After their boat capsized in Georgia, USA, two men were saved thanks to firing flares.
The pair were spotted by a Coast Guard Air Station Savannah MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew in the water at Sapelo Sound after their 38-foot sailing boat capsized one afternoon in November.
Co-pilot Lt. Christina Batchelder, says, “The survivors had smoke flares, which is how we ultimately spotted the two men.”
The crew hoisted two men from the water and also took them to Hunter Army Airfield with no medical concerns. Both survivors were wearing life jackets.
Coast Guard Sector Charleston station received a Mayday call on VHF marine radio Channel 16. Watchstanders used a radio tower signal to tell the aircrew the approximate location of the capsized vessel.
Lt. Christina Batchelder adds, “When mariners are prepared by having a registered emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), flares and life jackets, the Coast Guard can respond quickly and the outcome, in this case, was two lives saved.”
The station said on Facebook, “Another incredible case by our ready crew! They hoisted two people adrift from their overturned sailboat. These guys were extra prepared and were spotted after igniting their smoke flare that led our crew right to them.”
The image is courtesy of US Coast Guard.
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