WATCH: U.S. Coast Guard Hoists Fishermen 130 Miles South Of Nova Scotia
Our fabulous U.S. Coast Guard were at it again, and this time helping a neighbor in need.
Early this past Tuesday night, a message of distress was taken from the crew of the Atlantic Destiny, a 143 foot vessel that was disabled with a fire on board and taking on water a little over 130 miles south of Nova Scotia.
Both the U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard along with the Royal Canadian air force sprung into action, eventually rescuing 31 fishermen from the vessel. By 9:36 the following morning, the Atlantic Destiny sank to the bottom of the Atlantic.
That night though a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod HC-144 Ocean Sentry fixed-wing crew, and two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews launched and arrived on the scene to assist the Canadian Coast Guard. This video shows our U.S. Coast Guard hoisting a few of the 21 fishermen that they saved and then eventually transported back to the mainland.
The winds were blowing 35 mph at the time and the seas were at 26 feet. All 31 fishermen were taken from the sinking boat without injuries.
“We have a strong connection with our Canadian partners,” said Capt. Wes Hester, the 1st Coast Guard District chief of response. “We conduct joint training every year with our partners in Greenwood, and our crew’s consistent training, coordinated responses, and international partnership saved 31 lives yesterday. That monumental effort is a testament to the hard work and sacrifice of everyone involved.”