Launch5 Responds to Hudson River Distress Call

LAUNCH 5 RESPONDS TO HUDSON RIVER DISTRESS CALL

OSSINING, N.Y. On Sunday, September 30, 2007, Launch 5, Coast Guard Auxiliary Operational Facility 523356, was cruising down the Hudson River, the crew enjoying the great fall weather and the bevy of Hudson River Recreation kayakers off Sleepy Hollow's Kingsland Point Park, when, at 5:10pm, a distress call came over the VHF radio.

A powerboat had lost steering control after hitting floating debris off Piermont, just south of the Tappan Zee Bridge, and was requesting assistance.

Greg Porteus called Coast Guard Sector NY, and having discussed weather conditions, crew experience, fatigue level, and evaluated risk vs. gain, headed south to investigate the situation on Launch 5, a Philip Rhodes designed, 52ft, steel hulled, twin diesel powered, former NYPD Harbor Patrol Boat operated by

the Launch 5 Hudson River Environmental Safety Foundation.

Arriving on scene at 5:20pm, Greg called the stricken vessel while Cliff Forrest checked the chart and depth finder. Bob Daraio kept a careful lookout and Charlie Luceno went aft to ready the RHIB, in case it was needed for shallow water operation.

In discussion with the boat's captain, Greg learned that the powerboat, "Mahi Mahi", NJ 2807 GV, with three persons on board, lost steering due a damaged out-drive. All aboard were uninjured and were wearing life-jackets. They anchored to avoid drifting on to the rocks or into the channel and called Sea Tow. After checking to see that crew was safe, the hull was sound, and the boat wasn't in danger of sinking, Launch 5 stayed on station and in radio contact until Sea Tow arrived at 5:33pm and took them in tow to the nearest safe harbor.

Sea Tow, the largest marine assistance provider for recreational boaters, provides on-water assistance to thousands of boaters every year. Their dedicated, national network of U.S. Coast Guard licensed captains have won countless awards, numerous letters of recognition and – most importantly – heartfelt appreciation from the members they serve 24/7.

Chances are you’ve seen their world-famous yellow Sea Tow boats, typically equipped with multiple Digital Selective Calling (DSC) enabled VHF radios, radio direction finders (RDFs), Global Positioning System (GPS) chart plotters, radars, depth sounders and other high-tech electronics, rushing to assist a distressed vessel or patrolling the waters, daily, to ensure boaters’ safety.

For more information go to http://www.seatow.com/about/default.asp

By the time Sea Tow had "Mahi Mahi" towed to safety, the last of the Hudson River Recreation Kayakers were off the river. Operating out of Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow, Memorial Park in Nyack, and selected locations on the Long Island Sound, Hudson River Recreation is the largest guided kayak tour operator in Westchester County. Since 1998, thousands of guests from the novice to the experienced have paddled with their experienced kayak instructors. They provide all equipment and instruction. Those who have never kayaked before are encouraged to come and try out this growing sport. In fact, many of the people who they take out have never even seen a kayak before!

Hudson River Recreation is committed to bringing ecological and sustainable alternatives to water recreation on the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. Their tours focus on the history and natural environment of the area. They also love to have a good time so they offer theme tours such as the popular Sunset Tour and the 4th of July Fireworks Tour.

During the season Hudson River Recreation teaches group and private lessons for those who want to learn and improve their kayak skills. Along with American Terrain Outdoors, they offer Kayak demos for those interested in purchasing their own kayak.

Their fleet of boats includes both single and double kayaks. Depending on size, strength and weather, younger paddlers may accompany an adult in a double kayak. Hudson River Recreation tours are designed so that even novices find them enjoyable.

For more information go to http://www.kayakhudson.com/

The Launch 5 Hudson River Environmental Safety Foundation is a non-profit, tax exempt, 501(c)3 corporation, formed to help coordinate and assist the joint efforts of Marine Police, Fire, EMS, US Coast Guard and US Coast Guard Auxiliary units involved in Boating Safety, Aids to Navigation and Search and Rescue operations on the Hudson River.

The Launch 5 Foundation seeks and disseminates current information on emergency response equipment and training, including the sponsoring of classes and seminars for rescue personnel, the general public, commercial and recreational boaters. They obtain and restore historical water rescue craft in order to promote the study of the history of water rescue and the historical significance of boating safety and Search and Rescue, and promote the preservation and replenishment of the Hudson River environment, including cooperating with similar public charities, marine biology groups and student/youth groups.

For more information go to http://www.launch5.com/

www.ratlines.com Revised: 12/29/07

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