feb. 9, 2012. The cutter's commanding officer, Lt. Cmdr. Herb Eggert, and Coast Guard Sector Miami's commander, Capt. Chris Scraba, offer remarks about the significance of the Webber's arrival. U.S. Coast Guard multimedia presentation by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber, the first Fast Response Cutter, arrives at its homeport of Miami Feb. 9, 2012. The 154-foot Webber will be able to deploy independently to conduct missions such as ports, waterways, and coastal security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense operations along the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Johnson.

Click images for high-resolution photos

 MIAMI — The Coast Guard's first Sentinel Class patrol boat, Bernard C. Webber, arrives at Coast Guard Sector Miami Feb. 9, 2012. The 154-foot Fast Response Cutter is capable of speeds of 28-plus knots, armed with one stabilized, remotely operated 25mm chain gun and four crew-served .50 caliber machine guns, and crew capabilities to hold 24 people. It will be able to perform independently for a minimum of five days at sea, and be underway for 2,500 hours annually. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Johnson.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Nantucket keeps pace with Miami's newest cutter, the Bernard C. Webber, during its arrival at Coast Guard Sector Miami Feb. 9, 2012. The Webber is named after Coast Guard hero Bernard C. Webber, who is credited for his assistance during the rescue of 33 of the tanker vessel Pendleton's 34 crewmembers. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Johnson.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Webber, the Coast Guard's first Sentinel Class patrol boat, arrives at Coast Guard Sector Miami Feb. 9, 2012. The 154-foot Webber is a Fast Response Cutter capable of independently deploying to conduct missions such as ports, waterways, and coastal security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense along the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Johnson.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Webber, the Coast Guard's first Sentinel Class patrol boat, arrives at Coast Guard Sector Miami Feb. 9, 2012. The 154-foot Webber is a Fast Response Cutter capable of independently deploying to conduct missions such as ports, waterways, and coastal security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense along the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Webber, the Coast Guard's first Sentinel Class patrol boat, arrives at Coast Guard Sector Miami Feb. 9, 2012. The 154-foot Webber is a Fast Response Cutter capable of independently deploying to conduct missions such as ports, waterways, and coastal security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense along the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Webber, the Coast Guard's first Sentinel Class patrol boat, arrives at Coast Guard Sector Miami Feb. 9, 2012. The 154-foot Webber is a Fast Response Cutter capable of independently deploying to conduct missions such as ports, waterways, and coastal security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense along the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard Cutter Webber, the Coast Guard’s first Sentinel Class patrol boat, arrived at Coast Guard Sector Miami Thursday.

The 154-foot Webber is a Fast Response Cutter and will be able to deploy independently to conduct missions such as ports, waterways, and coastal security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant law enforcement, search and rescue, and national defense operations along the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean.

“I am very excited about the arrival of the Coast Guard Cutter Webber," said Rear Adm. Bill Baumgartner, commander of the 7th Coast Guard District. "It is the first of 18 Fast Response Cutters that are scheduled to be delivered to the 7th Coast Guard District over the next several years. This new cutter fleet will be a vital instrument in supporting illicit migrant and narcotic trafficking interdiction, but will only fill a portion of the critical gap we face in our operational capability. While the Fast Response Cutters are highly capable platforms, the Coast Guard is in need of an Offshore Patrol Cutter as well. These OPCs would be able to deploy greater distances, effectively extending our maritime border outward to prevent threats to our national security. The OPC would replace our aging Medium Endurance Cutter fleet, most of which are over 40 years old and in desperate need of recapitalization to meet the future security needs of America.”

The Webber is capable of speeds of 28-plus knots, armed with one stabilized, remotely operated 25mm chain gun and four crew-served .50 caliber machine guns, and crew capabilities to hold 24 people. It will be able to perform independently for a minimum of five days at sea, and be underway for 2,500 hours per year.

The new Sentinel Class patrol boats will all be named after Coast Guard heroes. The Webber is named after Coast Guard hero Bernard C. Webber. Webber is credited with helping make one of the greatest rescues in Coast Guard history. 

“This month will mark the 60th anniversary of the loss of the tanker Pendleton off the coast of Cape Cod on Feb. 18, 1952,” said Baumgartner. “Bernard C. Webber’s heroic actions that night saved 33 of Pendleton’s 34 crewmembers. Today’s event is an opportunity for us to reflect and honor the bravery of the Webber’s namesake, who truly was the embodiment of what it means to be a Coast Guardsman.”

To learn more about the Coast Guard Cutter Webber, please visit: http://goo.gl/vyxG5.

Editor's note:  The media is invited to the arrival of Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber at Coast Guard Base Support Unit Miami located at 100 MacArthur Causeway, Miami Beach, Fla., Thursday. Media are asked to arrive no later than 10:30 a.m. Media interested in attending the event are requested to contact Public Affairs at 305-415-6683.

WHO:          Rear Adm. Bill Baumgartner, commander, 7th Coast Guard District
                  Lt. Cmdr. Herbert Eggert, commanding, Coast Guard Cutter Bernard C. Webber

                  
WHAT:         The Coast Guard cutter Bernard C. Webber, the Coast Guard’s first Sentinel Class patrol boat, will be delivered to Coast Guard Sector Miami at Base Support Unit Miami, Miami Beach, Fla., Thursday.

                   The 154-foot Webber, is the first Fast Response Cutter in its class. The Webber will be able to deploy independently to conduct missions, such as ports, waterways and coastal security, fishery patrols, drug and illegal migrant law enforcement, search and rescue, and national-defense operations along the Gulf of Mexico and throughout the Caribbean.

WHEN:        Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE:      Coast Guard Base Support Unit Miami 
              100 MacArthur Causeway Miami Beach, Fla.
                      

SAVANNAH, Ga - The Coast Guard is investigating the grounding of an 859-foot container ship on the Savannah River, Wednesday.

Savannah Pilots reported the UASC Khor Fakkan, an 859-foot container ship, had run aground near Elba Island during inbound transit up the Savannah River at approximately 4 a.m., Wednesday.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston established a safety zone with a rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Tybee Island, Ga., until the vessel was refloated at approximately 6:40 a.m.

Three tug boats were dispatched to the scene and recovered the UASC Khor Fakkan. The motor vessel was escorted under its own power to the Garden City Terminal.

There are no reports of damage or pollution.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Air Station Clearwater, conducts a search-and-rescue demonstration at the 2012 Sector St. Petersburg open house, Feb. 3, 2012. The SAR demonstration provided an opportunity for the community of St. Petersburg, Fla., to view a Coast Guard operation up close. 
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael De Nyse.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.- Children attending the 2012 Sector St. Petersburg's open house wave at a Coast Guard 45-foot Response Boat-Medium boatcrew from Station St. Petersburg, Feb. 3, 2012.The open house provided the community of St. Petersburg, Fla., the opportunity to view helicopter and vessel demonstrations, take vessel tours and gain safe boating knowledge.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael De Nyse.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Community members gather pier side in preparation for a search and rescue demonstration at the 2012 Sector St. Petersburg's open house, Feb. 3, 2012.The open house provided the community of St. Petersburg, Fla., the opportunity to view helicopter and vessel demonstrations, take vessel tours and gain safe boating knowledge.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Michael De Nyse.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A crewman aboard the fishing vessel Julio Pedro was medevaced by the Coast Guard after it was reported he was suffering seizures approximately 67 miles west of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders were notified by the captain of the Julio Pedro stating his crewman, 37, was suffering intermittent seizures and vomiting. After consulting the Coast Guard duty flight surgeon, a medevac was deemed necessary.

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew who arrived on scene and lowered a swimmer to assess the situation. Due to the amount of gear on board the Julio Pedro, a water hoist was determined to be the safest way to get the man to safety.

The rescue swimmer helped the man put on his survival suit, placed him in the water and assisted with his safe hoist into the helicopter.

The injured crewmember was taken to Tampa General Hospital. 

The Coast Guard pilot involved in the rescue will be available for on camera interviews between 7 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Friday. Any interested media please contact Lt. Cmdr. Bill Friday at 727-539-9140. 

MIAMI — Students from the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy in Miami participate in a Q&A session with retired Coast Guard captain and International Space Station Mission Commander Dan Burbank via video chat Feb. 2, 2012. The event also included an in-person Q&A session with U.S. Coast Guard Academy faculty and cadets. U.S. Coast Guard video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nick Ameen.

MIAMI - Students from the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy watch a live video connection with Commander Dan Burbank, retired Coast Guard captain as he answers their questions aboard the International Space Station Feb. 2, 2012 at the MAST Academy. The initiative, which is organized by faculty members at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., is designed to boost the awareness of and to encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI – A student from Key Biscayne Community School in Miami asks Lt. Cmdr. Royce W. James, Ph.D Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff at U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., asks a question about the ozone layer Feb. 2, 2012 at the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy. Students got a chance to ask science questions and learn about Coast Guard missions and the life as a Cadet at the Coast Guard Academy before watching a live video connection with Commander Dan Burbank, retired Coast Guard captain as he answers their questions aboard the International Space Station. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI- Lt. Cmdr. Royce W. James, Ph.D Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff at U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., talk to students from the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy and Key Biscayne Community School about physics Feb. 2, 2012 at the MAST Academy. Students got a chance to ask science questions and learn about Coast Guard missions and the life as a Cadet at the Coast Guard Academy before watching a live video connection with Commander Dan Burbank, retired Coast Guard captain as he answers their questions aboard the International Space Station. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI – Lt. Cmdr. Royce W. James, Ph.D, Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff at U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., prepares to be interviewed by Petty Officer 2nd Class Nick Ameen, a Public Affairs Specialist at 7th Coast Guard District Public Affairs Feb. 2, 2012 at the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy. During the interview James talked about his possible future in the astronaut program, the importance of Science to the Coast Guard and helping students purse their dreams. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Sabrina Elgammal.

MIAMI – Cadet Julia Kane, U.S. Coast Guard Academy hands out a prize to a Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy student for answering a science question correct Feb. 2, 2012 at the MAST Academy. Coast Guard members from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., organized a visit to the MAST Academy so student can watch a live video connection with Commander Dan Burbank, retired Coast Guard captain as he answers their questions aboard the International Space Station to boost the awareness of and to encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). U.S. Coast guard Photo by Petty Officer Sabrina Elgmamal.

MIAMI — Students from the Maritime and Science Technology (MAST) Academy will have a rare opportunity to pose questions Thursday to an astronaut in orbit aboard the International Space Station. 

The students will watch a live video connection with the ISS as Mission Commander Dan Burbank answers their questions from 11:15-11:35 a.m. 

The initiative, which is spearheaded by faculty members at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., is designed to boost the awareness of and to encourage interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Expedition 30 is currently underway aboard the ISS with Burbank, a retired Coast Guard captain. Burbank and most of his crew have been living and working on the station since Nov. 16. 

Students competed for a chance to pose their questions to Commander Burbank, with teachers selecting which questions would be asked. The questions run the gamut from routine to complex. One student wants to know if the ISS is involved in the study of ice in the mesosphere research and if this research will help control climate change.

Media interested in attending the event are requested to contact the 7th Coast Guard District public affairs staff at 305-415-6683.

WHO: MAST Academy students (9th-12th grade, 120 participants)

WHERE: 3979 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149

WHAT: Q&A with International Space Station Mission Commander Dan Burbank

WHEN: Thursday, 11 a.m.  

For background information on the program, contact Lt. Cmdr. Jess Rozzi-Ochs at 610-207-6453. 

To watch Burbank answer students' questions, tune in to NASA TV or view the live video feed at http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html Thursday at 11:15 a.m. 

To learn more about Expedition 30 aboard the International Space Station, please visit http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/expeditions/expedition30/index.html