Clearwater, Fla. – A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued two boaters Wednesday after their 30-foot sailing vessel became disabled about 40 miles west of Tarpon Springs.

The aircrew found the de-masted sailboat in 4 to 6-foot seas with 20-knot winds at 4:49 a.m. A rescue swimmer was deployed, and both boaters were safely hoisted and transferred to Air Station Clearwater in stable condition.

A distress alert had been received earlier at 3:24 a.m. by a Coast Guard Southeast District watchstander, who coordinated the rapid launch of the helicopter crew.

“The distress alert was vital in providing us critical information to rapidly deploy a helicopter crew to assist,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Aybar, a search and rescue controller at the Southeast District command center. “Having reliable communication equipment and necessary safety equipment can make all the difference when seconds matter on the water.”

The vessel’s owner is coordinating its recovery with a commercial salvage company. The cause of the de-masting is currently unknown.

Coast Guard Southeast District watchstanders maintain continuous surveillance and coordinate with partner agencies to deploy assets immediately for emergent search and rescue operations.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download