VIDEO-Impresionante primer rescate Huracan Sandy-US Coast Guard

Un rescate en unas condiciones durísimas, gran maquina el Sikorsky HH-60 JayHawk y gran tripulación!

The owner of the 180-foot, three-mast tall ship HMS Bounty, a replica of the original British transport vessel built for the 1962 film “Mutiny on the Bounty” starring Marlon Brando, contacted Coast Guard Sector North Carolina after losing communication with the crew late Sunday evening. The 5th Coast Guard District command center in Portsmouth, Va., subsequently received a signal from the emergency distress position indicating radio beacon, or EPIRB, registered to the Bounty confirming the distress and position.

File photo of HMS Bounty taken from http://www.tallshipbounty.org.

A Coast Guard search airplane was launched from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City Sunday evening which established communication with the Bounty’s crew upon arriving on scene. The vessel was reportedly sinking in 18-foot seas accompanied by 40-mph winds.

By the time two Coast Guard rescue helicopters from Elizabeth City arrived on scene at approximately 6:30 a.m., the 16 crew members had reportedly divided among two 25-man lifeboats and were wearing cold weather survival suits and life jackets. Air crews located and rescued 14 of the 16 crew members.

A Coast Guard rescue swimmer approaches on of two lifeboats where the crew of HMS Bounty sought shelter after abandoning ship. Screenshot from U.S. Coast Guard video.

The HMS Bounty is reportedly sunk but the mast is still visible.

A Coast Guard search airplane and two rescue helicopters are currently on scene searching for the two remaining crew members with Coast Guard Cutters Elm and Gallatin en route to assist with the search.

Crew members from HMS Bounty arriving at Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City. Screenshot from U.S. Coast Guard video.

Coast Guard assets are currently positioned to respond in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. If you or a loved one encounter a maritime emergency, contact the Coast Guard on VHF radio channel 16 or local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.

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