Panga suspected of smuggling found adrift in Carmel Bay

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – The U.S. Coast Guard is asking coastal residents and the maritime community to remain vigilant and to immediately notify authorities if they observe any suspicious vessels or activities along the coast, in port, or at sea.

Over the past few years officials have seen a trend of smugglers from Mexico traveling farther north along the California coast taking longer routes and greater risks to evade patrols.  The Coast Guard responded Monday to a report of a 24-foot vessel with no one aboard adrift in Carmel Bay. When Coast Guard crews arrived on scene it appeared that someone had attempted to scuttle the vessel by puncturing the hull with an ax.  It is believed the boat may have been used for smuggling.

“Fast 25- to 50-foot open-hull boats powered by two or more outboard motors, commonly referred to as ‘pangas,’ are used by smugglers to transport illegal drugs and people into the United States,” said Capt. Greg Stump, Coast Guard Sector San Francisco commander. 

“Some folks may ask, ‘What’s the big deal?’  The big deal is that this smuggling activity helps fund violent international criminal organizations, threatens the safety of law abiding citizens at sea and ashore, and contributes to the supply of illegal drugs on our streets.  We’re asking the public to help us stop smuggling by reporting any suspicious activity,” said Stump.  

The money earned from smuggling, and the illegal activities related to it, have been cited as a destabilizing influence in Mexico and causes tremendous harm to communities on both sides of the border. Illegal drug and human trafficking places federal, state, and local law enforcement officers as well as private citizens in danger.

In December 2012 a Coast Guardsman was killed by suspected smugglers when they rammed a Coast Guard boat with their panga. In addition, the pangas often carry large amounts of fuel for their transit up the coast and once the smugglers complete their transit they abandoned the vessels leaving the remaining fuel to the mercy of the environment, needlessly exposing the community to dangerous health risks.

The public is urged to report suspicious maritime activity by calling 911, or call the Department of Homeland Security Tip Line at 415-426-8815.  All calls to the Tip Line are confidential. Tipsters can remain anonymous if they choose.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s anti-smuggling poster may be viewed at:

http://www.dvidshub.net/image/1051563/coast-guard-anti-smuggling-poster

Coast Guard members carry an assortment of canned foods at an annual Alameda Scouting for Food Drive in Alameda, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, to support the Alameda County Food Drive. Coast Guard members worked with the local community to unpack and sort food donations to deliver to low-income families in Alameda. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart)

Petty Officer 3rd Class Kareem Orio, a marine science technician assigned to Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, carries an assortment of canned foods at an annual Alameda Scouting for Food Drive in Alameda, Calif., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, to support the Alameda County Food Drive. Coast Guard members worked with the local community to unpack and sort food donations to deliver to low-income families in Alameda. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart) 

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Coast Guard members volunteered for an annual Alameda Scouting for Food Drive Saturday, November 16, 2013, to support the Alameda County Food Drive in Alameda, Calif.

Coast Guard members and families worked together with the Rotary Club, Alameda Elks Lodge, American Red Cross, Girl Scout troops and local college students to unpack and sort food donations to deliver to low-income families in Alameda. 

“The city of Alameda is supportive of the Coast Guard and this is a great opportunity for us to give back to the community to say thank you,” said Cmdr. Peter Brady, the executive officer for Base Alameda.  “We are able to build a strong relationship with our community partners to support their local efforts.”

Troy Gilbert, executive director for the food bank, said Coast Guard members frequently volunteer on a daily basis establishing a great working partnership.

“Coast Guard members are dedicated and smart,” Gilbert said. “Not only do they volunteer their time, but also assist in other aspects. They do client check-ins, technical work and logistics.”

This year will be the fourth event for Chief Petty Officer William Hurt, a maritime enforcement specialist assigned to Base Alameda.

“Alameda embraces the Coast Guard and assisting the local food banks is a great way to give back,” Hurt said. “I always enjoy attending these events because you meet other Coast Guard members and are able to mingle with the local community.”

Yong Yuxie, a chairman for Alpha Phi Omega at the University of Berkeley, said it was her first time working closely with the Coast Guard.

“It’s nice to know people in the community come together to serve others and take time out of their day,” Yuxie said.

Seaman BreAnn Whiat, vice president for Coast Guardsmen for Responsible Decision Making (CGRD) attended the drive to represent a group within the Coast Guard who mentor and influence their peers at a junior level to promote good attitude.

“I am proud that CGRD representatives are able to come out today and exemplify the importance of service to others,” Whiat said. “It’s incredible to be surrounded by shipmates who support not only their co-workers but their local community.”

Coast Guard Capt. Thomas Crabbs, Pacific Area chief of operations, speaks to guests attending a simulated disaster response at Pier1 in San Francisco, Nov. 18, 2013. In prior years, the Coast Guard has participated in such exercises allowing for hands-on training for members. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Seaman Erika Lindquist


Members from Coast Guard Regional Dive Locker West and the diving unit of the Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego participate in a simulated disaster response evolution Nov. 18, 2013, at Pier 1 in San Francisco. The disaster response simulation was conducted in order to better prepare the multiple agencies required if an earthquake of catastrophic proportions were to occur.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Erika Lindquist


Members from Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team San Diego and Regional Dive Locker West prepare to begin an exercise where a vehicle underwater must be rigged up in order to be craned out of the way of disaster relief vessels at Pier 1 in San Francisco, Nov. 18, 2013. Port of San Francisco dive teams worked with Coast Guard divers in order to complete the simulated training mission. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Seaman Erika Lindquist

Taylor Palmaffy (left) talks to Cmdr. Donald Montoro and Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Lanskike at Sector San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 25, 2013. Palmaffy received the Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award for his efforts which resulted in saving two lives during his famiy's vacation in Maui, Hawaii, in June 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

Coast Guard Rear Adm. Karl Shultz, the 11th District commanding officer, presents an award to Taylor Palmaffy on behalf of Rear Adm. Cari Thomas, 14th District commanding officer, at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 25, 2013. Palmaffy, joined by his family, received the Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award for his rescue efforts for saving two lives during his family's vacation in Maui, Hawaii, in 2012. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Loumania Stewart

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Rear Adm. Karl Shultz, 11th Coast Guard District commander, presented the Coast Guard Meritorious Public Service Award to Taylor Palmaffy, a San Jose native, on behalf of Rear Adm. Cari Thomas, the 14th Coast Guard District commander, at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco, Monday, November 25, 2013.

Palmaffy, 16, was recognized for his heroic actions in providing aid to two distressed swimmers at Ka’anapali Beach on the island of Maui, Hawaii, during his family’s vacation in June 2012.

Palmaffy said he observed two swimmers struggling against the current who were swept out to deeper waters.

“I was a certified lifeguard for three months and had training from Boy Scouts to recognize signs of someone in distress.” Palmaffy said. “ Without hesitation, I took my boogie board out to the two people in distress to help.”

Palmaffy said he noticed the 16-year old boy and the older woman were swimming against the waves when the best way to fight against the 6-foot surf was to swim parallel to the waves.

When Palmaffy arrived on scene, he gave the young man his boogie board and instructed him to paddle to safer water. Once they were safe, Palmaffy was able to maneuver the boy to meet his father, who was able to assist further.

Palmaffy’s father, Michael, said when he joined his son and the teenager, Taylor immediately went back for the older woman.

“I’m very proud of my son. He used (what) he was taught to serve others,” said Michael Palmaffy.

Palmaffy’s mother, Amy, said she was on the beach with Taylor’s younger brother and sister keeping them safe.

“As a mother, I was scared for Taylor, but I was also proud of the initiative he took to help,” said Amy Palmaffy.

When Palmaffy’s mother asked, “What made you do it?” His reply was, “I couldn’t imagine not helping.”

Rear Adm. Thomas said, “This selfless act for a young man undoubtedly mitigated a hazardous situation that could have resulted in a loss of life. Taylor Palmaffy’s character actions and dedication to public services are most heartily commended by the United States Coast Guard.“

The Meritorious Public Service award is one of the highest public recognition awards presented by the Coast Guard and is given to recognize unusual courage in advancing the Coast Guard’s missions.

ALAMEDA, Calif. – A Coast Guardsman was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault and other violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice during a general court-martial at Coast Guard Base Alameda November 18-24.

Third Class Electricians Mate Osvaldo Ortega was convicted of abusive sexual contact, aggravated sexual assault, assault consummated by battery, housebreaking, false official statement and unlawful entry. Ortega committed the offenses against two separate victims in 2008 and 2012 while stationed at Coast Guard Base Los Angeles – Long Beach, Calif. A military jury sentenced Ortega to one year of confinement, a bad conduct discharge and reduction to the lowest enlisted pay grade. Under state law, Ortega will also be required to register as a sex offender.

The allegations first surfaced in October 2012 when a Coast Guardsman reported Ortega sexually assaulted her while she was sleeping at a third Coast Guardsman’s off-base apartment in August 2012. The victim made this report immediately following her attendance at a sexual assault prevention workshop at Coast Guard Base Los Angeles – Long Beach. The Coast Guard Investigative Service launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Later in October 2012, Coast Guard investigators learned of alleged sexual assaults of a second Coast Guard victim now stationed on the East Coast. When that victim was contacted, she reported that Ortega sexually assaulted her twice, once in 2008 and again in 2009.

The military jury found that Ortega was not guilty of aggravated sexual assault and wrongful sexual contact stemming from the 2009 incident.

Ortega’s offenses took place off base and off duty near Long Beach, Calif.  He was assigned to Coast Guard Base Los Angeles - Long Beach where he worked as a member of the engineering department. 

For more information, please contact Mr. Dan Dewell: 510-437-3937

SAN FRANCISCO - A Coast Guard helicopter rescue crew from Air Station San Francisco rescued three injured persons from a car that traveled off the side of a cliff near San Mateo, Calif., early Thursday morning.

At approximately 12:30 a.m., a vehicle carrying four passengers veered off the road and down a cliff near state Highway 92 in San Mateo. One of the passengers was able to climb the cliff and call for help.

Local first responders arrived on scene, but due to the location of the vehicle almost 150 feet off the cliff, requested Coast Guard assistance.

The Coast Guard rescue crew was launched.  Once on scene, they began hoisting the passengers. Due to low fuel, the helicopter aircrew returned to the air station with one passenger, refueled and quickly returned for the remaining two people.

The remaining passengers were taken to Air Station San Francisco in stable condition and delivered to waiting EMS personnel.

Click HERE for hoist camera footage.

The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche returns to its homeport of Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., after a 109-day deployment, Friday, November 29, 2013 to reunite with family members for the holidays. Waesche's crew conducted a broad range of operations including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime surveillance and community outreach while deployed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

Petty Officer 1st Class John Savastano, assigned to Coast Guard Cutter Waesche, hugs his daughter at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Friday, November 29, 2013. The Waesche's crew returned from a 109-day deployment in Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea and Artic Ocean to its homeport at Coast Guard Island to reunite with loved ones for the holidays. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

The Coast Guard Cutter Waesche returns to its homeport of Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., after a 109-day deployment, Friday, November 29, 2013 to reunite with family members for the holidays. Waesche's crew conducted a broad range of operations including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime surveillance and community outreach while deployed. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Loumania Stewart

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Waesche returned from a 109-day deployment in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea and Artic Ocean to its homeport at Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., to reunite with loved ones for the holidays, Friday, November 29, 2013.

Leilani Schweitzer, wife of Petty Officer Class 1st Class James Schweitzer assigned to Cutter Waesche, said she waited for her husband to come home to have Thanksgiving dinner.

“I'm so excited to see him after he was underway for a couple months,” said Schweitzer. “I couldn’t have Thanksgiving dinner without him,”

Petty Officer 2nd Class Miguel Espinosa's wife said, “I am so proud of my husband and the members he works with. I am so thankful for their service to our country.”

Waesche’s crew conducted a broad range of operations including maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime surveillance and community outreach.

While underway, the crew was on scene for the opening of the red king crab fishing season to help ensure the safety and security of fishermen conducting operations in the Bering Sea. The crew also enforced fisheries laws and regulations to ensure sustainable fishing is practiced in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea.

The crew responded to five search and rescue cases including a removal of 14 mariners from a disabled fishing vessel, Alaska Mist some 160 nautical miles northeast of Dutch Harbor in mid-November.

In Unalaska, Alaska, the crew participated in helping with maintenance and upkeep at a high school and several other community relation projects.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Lucus Hurley said he was glad to be home for the holidays, especially after a successful deployment.

“It’s a wonderful feeling coming home and seeing my family,” said Hurley.

The Commanding Officer of the Waesche, Capt. John McKinley, said he was incredibly proud and honored to serve alongside his Waesche shipmates.

“They performed well beyond my expectations in many different Coast Guard mission areas in one of the harshest maritime environments,” McKinley said. “This is an incredible ship and crew.”

The Waesche is a 418-foot National Security Cutter, a range of 12,000 nautical miles and a permanent crew of 120.   Waesche is named after Coast Guard Adm. Russell R. Waesche who served as a Commandant of the Coast Guard from 1936 to 1945.

CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW THE VIDEO:

ALAMEDA, Calif. —An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew from Coast Guard Station San Francisco medically evacuated a man suffering from stomach pain and dehydration along the shoreline of Tomales Bay, Calif., Monday, December 2, 2013. 

The Coast Guard received a call from one of four kayakers at approximately 11:30 a.m., requesting medical assistance for the ailing 24-year-old man.

The rescue crew hoisted the man from the kayak and flew him to nearby Miller Park Boat Launch where he was safely transferred to awaiting emergency medical personnel. His current condition is unknown.

Please consider these kayaking safety tips before leaving the dock:

• Wear a life jacket. The U.S. Coast Guard advises everyone to wear a life jacket. 

• Take a VHF-FM Marine radio. Cell phones often lose signal and run out of power after a day on the water. They are helpful, but not reliable for emergencies. 

• File a float plan. There are too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and conveyed in an emergency situation. Without a float plan, kayakers are counting on someone else -- a friend, neighbor or family member -- to remember detailed information that rescue personnel need in order to find you. For more information, visit. www.floatplancentral.org

• Check the weather before going out on the water.  Know what to expect and be prepared for weather that may deteriorate unexpectedly.  Check the weather report at www.weather.gov

BODEGA BAY, Calif. – Coast Guard crews saved two boaters who became disoriented near Point Reyes, Calif., late Thursday night.  

The two people aboard a disabled 37-foot sailboat, dropped their anchor, but the anchor was not holding and they were drifting quickly to shore. 

At approximately 11:30 p.m. Thursday, Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay received the report of the disabled sailboat and immediately launched a boatcrew to the approximate location using a line of bearing generated by the vessel’s radio transmission.  The Coast Guard utilized its direction-finding equipment integrated into the national distress and response system known as Rescue 21, to locate the vessel.  An Air Station San Francisco helicopter aircrew also launched, helping to illuminate the area, locate the vessel, and provide the weather on scene.  

Once the boatcrew passed a tow line to the sailboat, the owner cut his anchor and the sailboat was towed safely back to Station Bodega Bay. 

“A case like this is exactly what we prepare for on a daily basis,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ross Ellis, the boat coxswain during the rescue.  “The coordination and teamwork from the station watchstander to the coxswain made it a successful tow.” 

With the cold weather approaching and the busy holiday season, the Coast Guard reminds the public that a situation can quickly become dangerous.  All boaters should maintain situational awareness, check the weather before getting underway, carry life jackets, and dress warmly.

U.S. Navy retired Fireman 2nd Class John Vaessen is recognized during a Pearl Harbor remembrance ceremony on Coast Guard Island, in Alameda, Calif., December 7, 2013. Vaessen was serving aboard the USS Utah on the morning of December 7, 1941, when the Utah took two torpedoes and rolled over, trapping Vaessen below decks.  Realizing that his ship was capsizing, Vaessen remained at his post at the forward distribution board after word had been passed to abandon ship and kept the lights burning as long as possible. Trapped, he was later rescued through a hole cut in the bottom of the capsized ship. According to Vaessen, what saved him was a thorough knowledge of the ship, a three-cell flashlight with a faulty switch and an end wrench used for opening hatches. Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet, awarded Vaessen the Navy Cross.  Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas McKenzie

Members of a color guard render a 21-gun salute during a Pearl Harbor ceremony on Coast Guard Island in Alameda, Calif., Dec. 7, 2013. (Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas McKenzie)

ALAMEDA, Calif. - Coast Guard members of the 11th Coast Guard District participated in a joint two-day search and rescue exercise, SAREX, with members of the Mexican navy's Search and Rescue Station in Ensenada, Mexico Wednesday and Thursday.

The visit included a flag officer professional exchange, presentations highlighting each country's search and rescue capabilities, and a multiple-scenario tabletop exercise requiring joint coordination and response.

"The overall objective of the United States and Mexico Search and Rescue Exercise is to exercise the interoperability of the U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican navy," said Capt. Arthur Snyder, the 11th Coast Guard District Chief of Incident Management.

The exercise aligns with the U.S. and Mexico Search and Rescue Treaty. This longstanding bilateral agreement, originally drafted in 1935 and revised in 1989, is called the Assistance to and Salvage of Vessels in Territorial Waters. This serves as the fundamental policy doctrine for SAR coordination between the U.S. and Mexico. It emphasizes continual joint training in order to maintain operational proficiency and international cooperation. The 11th Coast Guard District, Mexican navy and Search and Rescue Station Ensenada strive to conduct the U.S. and Mexico SAREX annually, with the host country typically alternating each year.

"This joint international tabletop exercise is a strong example of the ongoing positive and cooperative engagements taking place between the U.S. Coast Guard and the Mexican navy to enhance maritime safety," said Rear Adm. Karl Schultz, commander of the 11th Coast Guard District. "Through the sharing of maritime search and rescue best practices, this SAREX offered an excellent opportunity to further strengthen the professional, cultural, and social bonds between the 11th Coast Guard District and the Mexican navy's Second Naval Region."

The SAREX included a six-scenario tabletop exercise, during which Coast Guard and Mexican navy representatives presented three scenarios each, then worked together to find the best course of action to solve the hypothetical situations. Through discussions, both sides were able to identify strengths and gaps in their current procedures, while finding ways to streamline and improve SAR response coordination.

"This SAREX was very educational for all of us," said Cmdr. Jose Baños Vazquez, commanding officer of Search and Rescue Station Ensenada.  "Through it, we reinforced the proper procedures being used with the 11th District. I'm sure exercises such as this will help the international search and rescue community become stronger and more efficiently conduct maritime rescues for the good of both countries and we appreciated the professional exchange and look forward to our continued improvement in search and rescue operations."

The event also afforded members of the 11th Coast Guard District an opportunity to tour the Second Naval Region Base in Ensenada, as well as the Naval Vessel Monasterio, a ship that routinely conducts fisheries and law enforcement patrols in Mexico's waters. The Second Naval Region also organized an area familiarization trip aboard one of their high-speed Interceptor Response Boats, as well as a K-9 unit exhibition where handlers demonstrated how the dogs carry out contraband detection and train to maintain a high level of fitness and proficiency.

"I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and readiness of Ensenada's search and rescue officers and crew," said Snyder. "They are a highly capable, well-trained unit that clearly takes great pride in the service they provide to the maritime public."

Lunch and dinner events between participants enabled both parties to continue reinforcing international ties at the flag, senior staff and watchstander levels. The event allowed members to meet and discuss recent search and rescue cases, law enforcement operations and shared ideas on how to further strengthen the partnership and collaboration between their agencies.

"This was a very successful and productive engagement," said Schultz. "All participants demonstrated a high level of dedication and professionalism throughout the exercise, and are already eager to start the planning process for next year's event."

Coast Guard members conducted a pyrotechnics training and demonstration with local agencies including Monterio Fire Department and Bodega Bay Fire Department, at the mouth of the Russian River in Jenner, Calif., Friday, Dec. 13, 2013. The pyrotechnics training educated the public as how to properly identify a flare. Coast Guard members and the local agencies routinely receive reports of false flare sightings due to misidentification. Coast Guard photo by Senior Chief Petty Officer Aaron Bretz

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay members conducted a pyrotechnics training and demonstration with local agencies including Monte Rio Fire Department and Bodega Bay Fire Department, at the mouth of the Russian River in Jenner, Calif., Friday, December 13, 2013.

The pyrotechnics training educated the public as how to properly identify a flare. Coast Guard members and the local agencies routinely receive reports of false flare sightings due to misidentification.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Aaron Bretz, the officer in charge of Station Bodega Bay, said, " A red flare on the ocean is similar to a 911 call on shore. A boater may be in distress, so the station values the importance of the information that is received from local mariners, the public and local partner agencies."

Coast Guard members demonstrated the proper use of various flares, commonly used by fishermen and other boaters, and explained the characteristics of the pyrotechnics to help the public properly identify the flares.  

The public was able to view the various flares from shore while asking the Coast Guard members questions. Later that evening, a Coast Guard crew aboard a 47-foot motor life boat approximately one mile off shore fired several flares to demonstrate the different characteristics of each – color, size, movement and timing.

“Our boats launch several times a year for flare sightings that frequently turn out be meteors, lanterns or other anomalies,” said Bretz. “This exercise provided the public with a chance to view marine flares.” 

The demonstration also gave Station Bodega Bay’s crew a chance to practice the proper techniques of shooting a flare to prepare them for any situation.

“When crew members train on a daily basis, it allows firing a flare to become second nature,” said Stuart. “When we train constantly - you can compare it to tying a shoe - we don’t have to think about it; they naturally fire it when in distress.”

Coast Guard crews are required to wear a boat crew survival vest, which includes the types of flares demonstrated, whenever they are aboard a vessel.

Petty Officer 2nd Class James Stuart, a deck petty officer assigned to Station Bodega Bay, said, “The flares in our vest serves an important purpose. When stranded in the water they can help locate our position or during search and rescue cases, help other vessels or helicopters locate the crew.”

Even though the Coast Guard frequently receives calls of false flare sightings, Bretz said, “If in doubt, it’s always best to call the Coast Guard. If you see something that looks like a flare, report it because that could be someone’s life in danger. A boater’s life may be depending on your actions as you enjoy the scenery of the ocean.”

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard cautions the public to exercise safe and responsible boating practices in mind as high seas and strong winds are predicted to impact the San Francisco Bay Area for Wednesday and Thursday.

Northerly wind gusts as high as 63 mph are possible, creating sea conditions which can be dangerous.

Please check NOAA area weather site for the latest updates prior to getting underway.

“We recommend mariners avoid taking to the water during storm conditions,” said Lt. Cmdr. Shawn Lansing, Sector San Francisco’s Command Center Chief. “If it is necessary to get underway, mariners are urged to check all of their safety equipment to ensure it is in good condition and working properly.”

The Coast Guard also encourages all vessel owners and operators to check the status of mooring and anchoring arrangements.  Vessels that are not properly secured during a storm can break free from moorings, often a result of worn lines, an insufficient numbers of lines, or an improperly sized anchor or anchor chain. It is a good idea to double up vessel mooring lines during strong winds and heavy seas.  Vessels that become adrift pose severe hazards to nearby people and vessels and can also pose environmental risks as any fluids or chemicals aboard can spill or leak. 

“When vessels, dinghies, and other craft are reported adrift, the Coast Guard treats each situation as distress until we are able to rule it out.” said Lansing. “By addressing mooring safety and securing potential sources of marine pollution, the public is greatly assisting the Coast Guard in reducing risk to our crews, other mariners, and the environment.”

USCG Storm Center: www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter. 

NOAA Marine Weather from Fort Bragg to Piedras Blancas, Calif,: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/mtr/ 

USCG Safe Boating: www.uscgboating.org.

Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18 as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche. Photo courtesy Coast Guard Cutter Waesche.

ALAMEDA - Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf died in a Seattle hospital Dec. 18 as a result of injuries he sustained during search and rescue operations near Amak Island, Alaska, Nov. 11, while serving aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche.

Obendorf’s family was by his side when he passed away in Swedish Hospital following surgery.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Petty Officer Obendorf's family and his shipmates aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche during this difficult time,” said Vice Adm. Paul Zukunft, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.

At the time of his injury, Waesche personnel were conducting small boat operations to assist the disabled fishing vessel Alaska Mist with 22 mariners aboard. During the first transfer of passengers, Obendorf was injured while recovering the small boat. A Coast Guard helicopter crew transported him to Cold Bay for a commercial medevac to Anchorage and further medical care. Obendorf’s family arrived in Anchorage shortly thereafter.  He was then transferred to Swedish Hospital Dec. 6 for continued medical care.

“Petty Officer Obendorf’s selfless actions directly contributed to rescuing five mariners in distress.  His willingness to assist others, even amidst the dangerous environment of the Bering Sea, truly embodies the Coast Guard’s core values,” said Waesche’s commanding officer, Capt. John McKinley. “Travis will be sadly missed.”

The Coast Guard is investigating the incident.

For information about the Alaska Mist search and rescue case, please see http://www.uscgnews.com/go/doc/4007/1962946/.

Rear Adm. Karl L. Schultz, 11th Coast Guard District commander, presented a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin aircrew with an Air Medal and three Coast Guard Commendation Medals during a ceremony held at the air station Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.
The aircrew was awarded for their rescue of six stranded hypothermic hikers near Point Reyes, Calif., July 30, 2013. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena

A Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin aircrew received one Air Medal and three Coast Guard Commendation Medals during a ceremony held at the air station Friday, Dec. 20, 2013.
The aircrew was awarded for their rescue of six stranded hypothermic hikers near Point Reyes, Calif., July 30, 2013. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- A Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew received an Air Medal and Coast Guard Commendation Medals during an awards ceremony held at the air station Friday.

Rear Adm. Karl L. Schultz, 11th Coast Guard District commander, presented the Air Medal to Lt. Cmdr. James R. Kenshalo, the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter pilot, and Coast Guard Commendation Medals to Lt. Beau C. Belanger, the helicopter co-pilot, Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis L. Swain, aviation maintenance technician (flight mechanic) and Petty Officer 3rd Class Corey A. Fix, aviation survival technician (rescue swimmer) for their part in the rescue of six hypothermic hikers from a remote cove near Point Reyes, Calif., July 30, 2013.  

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received notification and a request for assistance from the National Park Service in the search for six stranded hikers in the vicinity of Pelican Lake, Calif.

An Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin aircrew was launched and located the missing hikers near Abalone Point, Calif. The rescue swimmer was deployed and rescued four of the hikers. The rescue swimmer remained on scene with the remaining two hikers while the helicopter crew returned for fuel and brought the four hikers ashore. The aircrew quickly returned and hoisted the rescue swimmer and remaining two hikers.

Click HERE for copies of the award citations.

ALAMEDA, Calif. — The Coast Guard, the Environmental Protection Agency and California Department of Resources, Recycling and Recovery, joined efforts to successfully lift the tug Respect, a 150-foot sunken vessel, from the Oakland estuary on Dec. 19, 2013.

On Oct. 17, 2013, the Coast Guard was notified by the EPA of a potential pollution threat from the Respect. After further research on the sunken tug, the Coast Guard determined that it posed a substantial threat to human health and the environment and needed to be removed.

The tug sank in 2007, but earlier this year the EPA found traces of tar balls and heavy fuel oil in the vessel.

On Dec. 2, Global Diving and Salvage Inc. commenced rigging operations to raise, assess and defuel the Respect.

On Dec. 18, lifting operations began and were successfully completed on Dec. 19. The tug was transferred to Bay Ship and Yacht in Alameda, Calif.

The Coast Guard, EPA and CalRecycle will work together to remove the oil and hazardous materials before disposing of the vessel.

“This is yet another example of what can be accomplished in the Bay area when federal, state and local partners marshal resources and efforts” said Capt. Gregory Stump, the Coast Guard’s operational commander for northern Calif. “No single entity could have achieved this mammoth undertaking given the fiscal realities at all levels of government, however, side-by-side we can and will tackle the most difficult challenges that lie ahead. Thanks to all for a job well done!”

SAN FRANCISCO - The Coast Guard is warning boaters and beach-goers along the Northern California coast, from the Oregon-California border to San Luis Obispo, to use caution in coastal areas due to an increase in rip currents and possible “sneaker waves.”

Rough seas and sneaker waves can catch people by surprise, with deadly consequences. These large swells can create strong rip currents at many beaches, resulting in moderate to large surf at reefs and sand bars, and potential sneaker waves at steeper beaches.

People walking along the beach should not turn their backs to the ocean. Families and dog owners should protect themselves and their loved ones from surf zones and avoid low-lying areas. Fishermen should avoid fishing from rocks and jetties. Pet owners are reminded that dogs are much naturally better swimmers than their owners; do not chase into the surf after your pet. Walk parallel to the shore, shouting and waving your arms in order to make sure the animal can see you.

Boaters always should check the weather before getting underway, and ensure that their safety gear is up to date and in good working condition. Basic safety items include properly fitting lifejackets for everyone aboard, a sufficient number of flares, a working marine band radio and an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon.

The Coast Guard encourages all boaters to file float plans with friends or family. A good float plan includes a description of the vessel, names of the crew, a list of safety equipment on board the vessel, the estimated time of arrival at the fishing grounds and the ultimate destination of the excursion. The Coast Guard does not monitor float plans. Boaters should leave the float plan with a reliable person who can be depended upon to notify the Coast Guard in case the boater does not return as scheduled.

For more information, please contact the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco duty public affairs officer at (415) 740-4364.

Coast Guard members from Coast Guard Station Golden Gate in Sausalito, Calif., assisted a 58-year-old man aboard the charter fishing vessel El Dorado III near the Farallon Islands Sunday, December 29, 2013.

At approximately 10:30 a.m., Station Golden Gate received a report of a diabetic man with head injuries in need of medical assistance aboard the El Dorado III.  A 47-foot Motor Life Boat and rescue crew was launched from Station Golden Gate to meet the charter fishing vessel, located a miles from shore.

Two Coast Guard members boarded the El Dorado III to monitor the injured man during his transit back to Station Golden Gate where they were met by waiting Southern Marin Fire Emergency Medical Technicians.

“This case was an example of a successful execution,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Kevin Hambrick, a boatswain’s mate assigned to Station Golden Gate.  “The communication went successfully, and the crew worked together flawlessly.”

Station Golden Gate’s missions include search and rescue, homeland security, maritime law enforcement, marine environmental protection, and boating safety.  During a typical year the station conducts approximately 600 search and rescue cases and 300 law enforcement boardings.

SAN FRANCISCO - The Coast Guard is advising boaters in near shore Northern California waters to watch out for "king tides."

According to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), king tides occur when the sun and moon’s gravitational pulls reinforce one another during times of the year when the moon is closest to the earth. They will be present in the Bay Area today through January 3.

Areas of greatest concern during these tides include Bay side tidal flats, creek mouths, and built-up urban areas along the immediate coast. Typically the greatest buildup is right along the Bay shore.

According to NOAA sources, impacts may include flooding of beach and coastal access infrastructure including low-lying roads and trails, docks, harbors, park-and-ride lots and coastal underpasses and tidal flats.

Boaters are reminded to monitor their vessels at anchor; check mooring lines at the pier to ensure vessels don't become a drifting hazard to other boaters during the expected higher-than-usual tides.

Beach-goers are reminded to be aware that shorelines will see higher tides than usual, possibly blocking beach access to coves normally accessible at high tides.

More information is available to the public concerning high tides at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/tide_predictions.html and https://www.piersystem.com/go/doc/4007/2056850/

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Two videos featuring California-based Coast Guard law enforcement and security teams were selected as part of the service's nationwide Top Ten Videos of 2013 campaign on Coast Guard social media sites. 

The annual campaign is conducted to highlight significant events and remind the public of the wide range of missions performed by the Coast Guard.  The public is invited to show their support for the crews highlighted in the videos by 'liking' and sharing them on Facebook and YouTube. 

One video, titled 'Panga Interdiction,' offers a dramatic birds-eye view of the October interception of suspected drug smugglers some 90 miles southwest of San Diego.  It includes scenes of a Coast Guard law enforcement team shooting out the engines of a fleeing panga after the boat's operator ignored orders to stop, and warning shots.  The other video from California, 'Dive Locker,' takes viewers underwater with Coast Guard Maritime Safety and Security Team divers in San Diego for a look at new diving gear used by Coast Guard counter-terrorist teams.

"The top ten video project highlights the work of the brave men and women throughout the Coast Guard serving on the front lines to protect our nation," said Rear Adm. Karl Schultz, commander of the 11th Coast Guard District which covers the Pacific Southwest region.  "Voting for these videos tells all of our Coast Guard crews that we appreciate their hard work, training and sacrifice," he said.

The 2013 top ten videos are posted at the following links:

www.facebook.com/UScoastguard

www.youtube.com/user/USCGImagery/videos

"It's not the least bit surprising that homeland security operations here in the 11th District are included in this year's top ten.  I am glad the outstanding work of our people, along with that of their shipmates from other areas, will be seen and appreciated around the nation and the world," Schultz said.