LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard ended the search for three missing boaters Wednesday, after they were located safely aboard their vessel near Albert’s Anchorage in Santa Cruz Island.
The Blacktip crew located the boaters all in good health around 5:30 a.m. The boaters reported to have had a miscommunication regarding their return date, and were not planning on coming back into port until Thursday.
At 8 p.m., Tuesday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Channel Islands Harbor received a call from a woman, reporting that her husband had left out of Ventura Harbor with two other boaters, the owner/operator and his wife, Saturday, October 8, 2016. She reported that they were heading to Santa Cruz Island in the 35-foot sailing vessel Tenacious, and were scheduled to return Tuesday.
The Coast Guard Command Center in Los Angeles – Long Beach immediately launched a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Forward Operating Base Point Mugu, along with the Coast Guard Cutter Blacktip, homeported in Channel Islands Harbor to search for the missing boaters.
The Coast Guard urges mariners to always:
- File a accurate and updated float plan with friends, family members and local marinas before heading out. The list should include the number of passengers aboard the vessel, destination and expected time of return.
- Stay Informed - The public should be aware of weather conditions and monitor the progress and strength of storms through local television, radio and Internet. Check the current and expected weather and water conditions before heading out, and be aware that weather conditions can quickly change.
- Wear life jackets while on the water.
- Always have a working marine-band radio on board.
- Carry marine flares on board the vessel.
- Ensure bilge pumps are operational and vessels are secure for heavy winds and rain.
For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.
Please visit the NOAA Website at www.noaa.gov for the most up to date information on the storm.