US Coast Guard Seventh District
 Public Affairs

Date: May 24, 2007

Contact: LT.j.g. James Willingham
(912) 210-3709

 Coast Guard Assists Sinking Fishing Vessel

SAVANNAH, Ga. - A Coast Guard Air Station Savannah aircrew provided critical dewatering equipment to a sinking fishing vessel Thursday evening in Sapelo Sound, Ga.

The fishing vessel Amanda Ranae was approximately eight miles off the coast of Sapelo Sound when its two passengers noticed it was taking on water.  The captain of the vessel contacted the Coast Guard at approximately 5:40 p.m. and quickly made for shore.  He decided to beach the vessel in Sapelo Sound to prevent it from further sinking. 

The Coast Guard immediately launched an HH-65 helicopter out of Air Station Savannah to provide assistance.  Once on scene, the rescue crew delivered a dewatering pump and a rescue swimmer to the vessel.  The leak was later located, fixed, and the Amanda Ranae was able to get underway. 

A Coast Guard small boat from Coast Guard Station Brunswick, Ga., was launched to escort the fishing vessel to a safe mooring location.

**Click Here for Video Amanda Ranae (To save, right click and click on Save as)**

**Media can pick up a copy of the video at Coast Guard Air Station Savannah, 1297 Lightning Road, Savannah Ga., 31409**

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The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.