Bermuda Coast Guard Rescues Solo Sailor
The Bermuda Coast Guard recently rescued a Polish solo sailor whose boat had started to take on water.
A Government spokesperson said, “A Bermuda Coast Guard crew rescued a solo sailor whose boat started to take on water on the high seas.
“The Polish skipper of the 36-foot ketch SV Hobo Girl was towed to safety by the Coast Guard after he was spotted five nautical miles southeast of the island. The rescue was carried out last night [May 19] after Bermuda Radio contacted the Coast Guard and asked the unit to investigate a vessel close to the island.
“The US Coast Guard earlier launched a search for the boat with one of its Hercules aircraft after the captain had texted a friend that the boat was taking on water about 360 nautical miles off Daytona Beach in Florida.
“The Hobo Girl was last sighted by tanker ship Eco Nebula on May 13, when the captain reported he was well and that he was considering heading to Bermuda for repairs.
“The US Coast Guard alerted Bermudian authorities that the boat was headed to the island, but continued their own search. The Bermuda Coast Guard towed the boat into St George’s, where the captain is now quarantined on board for 14 days under Covid-19 regulations while repairs are made.”
Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said, “The Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] continues to demonstrate its extreme value to Bermuda. During this pandemic, our new Coastguard has engaged in the vital role of protecting and safeguarding those on our waters.
“We in the Ministry of National Security are pleased that the Unit has successfully assisted with marine distress incidents such as the rescue of the solo sailor on board the SV Hobo Girl.
“The RBR and the individuals in its service are prepared and ready. And during these current times of adversity they continue to display an unparalleled resilience and determination. All of Bermuda should be proud of our soldiers and the service they provide to the people of this country.
“I continue to express my thanks to the men and women of the RBR who have answered the call. We continue to encourage individuals in the community who are looking for a dynamic and exciting career choice to consider joining the RBR which offers a wide range of options, now inclusive of Bermuda’s first ever Coast Guard.”
RBR Sergeant Major Jeff Patterson, second-in-command of the Coast Guard, said, “The Bermuda Coast Guard has the ability to conduct search and rescue operations up to 12 nautical miles from shore, dependent on weather conditions. I am pleased that this particular international search operation was resolved successfully.”
The spokesperson said, “Sgt Maj. Patterson said the service was pleased to be able to help, but highlighted that the single-handed sailor’s plight was a warning to island boat owners.”
Sergeant Major Patterson said, “It serves as a reminder for all boat operators in Bermuda to conduct regular maintenance checks on their vessels, ensure that all requisite safety equipment is on board and is in good working order, and to file a float plan with Bermuda Radio and a family member or friend who is onshore.”
Violating that first rule in boating never ends well. #1: Keep the water on the outside.
Good job BCG. One of your first real rescues is offshore.
Correct. Good job but how will we be able to afford the Coast Guard in the future? Where will the millions come from?
12 nautical miles from shore is not much but it is a start. now we need it to be known to the oversea boating community. so we can build up this form of travel to Bermuda as an another flourishing tourism product. take family vacation Jump in your boats bring your wife and kids for the sail to Bermuda. we got your back some what if you run into trouble. once we get more people coming we can get build better boats and extend the coverage range.
The more small boats come will build our name for the big boys and charters
to come. this is very good since we don’t own the airport anymore. confidant Bermudans could take on charter sailing as adventure getaway business. what more adventure could some want than a ocean crossing to a beautiful paradise this was my business idea they could sail with the captain round trip or take the family back on the plane