MONTAUK, N.Y. — Coast Guard Station Montauk rescued a mariner Tuesday after an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert prompted a multi-agency search approximately three miles southwest of Montauk.
Watchstanders at the Northeast District Command Center received an EPIRB alert at approximately 11:24 a.m. from the 39-foot commercial fishing vessel Miss Alexa. The vessel’s owner confirmed the boat was underway with one person aboard but was operating a separate vessel north of Montauk. Multiple attempts to contact the operator were unsuccessful.
Coast Guard watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and launched a boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Montauk. The command center coordinated a joint response with the U.S. Air Force Air National Guard and the New York Army National Guard Aviation Support.
The Air National Guard diverted a nearby HC-130 Hercules aircrew to the scene, while the Army National Guard dispatched two HH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to assist in the search. Upon arrival, the HC-130 crew established communications with Coast Guard responders and located debris in the water consistent with the reported distress. The HC-130 coordinated with inbound Army National Guard helicopter crews to begin search patterns and remained overhead to direct the operation.
Coast Guard Station Montauk crews located and recovered the mariner from the water within the search area. The individual, who was not wearing a life jacket, was reported to be in stable condition. Coast Guard personnel provided first aid and coordinated with local emergency medical services for transport and further evaluation.
“When we arrived on scene and saw the debris, we knew this wasn’t going to be an everyday search and rescue case,” said a Coast Guard Station Montauk crew member. “Finding the mariner and reuniting him with his family is why we do this job.”
The rescue highlighted the importance of rapid coordination and teamwork among all responding agencies. Coast Guard and National Guard crews worked closely to search the debris field, locate the person in the water, and deliver immediate medical care until local emergency services arrived.
“This case illustrates the importance of having adequate safety equipment in working condition and properly registered,” said Lt. j.g. Mariah Dewey, Sector Long Island Sound command duty officer. “If not for the EPIRB, the Coast Guard’s response would have been significantly delayed and may not have had the same outcome.”
The Coast Guard urges all mariners to ensure their EPIRBs are properly registered and maintained, and to wear life jackets at all times while on the water. These devices are critical in alerting rescuers and can make the difference in an emergency.
For media inquiries, please reach out to PADET NY at new contact number (206) 815-7186 or email padetny@uscg.mil.
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