Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District



Press Release Date: June 11, 2005
Contact: Petty Officer Mike Zolzer
206-220-7001

COAST GUARD RESCUES FIVE FROM SINKING BOAT


PORTLAND, Ore. - Five men were rescued by the Coast Guard after their
26-foot boat sank today 13 miles west of Ilwaco, Wash.



The operator of the Lotta Fun sent out a call for help on VHF Channel
16 at 8:45 a.m., which was received by Coast Guard Group/Air Station
Astoria, Ore.


An HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Astoria and two 47-foot
motor lifeboats from Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, in
Ilwaco, Wash., were launched at about 9:15 a.m., to assist.


To futher assist the Coast Guard, the operator of the Lotta Fun fired
two distress flares, which aided the helicopter in locatig the boat.





The Lotta Fun sank at 9:26 a.m., forcing all five people aboard into
the water. Everyone aboard was wearing a life jacket when the boat
sank.



The helicopter arrived to the Lotta Fun and deployed a rescue swimmer
and safely rescued two people from the 48 degree water. A 47-foot motor
lifeboat rescued the other three people from the water. All five people
were taken to Station Cape Disappointment and were evaluated by
emergency medical technicians and releaed.



The cause of the sinking is still under investigation.


The Coast Guard would like to remind boaters that life jackets greatly
increase your chance of survival during a maritime accident. Boaters
should have a VHF FM marine radio, which is the best way to contact the
Coast Guard in the event of an emergency. Boaters should also ensure
they have unexpired flares and fire extinguishers onboard. If boaters
are unsure of what safety equipment they need, free vessel safety
checks are available from the Coast Guard Auxiliary by calling (877)
875-6296 , or by visiting www.USCGboating.org.






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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service
within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and
security of America.




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U.S. Coast Guard - 13th District
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