US Coast Guard Locates ‘Zion’ Yacht
Local officials coordinated an international response after receiving a distress alert from the French sailing yacht Zion some 48 miles east-northeast of Bermuda, with a US Coast Guard aircraft later locating the vessel.
A Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “A 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon [EPIRB] distress alert was received by RCC Bermuda from the French sailing vessel Zion at a position 48 miles east northeast of Bermuda.
“RCC Gris-Nez in France were able to further research the yacht’s description and owner details. The yacht itself was described as a 35 white sloop which is believed equipped with a life raft and a dinghy. USCG East District [RCC Norfolk] were briefed by RCC Bermuda on the EPIRB activation and possible requirement for a search aircraft given the continued rough weather in the Bermuda area.
“Additionally, the closest merchant ship the Marshall Islands registered bulk carrier Genco Bourgogne is 160 miles southeast of Bermuda and has diverted at RCC Bermuda’s request but is still 24 hours away from the distress position given the sea conditions and her best speed of 6 knots.
Update: The spokesperson added, “At 1:15pm local time, a US Coast Guard HC-144 CASA aircraft from Air Station Cape Cod arrives on scene at the EPIRB position and locates the yacht Zion and spots her three crew on deck in apparently good condition.
“Attempts to drop marine VHF radios to the yacht in two separate parachute drop attempts are unsuccessful. The C-144 aircraft departs the scene at 3:05pm to re-fuel in Bermuda. Case Pends.”
