Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton rescues 3 off Costa Rican coast

Contact: Ensign Ryan Newmeyer

ryan.t.newmeyer@uscg.mil

PACIFIC OCEAN -- The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, a San Diego-based high endurance cutter, rescued three people from a disabled vessel off the coast of Costa Rica, March 9, 2010.

The Hamilton was on patrol when they received a report of a vessel in distress from a maritime patrol aircraft stating that the motor vessel Capitan Eduardo was adrift with “S-O-S” painted on the topside of the pilothouse and crewmembers were waving their hands to attract the attention of the aircraft.

The Hamilton diverted to aid the Capitan Eduardo and launched its helicopter to investigate and amplify the information provided by the maritime patrol aircraft.

Once the Hamilton arrived on scene the crew learned that the Capitan Eduardo had lost propulsion, leaving them without a means of maneuvering. In addition, an oil leak forced the crew of the Capitan Eduardo to jettison all of its food overboard.

The three crewmembers were brought aboard the Hamilton where they were given medical attention, food and water. The rescued crewmembers were transferred to Costa Rican authorities ashore.

The Hamilton (WHEC-715) is a 378-foot Secretary Class Cutter, homeported in San Diego, and routinely patrols the Eastern Pacific Ocean. For further information about this event, contact the Hamilton’s public affairs officer, Ensign Ryan Newmeyer, at ryan.t.newmeyer@uscg.mil.

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