Mayday request via VHF-FM radio Channel 16, alerts USCG to assist vessel taking on water
U.S. Coast Guard 7th District PA Detachment Tampa Bay
St. Petersburg, Florida - The Coast Guard assisted the crew of the 45-foot fishing vessel taking on water 115 miles west of Anclote Island, Monday, Dec. 14. A Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew deployed a dewatering pump to the crew in distress, enabling them to safely continue their course back to port.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg watchstanders received a mayday broadcast from the vessel in distresst via VHF-FM radio, that stated they were in need of assistance.
“Channel 16 is a critical lifeline between boaters in distress and the Coast Guard, said Capt. Matthew Thompson, commanding officer, Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg, "Having a reliable communications device like a VHF marine radio can save your life when you need assistance."
The Coast Guard urges commercial and recreational boaters to have a marine-band VHF-FM radio on board their vessels, and to have visual and sound signaling devices available on all voyages in case of an emergency, to assist responders in rescue missions.