ALAMEDA, CA — The Coast Guard rescued a boater off Alameda Tuesday after their 14-foot sailing vessel capsized and was taking on water. The boater issued a mayday call around 4 p.m., but due to a language barrier, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders were unable to obtain further information from him.
The Coast Guard used an advanced direction-finding emergency response system to get the man's approximate location. They issued an urgent marine information broadcast to boaters in the area and dispatched an aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco and a 29-foot response boat crew from Coast Guard Station San Francisco.
The ferry Blackbird diverted to the scene and provided the exact position to the Coast Guard. The Station San Francisco boat crew pulled the man out of the water. He was taken to Alameda Landing, where his wife was waiting. There were no reported injuries.
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"The Rescue 21 system is triggered when a boater makes a radio transmission on VHF-FM channel 16. By having a VHF radio ready for immediate use, we were able to find his position and get him the help he needed," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Berger, the search-and-rescue mission coordinator. "We are also thankful to boaters like those on the ferry Blackbird, who take the time and care to look out for their fellow mariners."
A commercial salvage company removed the capsized boat from the water.
Find out what's happening in Alamedafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
-Image via LA Sheriff's Dept.
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