Coast Guard Auxiliary saves 3 by Sing Sing Prison
A US Coast Guard Auxiliary crew, in conjunction with the Fire Department\'s of Ossining and Irvington NY and the New York City Police Aviation Unit rescued three people from the dark, cold waters of the Hudson River Saturday night.
Contact: Aux. Wayne Spivak
Chief - External Communications
Public Affairs Department
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
http://www.auxpa.org
516-353-9155
Media@auxpa.org
Coast Guard Auxiliary saves 3 by Sing Sing Prison
/24-7PressRelease/ - BELLMORE, NY, July 27, 2005 - A US Coast Guard Auxiliary crew, in conjunction with the Fire Department's of Ossining and Irvington NY and the New York City Police Aviation Unit rescued three people from the dark, cold waters of the Hudson River Saturday night.
A family outing, which included two children, aged 12 and 14, took their jet ski for a ride in the Hudson River. At approximately 8pm a line which was not properly secured in the Jet Ski was accidentally sucked into the jet drive, causing the Jet Ski to loose all propulsion.
Fortunately for the family, they brought a long a handheld VHF marine radio and began to call for help. Phil Porteus, an "off-duty" Auxiliarist was monitoring an emergency scanner when he picked up in the call. After determining that the call was in fact a bona fide call for assistance, and it was a water rescue in his normal patrol area, Auxiliarist Porteus, activated the rest of his dispersed and off-duty crew and contacted Coast Guard Sector New York for authorization to launch.
The Auxiliary facility, "Launch 5" and crew were underway by 9:30pm. Thirty-five minutes after hearing the call for help, on a Saturday Night, Launch 5 began what is called a barrier shoreline search pattern which was supervised by fellow crew member, Auxiliarist. Bill Smith.
Crewmember Phil Porteus spotted a faint light by the infamous Sing Sing Prison Rocks, wherein Coxswain Greg Porteus immediately instituted a "man overboard" protocol. Assisting with the rescue was a NYPD Helicopter, which was able to use its altitude and high-powered search light to illuminate the three jet skiers. Again, to their credit, our jet skiers were all wearing their PFD's and had a working light with them.
"The continuous training that we receive from the Coast Guard enabled us to rescue these people as quickly as we did. This is another example of how important it is to be able to coordinate with outside agencies" said Auxiliarist Greg Porteus of Launch 5.
All three jet skiers were transported safely back waiting emergency crews of Ossining and Irvington Fire Departments.
"Americas Volunteer Lifesavers is not just another catchy slogan, it is true", claimed Coxswain Porteus.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer's who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 30,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.
The release is available at: http://www.auxpa.org/releases/auxaction/072505.html
Press Release Contact Information:
Wayne Spivak
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Chief, External Communications
2711 Bellmore Avenue
Bellmore, NY
USA 117104319
Voice: 5163539155
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