Three aboard disabled sailing vessel near Avon rescued by helicopter 

By Submitted Story on March 8, 2023

(U.S. Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet)

On the morning of March 7, Coast Guard Station Hatteras Inlet was notified about a 25’ disabled sailing vessel approximately 3 nautical miles offshore from Avon, with 3 persons on board. Our CG47244 launched and began making way towards the sailing vessel. Due to the increasing weather, an MH-60 Jayhawk from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City was dispatched to assist.

Once on scene, the surfman on board made the determination that towing them south towards Hatteras would prove difficult due to the sea state. A tow north on the other hand, would have been a 30 NM tow to Oregon Inlet where a conditions would have deteriorated leading to an attempt at crossing a breaking bar at night with gale conditions.

Station OIC, in concurrence with Sector NC and District 5, believed the safest course of action to be helicopter evacuation.  The CG47244 maintained position as the rescue swimmer retrieved each person from the water one at a time and was hoisted onto the helo. Once all mariners had safely been retrieved, the helo departed scene and CG47244 began making way around the Diamond shoals and back to station.
A great coordination of assets to get the outcome we always want, the safety of lives at sea.

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