US Coast Guard kept busy by winter storms

Despite Mother Nature’s disdain for those that challenge her, there are those that still seek to test her will.

* The Coast Guard rescued four people Saturday (Feb. 14) from a 40-foot trimaran after the sails were damaged by high winds approximately 60 miles southeast of Bald Head Island near Wilmington, NC. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter hoisted the people and transported them to Air Station Elizabeth City in good condition. No injuries were reported. Rescued were vessel owner Frank W. Rawley, 55, Douglas Rider, 58, Lorette Medwel, 55, and a 14-year-old male. The survivors were sailing from Beaufort, NC to Pensacola, FL. Full report and video.

* Coast Guard crews responded to an offshore distress call from a 43-foot keelboat that was disabled and adrift in a winter storm about 150 miles south of Nantucket, MA on Sunday (Feb. 15). The crew of two reported the vessel was without power and its sails were torn in the storm. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted the men to safety and landed at Air Station Cape Cod. No injuries were reported.

Initial on-scene weather conditions were nine-foot seas and building, with 40-mph winds. By the time the crew was recovered, conditions had deteriorated to 25-foot seas and winds of nearly 60 mph. Seas are forecasted to build to 34 feet into the evening. The water temperature was 43 degrees and the air temperature was 35 degrees. Full report.