US Coast Guard busy with catastrophes on both coasts

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued five people from the Gunboat 55 Rainmaker after the catamaran was dismasted Jan. 30 about 200 miles SE of Hattaras (NC). Conditions at the time of the incident were reportedly 40 mph winds and 13-foot seas. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived on scene at approximately 5 p.m. and hoisted all five people, transporting them to Dare County Regional Airport in Manteo, North Carolina, where they arrived at approximately 8:10 p.m. in good condition. Full report.

—————
For years, James ‘Hot Rod’ Lane had dreamed of sailing to Hawaii on his homebuilt boat, then living the good life afloat in some friendly anchorage. That dream ended Jan. 31, as Lane and his crew were air-evacuated from the 65-ft Flyin’ Hawaiian catamaran 120 miles west of Monterey (CA), and the huge, unconventional craft was left to drift. According to the Coast Guard, she had been taking on water; sea conditions at the time have yet to be clarified. More at Latitude 38 and Coast Guard News.