Coast Guard, Fish and Game, combine to rescue family

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Monday, September 14th, 2020 6:06am

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US Coast Guard officials assist near Marmion Island Sunday. Photo credit to US Coast Guard Alaska.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - A ship with a family of seven on board was towed to safety in a combined effort by the US Coast Guard Sector Juneau and Alaska's Deaprtment of Fish and Game Sunday.

The Coast Guard sent a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium to tow the disabled 22-foot sailing vessel from Marmion Island to South Douglas Harbor.

Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders said they received a mayday broadcast from the vessel via Channel 16 VHF-FM radio.

A good Samaritan fishing vessel, the Jenny May, received the broadcast and assisted at the scene.

The vessel in distress was low on fuel and had a broken rudder.

Two adults and five children were aboard.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game vessel, the Medeia, took the family on board.

Officials said the weather conditions were rough at the time of the rescue.

"Cases like this make my job and the long hours worth it," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Anthony DeLorenzo, an engineer aboard the RBM. "When I'm able to help save a family, it's extremely rewarding to see how grateful people are for you and for what you do."

Weather on the scene was 27-mph winds gusting to 42 mph, 4-foot seas, an air temperature of 43 degrees, water temperature of 50 degrees, and 10 miles visibility.

 

 

 

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