Watch: Clearwater Coast Guard Leads Way In Bahamas Rescue Efforts

CLEARWATER, FL — Crews from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater are back home after leading the way in the Bahamas with Hurricane Dorian rescue efforts.

While Hurricane Dorian continued pummeling the Bahamas with hurricane-force winds and deadly storm surge, members of the Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater was already deployed to the islands rescuing critically ill people from the Marsh Harbour Clinic in the Abaco Islands to Nassau International Airport.

As of Thursday morning before making their way back to Clearwater, the four Coast Guard Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews had rescued 135 people and six pets.

The Coast Guard Cutter Resolute, based out of St. Petersburg, also joined the rescue effort.

(U.S. Coast Guard video by Seaman Erik Villa-Rodriguez)

Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater forward-deployed four MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters included a crew composed of Petty Officer 2nd Class Sam Fuller, Petty Officer 2nd Class Mike Lewis, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jethro Hauser, Lt. Cmdr. Tony Lumpkin and Lt. Travis Rhera. The Coast Guard was supporting the Bahamian National Emergency Management Agency and the Royal Bahamian Defense Force.

Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater are back home after spending three days in the Bahamas.

Courtesy of Louby Georges

"Help is on the way," said Bahamas activist Louby Georges, referring to this video he posted on Facebook showing the arrival of U.S. Coast Guard assistance. "This gave me goosebumps and warmed my heart. God speed."

See related story: Clearwater Coast Guard Crews Evacuate 19 People In Bahamas