Coast Guard rescues two people from sinking fishing boat off Mayport

Courtesy Photo | The crew of the 78-foot commercial fishing vessel Kingfish climb back aboard the vessel after it went aground on Atlantic Beach on Naval Station Mayport Thursday afternoon Sept. 24. Coast Guard Station Mayport rescued two men from the vessel before the vessel went aground. The Kingfish is homeported in Mayport and the vessel owner is responsible for salvage or any necessary cleanup.  

09.25.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Area

The Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville operations center was notified of the maritime distress by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at approximately 11:30 a.m., after they received a 911 call via a cell phone. A 47-foot rescue boat crew from Station Mayport responded to the distress and rescued the two men.

The King Fish, homeported in Mayport, began taking on water approximately one-half mile south of the Mayport jetties. The two men aboard the King Fish reported a towing block had broken loose and punctured a hole in the ship's hull, which enabled water to flood the engine room. In addition, water damaged the vessel's battery equipment, and caused the boat to lose power.

The King Fish ran aground at Atlantic Beach onboard Naval Station Mayport near the jetties following the rescue. There is currently no report of pollution.

The Coast Guard reminds all mariners of the vital importance of having safety equipment in the event of an emergency. Professional mariners and recreational boaters are urged to have a working VHF radio, signaling devices and an emergency position-indicating radio beacon.

• Date Taken: 09.25.2009
• Date Posted: 09.25.2009 08:15
• Story ID: 39243