U.S. COAST GUARD SAVES MAN AND DOG FROM SAILBOAT DURING HURRICANE HELENE
At least six southeastern states have seen significant damage and devastation as a result of Hurricane Helene. But stories of good deeds and bravery emerge even in the darkest hours. A man from Clearwater, Florida, and his dog were stranded on a sailboat in the middle of the ocean when the storm made landfall, but many others managed to flee in time. Fortunately, the Seventh District of the US Coast Guard was able to locate them. As the rain and waves grew stronger, the two attempted to sail to land. To their great dismay, their boat broke down and began to flood. He contacted USCG Southeast, fearing for his and his pet's safety, and the agency dispatched a team of rescuers from USCG's Clearwater Air Station (AirSta) in a helicopter to search for them. The boat was soon found by the AirSta team, barely hanging on amidst large waves. AST2 Hudson braved winds exceeding 100 mph to repel from the helicopter and approach the boat as closely as possible. The man and his dog were wearing life jackets when the rescuer signalled for them to jump into the water as they got closer to the sailboat. The man gingerly pushed his dog first, and in a few seconds, the dog did the same. After swiftly grabbing the dog, AST2 Hudson assisted both of them in climbing into the rescue basket attached to the helicopter so they could be hoisted to safety.
#Final The man & his dog were reportedly in good medical condition. They were brought to Southwest Florida International airport to meet with EMS. The vessel is adrift and disabled.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) September 27, 2024
🎥🎬 Recorded by a camera worn by AST2 Hudson, edited by Lt. Cmdr. Kellerman, AirSta Clearwater pic.twitter.com/3ehoIVqlLj