MEDIA RELEASE
HONOLULU – A Canadian family rescued after their sailboat sunk during a voyage from Mexico to Hawaii, met with Coast Guardsmen to discuss lessons learned from the recent rescue in an effort to improve the search and rescue process Wednesday (Feb 15).
The three survivors and other members of their family met with Coast Guard watchstanders from the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu at the Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole Federal Building. Watcstanders briefed the survivors and family on the Coast Guard process of conducting a search and rescue. Watchstanders explained how they were able to coordinate the rescue by diverting the Horizon Reliance, an 800-foot container ship that is part of the Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue System.
The Coast Guard asked the survivors and family to explain any aspects of the Coast Guard rescue they felt could be improved.
“It is important for us to review the details of each search and rescue case to identify areas of improvement, which could be of benefit for conducting future rescues,†said Lt. Max Seda, a search and rescue coordinator in JRCC Honolulu. “These types of interactions give us a unique opportunity to examine our process from the survivor’s perspective, which can improve our ability to save lives at sea.â€
Each of the family members was wearing a lifejacket. The Coast Guard contributes their wearing of lifejackets as a major factor to their survival. The Coast Guard recommends all mariners wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard approved lifejacket.
The Coast Guard also recommends mariners register, maintain and carry an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon aboard their vessels.
For more information visit the 14th Coast Guard District public affairs office at 808-535-3230.
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