DATE: May 19, 2009 9:51:20 PM EDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Public Affairs Detachment New York
U.S. Coast Guard

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May 19, 2009
Public Affairs
(212) 668-7114

News Release

 Coast Guard rescues two men, dog from sinking boat near Rockaway Beach

NEW YORK-The Coast Guard rescued two men and a dog after their boat began to sink approximately three miles south of Rockaway Beach, N.Y., at around 8:15 p.m., today.

Coast Guard Sector New York received a phone call via cellphone from the owner of the West Winds, a 40-foot boat homeported in Freeport, N.Y., stating the vessel was taking on water.

A 47-foot rescue boat crew from Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook responded and arrived on scene shortly after to rescue the two boaters and their dog from the West Winds before it sank.

“The GPS was extremely helpful to locate the boaters,” said petty officer 1st class Casey Judd, a search and rescue controller at Coast Guard Sector New York.  “Geographically the boaters weren’t sure where they were, so their GPS really helped us in our search and rescue efforts.”

The two men and the dog were all reported to be wearing life jackets at the time of the rescue.

No injuries were reported.

There is reportedly no visible pollution from the West Winds.  A notice to mariners has been issued by Coast Guard Sector New York to exercise caution while transiting the area where the vessel sank.

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