CHARLESTON, S.C. — The U.S. Coast Guard will transfer a decommissioned 378-foot High Endurance Cutter to the Philippines at 1 p.m. May 22 at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Pier Papa in North Charleston, S.C.

 Former Coast Guard Cutter Dallas will be transferred in a ceremony presided over by Rear Adm. John Korn, assistant commandant for Acquisition.

 "Since 1967, Coast Guard Cutter Dallas has served the American people well, from Vietnam and the Pacific to its final Coast Guard patrol in the Caribbean, where the crew interdicted 4,000 pounds of cocaine and 940 pounds of marijuana," said Korn. "As Dallas returns to the Southeast Asian waters that it plied at the beginning of its Coast Guard career, I know it will serve the Philippines as faithfully and capably as it served America.”

 Dallas was decommissioned March 30 after 45-years of service.

 Media are invited to the transfer ceremony.

 Who:      U.S. Coast Guard and Philippine navy officials

 What:     Transfer Ceremony

 When:     May 22 at 1 p.m.

 Where:  Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Pier Papa in North Charleston, S.C.

Media interested in attending are required to RSVP by calling Coast Guard Ensign Jami-Lyn Butto (843) 740-7063 by 4 p.m. May 21.

HUDSON BEACH, Fla. — Coast Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) rescue teams continue to search for five possible distressed boaters last heard hailing MAYDAY two miles north of Hudson Beach, Saturday.

Watchstaders at Sector St. Petersburg received a MAYDAY relay at 1 a.m., Saturday, from a commercial shrimp facility. The reporting source received several MAYDAY calls on VHF channel 9 from a vessel two miles north and five miles west of Hudson Beach. The distressed boaters - two adults and three children - claimed to be taking on water after striking a rock. 

Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders immediately launched a boatcrew aboard a 45-foot Response boat Medium, from Coast Guard Station Sand Key, and an aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Clearwater.

Rescue crews are saturating an area between Hernando Beach and Hudson Beach. Currently assisting in the search are rescue vessels from FWC, two Coast Guard Auxiliary vessels, a 25-foot small boat from Station Sand Key and a Jayhawk’s aircrew.

“The MAYDAY relay was reported on VHF channel 9; all mariners need to utilize VHF channel 16 for hailing and distress,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Davis, operations unit controller at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg.  

All five boaters are reported to be wearing their life jackets. If anyone has any information regarding the incident or missing boaters in the area, please contact Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg at (727) 824-7506.

 

TAMPA, Fla. — The Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) sponsored a boating safety event at the Gandy Boat Ramp, Saturday. 

As part of the Tampa Bay observance of National Safe Boating Week, (May 19-27) the public was invited to view a live boating safety demonstration. Many attendees brought their own conventional or inflatable-type life jackets to participate in the ‘Ready-Set-Wear’ mass life jacket inflation/donning. 

National Safe Boating Week, first observed in 1952, is a nationwide boating safety campaign during the week leading up to the Memorial Day Weekend. It is designed to promote awareness of safe boating techniques and rules knowledge by urging boaters to take approved boating education courses, to wear life jackets and to undergo vessel inspections.

"Throughout Tampa Bay, Florida and the nation, the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary, the FWC and other groups deliver the NSBW message through a variety of safe boating promotional events," said Tim Teahan, Coast Guard Auxiliary member hosting the event.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the nation's most active boating safety educator - more than 100,000 boaters participate in Auxiliary safe boating programs annually.  Founded in 1939, the Auxiliary is the civilian, all-volunteer arm of the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security, providing boating education and Coast Guard mission support.

Locally, Flotilla 79 has trained thousands of boaters since the 1960s from locations in South Tampa.

MIAMI — Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Abeyta, Station Miami Beach, Fla., Commanding Officer speaks about boating safety at the annual National Safe Boating Week event news conference at Base Miami Beach, Fla., Friday. The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and partner agencies are encouraging boaters to use life jackets and proper safety equipment aboard their recreational vessels. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Patrick Montgomery.

MIAMI — Lt. Cmdr. Joseph Abeyta, Station Miami Beach, Fla., Commanding Officer speaks about boating safety at the annual National Safe Boating Week event news conference at Base Miami Beach, Fla., Friday. The “Ready, Set, Wear It” media event kicked-off National Safe Boating Week as Memorial Day weekend approaches. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Lt. Patrick Montgomery.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other local partner agencies held a news conference Friday at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach to officially launch National Safe Boating Week.

This year's theme is “Ready, Set, Wear It." The campaign is designed to encourage boaters to use life jackets and proper safety equipment aboard their recreational vessels. 

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout Florida will be on patrol, paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

In 2010, the Coast Guard counted 4,604 accidents that involved 672 deaths, 3,153 injuries and approximately $35.5 million damage to property as a result of recreational boating accidents. Approximately 75 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 88 percent were not reported as wearing a life jacket.

Overall, according to recreational boating statistics for 2010, operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and alcohol rank as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

• Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/
• Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/
• National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

Editor's note: Media wishing to attend this event are asked to arrive no later than 9:45 a.m. at Bayside Marina, 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, 33132.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary and partner agencies are scheduled to hold a National Safe Boating Week event at Bayside Marina in Miami from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

WHO:

• The Coast Guard
• The Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz  
• Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff
• Lourdes P. Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Public Schools

WHAT:

• TERRA Environmental Research Institute students to receive FWC Boater ID cards
• County and City Proclamation presentations
• A free, public event to celebrate National Safe Boating Week 2012 (May 19-25)
• Coast Guard vessels on display, including the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Diamondback and a Station Miami Beach 45-foot Response Boat-Medium

WHEN:

Saturday, May 19, 2012

• Media event from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Proclamation presentations from 11 a.m. to 11:25 a.m.
• Environmental Research Institute student awards presentation from 11:25 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Family Fun Day Cutter Tours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:

• Bayside Marina, 401 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, Fla., 33132

National Safe Boating Week, first observed in 1952, is a nationwide boating safety campaign during the week leading up to the Memorial Day Weekend.  It is designed to promote awareness of safe boating techniques and rules knowledge by urging boaters to take approved boating education courses, to wear life jackets and to undergo vessel inspections.  Throughout Tampa Bay, Florida and the nation, the Coast Guard, the Auxiliary, the FWC and other groups deliver the NSBW message through a variety of safe boating promotional events.

Editor's note:  For media interested in attending the event, please RSVP with Coast Guard Public Affairs at 305-415-6683.   

WHO:  Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and other local partner agencies are scheduled to be in attendance at the annual boating safety news conference.

WHAT:  The “Ready, Set, Wear It” media event will kick-off National Safe Boating Week as Memorial Day weekend approaches.   The campaign is designed to encourage boaters to use life jackets and proper safety equipment aboard their recreational vessels. 

WHEN/WHERE:     

10 a.m., Friday, May 18

USCG Sector Miami Beach

100 McArthur Causeway

Miami, Fla. 33139

 BACKGROUND:

National Safe Boating Week marks the informal beginning of summer and Coast Guard crews throughout Florida will be on patrol, paying particular attention to recreational boating safety.

Life jackets save lives. Seventy percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those, 84 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket.  Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

The Coast Guard can narrow down a search for a missing or distressed boater when a boater files a float plan with a friend, family member, local marina personnel or the Coast Guard. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

In addition, a VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery. 

Here are some other tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared summer on the water:

• Check the local weather prior to departing the dock. Weather can change very rapidly, and a watchful eye on the forecast conditions is key to safety.
• Have nautical charts of the area you are boating in, a global positioning device and a reliable means of communication on board your vessel.
• Obtain a free, no-fault vessel safety check, which can be conducted by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, before heading out on the water. The safety checks are courtesy examinations of your vessel, verifying the presence and condition of certain safety equipment required by state and federal regulations.
• Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

Scan the quick response code below to view the Coast Guard approved float plan on your mobile device.

 For further boating safety information, check online at one of the following:

• Vessel Safety Checks: http://www.vesselsafetycheck.org/
• Coast Guard Boating Safety page: http://www.uscgboating.org/
• National Safe Boating Council: http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/

MIAMI — The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island repatriated 24 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, Thursday.

“U.S. Coast Guard policy is to deter and respond to dangerous, and illegal maritime migration by intercepting vessels pursuing perilous and illegal voyages," said, Capt. Brendan McPherson, 7th Coast Guard District chief of enforcement."We continue to maintain a robust presence of cutters and aircraft throughout the Caribbean to prevent illegal migration and migrant smuggling activities.”

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, all migrants are provided with food, water, shelter and basic medical attention.

The Pea Island is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Key West, Fla.

For more information on how to legally immigrate to the United States, call U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at 1-800-375-5283 or visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.

MIAMI — Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce, Fla., is scheduled to host an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., in support of National Safe Boating Week 2012, which runs from Saturday till Friday.

Admission and parking for the event are free, and food and refreshments will be available.

Station Fort Pierce is located at 900 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Fla., 34949.

Activities scheduled for the event include:

• A Coast Guard rescue swimmer demonstration using an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and a Station Fort Pierce 45-foot Response Boat-Medium. 
• Two Smithsonian Museum water tanks: A touch tank with sea urchins, sea cucumbers, etc.; and a second tank with regulated species, such as snook and grouper.
• Three flare demonstrations from Chapman's school of seamanship throughout the day.
• A dunk tank featuring Coast Guardsmen wearing an inflatable life jacket.
• Multiple law enforcement agencies along with the Coast Guard Auxiliary teaching safe boating practices.
• Florida Blood Center's "Big Red Bus" will be on site collecting blood donations.
• The "Ready, Set, Wear It" life jacket event, a worldwide event where all participants activate an inflatable life jacket or wear a non-inflatable life jacket simultaneously. Station Fort Pierce has registered for the event, and will attempt to break last year's record.

Click HERE for the event flyer.

National Safe Boating Week, first observed in 1952, is a nationwide boating safety campaign during the week leading up to Memorial Day Weekend.  It is designed to promote awareness of safe boating techniques and rules knowledge by urging boaters to take approved boating education courses, to wear life jackets, and to undergo vessel inspections.  Throughout Florida and the nation, the Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and partner agencies deliver the National Safe Boating Week message through a variety of safe boating promotional events.

Photos from the 2011 Station Fort Pierce Open House.

CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Coast Guard assisted disabled vessel 170-miles offshore Charleston, Thursday.

Coast Guard Sector Charleston operational watchstanders received a call from a commercial assistance company Tuesday morning reporting that the 36-foot sailing vessel with one person on board was disabled in 8-foot seas, offshore and requesting assistance.

The sailing vessel Aletheia was transiting from Marathon, Fla. to Bermuda.

Communications were established via satellite phone, and rescue crews from the Coast Guard Cutter Yellowfin were dispatched to assist at approximately 9:26 p.m., Tuesday.

Yellowfin crewmembers located the Aletheia at approximately 6:18 a.m., Wednesday and successfully completed the tow back to Charleston at 10:12 a.m., Thursday.

No medical concerns were reported.

With National Safe Boating Week commencing nationwide this Saturday a local kickoff is to take place in Mount Pleasant, S.C.

Boaters are reminded the importance of safety equipment aboard vessels such as life jackets, proper communication equipment, and the benefits of owning an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

*Editor's note: Media is welcome to attend this event. Please contact Jennifer Heisler at 843-606-0232*

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Coast Guard Station Charleston, Coast Guard Auxiliary and partner agencies are hosting a free safe boating week event to be held on Saturday from approximately 10 a.m., till 2 p.m., at the Mt. Pleasant Waterfront Park.

This event is held for the community to learn about having fun while being safe on the water.

Members from Coast Guard Station Charleston, Coast Guard Auxiliary, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Charleston County Rescue Squad, police and fire departments from Isle of Palms, Mt. Pleasant, Charleston and North Charleston will be present.

Representatives will be available to answer questions about boating safety and regulations.

This event is part of National Safe Boating Week, an annual Coast Guard supported weeklong public awareness campaign with the goal of encouraging safe boating practices by mariners throughout the country.

The week highlights the importance of safety equipment aboard vessels such as life jackets, proper communication equipment, and the benefits of owning an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. The hope is to encourage people to carry appropriate safety equipment which could save their life.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard continues to closely monitor salvage efforts Monday to assess and repair the container-ship MSC Idil, approximately 70 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico.

The Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo is on scene with the MSC Idil ready to provide any needed rescue assistance, while monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the crew and the environment.

The crew of the MSC Idil continues to maintain the situation stabilized and is controlling the ship’s stability using onboard water pumps to manage flooding.

The vessel owner, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), has hired commercial salvage company DonJon-Smit to conduct a salvage assessment of the vessel and effect repairs. Representatives from DonJon-Smit have been on board the vessel since Saturday afternoon to conduct their assessment.  Work will continue until a viable course of action to conduct temporary repairs is determined and effected. 

The 900-foot container ship suffered an explosion onboard late Friday afternoon, approximately 60 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico, during its transit to Barcelona, Spain.

The MSC Idil reported the explosion was most likely caused by welding that was taking place on board the vessel. The Idil also reported they have full control of their cargo and that they have not released any hazardous materials into the environment but are taking actions to mitigate any potential release. The MSC Idil is reported to have 588,000 gallons of fuel oil and 62,000 gallons of diesel on board.

Coast Guard Cutter Key Largo, a 110-foot patrol boat is homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Click on thumbnails for high resolution photos!

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Coast Guard rescue crews are responding to the distressed container-ship MSC Idil, after the 900-foot tank ship suffered an explosion onboard late Friday afternoon, approximately 60 nautical miles north of Puerto Rico (U.S. Coast Guard Photo taken at approximately 11;45 a.m. Saturday.)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Coast Guard has been responding since Friday to the distressed container ship MSC Idil with 25 people onboard, after the ship suffered a marine casualty following an explosion onboard approximately 60 nautical miles north of San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The crew of the 900-foot Panamanian flagged container ship is all accounted for and have suffered no injuries following the incident that caused the container ship to begin listing and take on water into a fuel tank and cargo compartment.

The crew of the MSC Idil has stabilized the situation and is controlling the ship’s stability using onboard water pumps to manage flooding.

The MSC Idil reported the explosion was most likely caused by welding that was taking place on board the vessel. The Idil also reported they have full control of their cargo and that they have not released any hazardous materials into the environment but are taking actions to mitigate any potential release. The MSC Idil is reported to have 588,000 gallons of fuel oil and 62,000 gallons of diesel on board.

Coast Guard Wathstanders in Sector San Juan were notified of the emergency at approximately 3:42p.m. Friday through Digital Selective Calling followed by Mayday VHF radio transmissions received from the ship.

The Coast Guard launched an immediate response sending a 45-foot Response Boat Medium from San Juan and MH-65 helicopters from Boriquen to assess the situation. The responding Coast Guard Search and Rescue units determined no immediate threat was present and were replaced Friday night by the Coast Guard Cutter’s Matinicus and Sapelo, who remain on scene with the MSC Idil ready to provide rescue assistance while monitoring the situation.

In addition, a Customs and Border Patrol maritime patrol aircraft responded to the incident and conducted an aerial assessment Friday night reporting no signs of pollution, while the crew of a Coast Guard Ocean Sentry aircraft from Miami conducted an overflight Saturday morning and also did not detect any signs of pollution.

The Coast Guard is constantly monitoring the condition of the MSC Idil to ensure the safety of the crew and the environment. A commercial salvage team is being transported to the MSC Idil to completely assess the condition of the vessel and determine the best course of action to repair the damage. In addition, pollution response teams are on alert should they be needed.

Coast Guard Cutter’s Sapelo and Matinicus are 110-foot patrol boats homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Friends and family of six fallen Coast Guard crewmembers take photos of a Coast Guard C-130 Hercules flyover before a barracks dedication ceremony at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg May 11, 2012. On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Fla., six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Rear Admiral R.D. Herr, U.S. Coast Guard retired, Capt. Sheryl Dickinson, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commanding officer, and family members of six fallen Coast Guard members prepare to cut a ribbon during a barracks dedication ceremony at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg May 11, 2012. On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Fla., six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Rear Admiral R.D. Herr, U.S. Coast Guard retired and Capt. Sheryl Dickinson, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commanding officer, speak with a family member of Petty Officer 3rd Class Arthur Wilson after unveiling his memorial plaque during a barracks dedication ceremony at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg May 11, 2012. On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Fla., six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Rear Admiral R.D. Herr, U.S. Coast Guard retired and Capt. Sheryl Dickinson, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commanding officer, unveil a memorial plaque honoring the life of Petty Officer 2nd Class James Thompson, during a barracks dedication ceremony at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg May 11, 2012. On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Fla., six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A family member of Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Eckley Powlus Jr., unveils a memorial plaque honoring his life during a barracks dedication ceremony at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg May 11, 2012. On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Fla., six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - A family member of Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Ralph Studstill unveils a memorial plaque honoring his life during a barracks dedication ceremony at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg May 11, 2012. On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Fla., six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Rear Admiral R.D. Herr, U.S. Coast Guard retired and Capt. Sheryl Dickinson, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg commanding officer, unveil a memorial plaque honoring the life of Lt.j.g. Charles Shaw during a barracks dedication ceremony at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg May 11, 2012. On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Fla., six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Family members of Coast Guard Lt. Clifford Hanna unveil a memorial plaque honoring his life during a barracks dedication ceremony at Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg May 11, 2012. On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Fla., six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Tara Molle

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg held a dedication and renaming ceremony, Friday, for the historic barracks honoring the flight crew of HU-16E Albatross - CGNR 1240 who lost their lives on the night of March, 5, 1967

The Coast Guard barracks were originally constructed in 1935 as part of Air Station St. Petersburg. The Air Station was relocated to Clearwater in 1976, Group/Station St. Petersburg moved into the vacated facilities on the north side harbor where Sector St. Petersburg is today.

On the evening of March 5, 1967 while on a search and rescue case, Coast Guard Albatross CGNR-1240 crashed in the Gulf of Mexico 22 miles east of Apalachicola, Florida, six crewmen aboard the aircraft were killed. Nearly forty years later after the tragic loss of CGNR-1240, the wreckage was located in July 2006 offshore Carrabelle, Florida. The wreck site of CGNR-1240 is the official U.S. Coast Guard gravesite and is marked by a 8,000 pound memorial underwater.

Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg's historic barracks consist of two buildings with six separate wings. Each crew member had a wing dedicated in their honor.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard rescued two missing divers Friday afternoon approximately 10 miles east of Sebastian Inlet, Fla.

The divers became separated from thier boat and were drifting for more than five hours before being located by a Coast Guard helicopter crew from Air Station Clearwater, Fla.

The Coast Guard received notification at 12:30 p.m. Friday from the dive vessel Bangstick that two divers who went down at 9:40 a.m. were overdue in their resurfacing by about an hour. The Coast Guard immediately launched multiple assets to search by sea and air.

The divers were spearfishing when they became separated from their vessel, and drifted approximately four miles south of the dive boat's location.

A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater helicopter crew spotted the two missing divers, deployed their rescue swimmer, and vectored in a boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Fort Pierce, Fla., to retrieve the divers from the water.

Once medically cleared, the divers were transported back to the dive vessel Bangstick.

Also assisting in the case were:

• A Coast Guard Air Station Miami airplane crew
• A Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral, Fla., boatcrew
• Two boatcrews from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
• A boatcrew from Indian River County
• A Brevard County helicopter crew 

"The Coast Guard cannot stress enough the importance of safety at sea," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Stefan Overton, search and rescue controller, Coast Guard Sector Miami. "The precautions taken by these divers to equip themselves with an inflatable device, as well as a signaling device, significantly increased their chances for survival and for being spotted by rescue crews. We worked closely with our state and local partner agencies during this search and rescue case, andwe are extremely pleased to have found these individuals alive and well."

Click here for more information on boating safety.

MIAMI — The Coast Guard repatriated 55 Cuban migrants to Bahia de Cabañas, Cuba, and 37 Haitian migrants to Cap Haitien, Haiti, Thursday.

The 55 Cuban migrants were interdicted at sea during five separate cases since Saturday; the 37 Haitian migrants were interdicted at sea Monday.

The crew of the 110-foot Coast Guard Cutter Pea Island, homeported in Key West, Fla., repatriated the 55 Cuban migrants. The crew of the 210-foot Coast Guard Cutter Dependable, homeported in Cape May, N.J., repatriated the 37 Haitian migrants.

"The Coast Guard strongly advises against taking to sea in an attempt to illegally enter the United States," said Capt. Brendan McPherson, 7th Coast Guard District chief of enforcement. "Taking to sea in an unseaworthy vessel with little or no safety gear needlessly places human lives at risk. The Coast Guard will continue to rescue migrants from their peril at sea and will always do so in a professional manner that preserves the dignity of all people."

Once aboard a Coast Guard cutter, migrants are provided with food, water, shelter, and basic medical care.

For information about how to legally immigrate to the United States, call U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at 1-800-375-5283 or visit the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov.