Coast Guard rescues sailor from burning sailboat 60 miles east of Chincoteague > U.S. Coast Guard News > Press Releases

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued a sailor from a burning sailboat nearly 60 miles east of Chincoteague Thursday evening.

Observers at the Coast Guard Fifth District Command Center received a 406 megahertz emergency position-indicating radio beacon around 8:30 p.m. for the 45-foot sailboat Trilogy. Observers led the launch of an HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, and also issued a rescue alert automated mutual assistance vessel.

The Hercules crew arrived on scene at 10:10 p.m. and spotted a dinghy with a person on board. The filthy one was near the Trilogy, which was on fire. The helicopter crew arrived on scene at 10:50 p.m., safely hoisted a 58-year-old man, who had no reported serious injuries, from the life raft and transported him to Norfolk Sentara for a more in-depth medical evaluation.

“Thanks to this Sailor's diligence in having an EPIRB aboard his vessel, rescue teams were alerted to his distress and arrived in time,” said Lt. JG Erin Bellen, Unit Comptroller. Fifth Coast Guard District search and rescue operations. “This sailor had also filed a floatation plan with a family member, which the Coast Guard always recommends doing, even for short day trips. He also wore an emersion suit, which he had put on before climbing into the filth. All of these actions and planning for a maritime emergency helped save his life.

Here are some tips boaters can use to have a safe summer on the water:

• Always wear a life jacket. The Coast Guard reminds boaters to make sure life jackets are in good condition, the right size, properly fastened and appropriate for your activity. In 2022, when the cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Among drowning victims who wore a lifejacket, 85% did not wear a lifejacket.
• Simple boat. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in all states. Penalties for violating BUI/BWI laws can include heavy fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges, and prison time.
• Check the weather before going out on the water. Know your weather limits: what your boat can handle and what it can't handle. Check the weather for storms, tides, currents and winds.
• Have an EPIRB. Always go out with an emergency locator radio beacon. Own it, know it, and record it. An EPIRB is a device designed to transmit a distress signal in the event of a problem. No matter where you are in the world, an EPIRB sends a signal to rescuers via a satellite system.
• Submit a flotation plan! A fleet plan tells someone where you're going and when you plan to return. A float plan should be given to a friend or family member and includes a description of your boat, what is on board, and a description of the safety equipment you are carrying. If you change plans during your trip, let someone know!
• Always take a marine radio. A VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup solution, they may be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and the inevitable dead battery.

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