Coast Guard searches for missing fisherman

DATE: February 22, 2009 12:22:28 PM PST

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sector San Francisco Public Affairs

San Francisco.

Press Release

Date: Feb. 21, 2009

Contact: Sector San Francisco (415) 740-4364

Coast Guard searches for missing fisherman

MONTEREY, Calif. - The Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast, homeported in Warrenton, Ore., Coast Guard Station Monterey, and Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco conducted a rescue of two people and are searching for a third person, after the fishing vessel Della C sunk near Point Ano Nuevo, Calif.,.

At 1:24 p.m. this afternoon, Sector San Francisco received an alert from a 406 MHz Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon. Sector San Francisco launched a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Monterey and a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station San Francisco, and diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast from an offshore patrol.

The helicopter was first to arrive on scene approximately four miles west of Point Ano Nuevo, and located two survivors in a life raft, among other debris. The Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast brought the survivors onboard, and treated them for hypothermia. The search for the third person will continue through the morning.

According to the two people who have been rescued, a rogue wave overturned their vessel, and caused it to sink. A Pacific storm system is approaching the California coast, and a small craft weather advisory for high winds and hazardous wave conditions has been issued for the area until 4 p.m. on Sunday. All boaters are reminded to exercise caution during this period of time and are urged to carry the appropriate safety gear, such as life jackets, a VHF-FM radio, flares, and immersion suits for offshore activities.

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