EPTALOFOS

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Bulkcarrier assisted in rescue of yacht crew

The "Eptalofos" which is registered with automated mutual-assistance vessel rescue system, responded to an AMVER request of the Coast Guard which rescued four people aboard the 56-ft-yacht "Island Breeze" on Nov 14, 2012, in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 170 miles east of Virginia Beach. The boat set off an emergency position indicating radio beacon at approximately 8:15 a.m., which was received by the Coast Guard 5th District Command Center watchstanders. Due to proper registration, CG not only had the location of the distressed vessel, but also received contact information that was used to verify the sailboat was underway. Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and dispatched crews aboard an HC-130 Hercules aircraft and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. The bulkcarrier which was bound for Baltimore reached the boat at approximately 10 a.m. and was able to confirm the vessel's location. The "Eptafos" notified the Coast Guard that they were in contact with the crewmembers aboard the "Island Breeze", which was without steering. The Hercules aircrew arrived on scene at approximately 11 a.m., established communications with the sailboat crew, who requested to be removed from the boat. Once the Jayhawk crew arrived on scene, they hoisted the four people and took them to Air Station Elizabeth City, where they were met by an ambulance crew. Report with photo: http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1608255/Coast-Guard-rescues-4-from-sailboat-170-miles-east-of-Virginia-Beach-Va-