News Releases

01-23-09: Search and rescue goes digital; analog distress signal no longer received

2009-01-23T17:53:56Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

News Release	Date: Jan. 23, 2009 Contact: PA3 Tom Atkeson (504) 671-2020
Search and rescue goes digital; analog distress signal no longer received
NEW ORLEANS-- The Coast Guard would like to remind commercial and recreational boaters that beginning Feb. 1, 2009, the Coast Guard and other search and rescue personnel will only receive distress alerts from digital 406-MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs). Because satellites will no longer process analog signals transmitting on 121.5 or 243.0 MHz, the Coast Guard urges mariners and aviators to upgrade their onboard analog equipment to include a digital 406-MHz EPIRB. The 406-MHz EPIRB's signal is 50 times more powerful than the 121.5 or 243.0 MHz beacons, allowing satellites to better detect its signal and provide a more accurate search area for rescue crews. For instance, a GPS-embedded 406-MHz EPIRB can shrink a search area to about 100 yards and can pinpoint the position of a distressed mariner within minutes, whereas an analog beacon may only result in an initial search area of 500 square miles. Additionally, the number of false alerts with digital beacons is significantly lower than analog beacons.Satellites are not capable of distinguishing between beacon and non-beacon sources using analog frequencies, making only about one in five alerts actually coming from a beacon. Many false alert signals come from ATMs, pizza ovens and stadium scoreboards. With analog beacons, the only way to determine if an alert is an actual emergency is to send rescue crews to the area, which costs thousands of dollars, takes resources away from actual emergencies and puts the lives of responders at risk needlessly. The decision to stop processing the analog 121.5 and 243 MHz signals was made by the International Copas-Sarsat Program with guidance from the United Nations. This was due to numerous signal reception problems and a high percentage of false alarms. EPIRB owners are required by law to provide emergency contact information and a vessel description by registering their beacons with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration online at http://www.beaconregistration.noaa.gov or by calling 1-888-212-SAVE. The information provided helps to take the "search" out of search and rescue by allowing rescuers to quickly gather vital information which results in faster rescues and increased chances of survival. It also means accidental activation of an EPIRB may be resolved quickly with a phone call to the owner. For more information on EPIRBs and the switchover from analog signal to digital signal, please visit http://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/. For an informative video on the EPIRB switchover click here. For a photo of an EPIRB click here. For a graphic on how EPIRBS help search and rescuers click here. ### Saving Lives and Guarding the Coast Since 1790. The United States Coast Guard -- Proud History. Powerful Future.

Coast Guard Overflight Video of New Orleans Spill Made Available

2008-07-23T21:36:34Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Video Release	Date: July 23, 2008 Contact: PA3 Stephen Lehmann (504) 671-2020
COAST GUARD OVERFLIGHT VIDEO OF NEW ORLEANS SPILL MADE AVAILABLE
NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard has released video taken during an overflight from aboard a HH-65C rescue helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans of the oil spill in New Orleans today. Video 1 Video 2 Please credit "US Coast Guard video". ### *U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790*

07-14-08: Coast Guard and other agencies to participate in training exercise

2008-07-14T19:48:59Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: July 14, 2008 Contact: Petty Officer Renee C. Aiello (832) 293-1293
COAST GUARD AND OTHER LOCAL AGENCIES TO PARTICIPATE IN TRAINING EXERCISE
PORT ARTHUR, Texas - The Coast Guard and other local agencies will be participating in the Sabine-Neches Emergency Coordination and Response Exercise from July 15 through July 17 in Beaumont. The exercise will require a multi-jurisdictional inter-agency simulated response to a maritime security threat within the Sabine-Neches regional area. Additionally, the scenario will focus on response and recovery actions associated with the raising and lowering of the Maritime Security Level, prior to and following an incident or threat. This exercise will allow more than 30 agencies to test area maritime security plan compliance, evaluate response and recovery capabilities, and develop lasting working relationships. The following agencies are scheduled to participate in the training exercise: USCG Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur USCG Station Sabine USCG Sector/District Area National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service Federal Bureau of Investigation Customs and Border Protection Joint Terrorism Task Force Beaumont Fire Department Beaumont Police Department City of Port Arthur Fire Department City of Port Arthur Police Department City of Port Neches Fire Department City of Port Neches Police Department Garner Environmental Hardin County Sheriff's Office Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Nederland and Groves Fire Department Nederland and Groves Police Department Orange County Sheriff Motiva Port of Port Arthur Sabine-Neches Area Maritime Security Committee Texas Committee on Environmental Quality Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Emergency Operations Center Austin Texas Parks & Wildlife Texas General Land Office Interested media should contact Petty Officer Renee C. Aiello at (832) 293-1293, at Public Affairs Detachment Houston, for further details on this training exercise. *###* *U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790*

Houston-Galveston Maritime Safety Committee Wins Prestigous National Award

2008-05-28T17:16:48Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: MAY 28, 2008 Contact: LT MARK MOLAVI (713) 678-9035
HOUSTON-GALVESTON MARITIME SAFETY COMMITTEE WINS PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AWARD
HOUSTON - The Houston-Galveston Navigational Safety Advisory Committee (HOGANSAC) recently received the prestigious "2007 Harbor Safety Committee of the Year" award for its partnership efforts and work in improving marine safety on the Houston Ship Channel. The award was presented during the 10^th Annual Harbor Safety Committee Conference held in Seattle, Washington, from May 12-14, 2008, and accepted by Ms. Tava Foret, the HOGANSAC Chair. HOGANSAC was cited for the numerous programs it developed to strengthen maritime relationships, influence national-level policy, and improve maritime safety. These included establishing "Brown Water University," a two-day training curriculum that rapidly enhances the knowledge of Coast Guard personnel, mariners, and industry professionals involved in inland waterways transportation. Also cited was the development of risk assessment models incorporating chemical and gas dispersion, nature of distress, and other factors that help identify safe offshore refuge locations for vessels in distress. Finally, the award citation included recognition of the Navigation Operations Subcommittee which visited maritime facilities to assess mooring configurations for ships, resulting in a 25 percent reduction in ships and barges breaking away from their docks. HOGANSAC is a Federal Advisory Committee consisting of 19 Houston area industry members, appointed by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to advise the U.S. Coast Guard on matters related to the safe transit of vessels and products through Galveston Bay, and to/from the Ports of Galveston, Texas City, and Houston. A vitally important waterway to our nation's commerce with over 70 large ships and 350 towing vessels transiting the channel each day, the daily economic impact to the region is estimated at 350 million dollars. Committee members are available for brief interviews. Contact LT Molavi for specific arrangements and coordination. ### *U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790*

Update: Coast Guard, Locals Search for 4 Missing Boaters

2007-12-18T16:14:35Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: Dec. 18, 2007 Contact: PA3 Tom Atkeson (504) 671-2020 or (618) 225-9008
UPDATE: COAST GUARD, LOCAL AUTHORITIES CONTINUE SEARCH FOR 4 MISSING BOATERS
*Media Note: Coast Guard Sector New Orleans search and rescue controller Cmdr. Greg Stump will be available for interviews from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. at Sector New Orleans, 201 Hammond Hwy., Metairie. NEW ORLEANS - Coast Guard and local authorities continue to search for four missing boaters in western Lake Pontchartrain. Coast Guard HH-65C rescue helicopters from Air Station New Orleans and 25-foot response boat crews from Station New Orleans continue to search Lake Maurepas, Manchac Pass and Lake Pontchartrain. St. Charles Parish Sheriff's office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff's office and the Jefferson Parish Fire Department are assisting in the search. Fixed wing aircraft from the Civil Air Patrol and Jefferson Parish Sheriff's office are also scheduled to conduct search flights today. Boaters are requested to stay vigilant and report all sightings to the Coast Guard. Boaters wishing to assist in the search can call Coast Guard Sector New Orleans at (504) 846-6162. ### U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790**

Coast Guard prepares for response to flooding in Ohio

2007-08-22T20:56:06Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: August 22, 2007 Contact: PA3 William Mitchell (216) 310-2608
COAST GUARD PREPARES TO RESPOND TO FLOODING IN OHIO
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Coast Guard smallboat crews from Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley are en route today to assist local fire departments with rescue operations in the flooded areas of Findlay and Ottawa, Ohio. The Coast Guard has deployed four Disaster Area Response Teams, along with three18-foot flat-bottom boats designed for still-water evacuation operations in flooded areas. All Media inquiries concerning Coast Guard operations and response to the effect areas, should be directed to PA3 William Mitchell at (216) 310-2608. ### *U.S. Coast Guard - Saving lives since 1790*

COAST GUARD SECTOR MOBILE TO HOLD CHANGE OF COMMAND

2007-05-17T18:44:57Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: May 14, 2007 Contact: Ensign Isaac Mahar Public Affairs Specialist Coast Guard Sector Mobile (251) 441-5999
COAST GUARD SECTOR MOBILE TO HOLD CHANGE OF COMMAND
MOBILE, Ala. - On Friday, May 18th at 10:00 a.m., Captain James D. Bjostad will be relieved by Captain Edwin M. Stanton in a formal change of command ceremony at USCG Base Mobile on South Broad Street. The change of command is a time-honored naval tradition where the current commanding officer is formally relieved in a ceremony with unit personnel, family, and friends in attendance. The ceremony highlights the responsibility of command and clearly demonstrates the transfer of that responsibility from one commanding officer to the next, while still maintaining the ability of the unit to operate successfully. Members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend. All members of the media wishing to attend should contact Ensign Isaac Mahar at (251) 441-5999 prior to Thursday, May 17, so the proper credentials may be obtained to gain base access. ###

Coast Guard prepares for high-water conditions

2007-05-10T02:42:41Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: May 9, 2007 Contact: CWO G. Howerton (314) 269-2575
COAST GUARD PREPARES FOR HIGH-WATER RIVER CONDITIONS
ST. LOUIS - The Coast Guard has established a Incident Command Post here today in preparation for the rising high-water conditions in the Missouri River. Due to current high-water conditions in the Missouri River and the expected high-water conditions in the Upper Mississippi River, the Coast Guard is working with various federal, state and local agencies in preparation of flood operations. The Coast Guard, in conjunction with United States Army Corps of Engineers and industry partners have closed the Missouri River from mile marker 630 to 100, spanning from Omaha, Neb., to Hermann, Mo. The Coast Guard has also, along with the ACOE, placed vessel transit restrictions on the Upper Mississippi River from mile marker 109.9 to 184, due to rapidly rising water and debris. The Coast Guard has deployed one Disaster Assistance Response Team to Jefferson City, Mo., an HH-65C Rescue Helicopter crew from Air Station New Orleans and the Coast Guard Cutters Gasconade and Cheyenne in preparation for response. Additional DARTs are on standby and awaiting direction if needed.

U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 2nd Chad Saylor

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Coast Guard continues to search for leads in wellhead spill investigation

2007-01-25T15:36:26Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: Jan. 24, 2006 Contact: John King ExPert Oil & Gas LLC 225-381-8014
COAST GUARD CONTINUES TO SEARCH FOR LEADS IN WELLHEAD SPILL INVESTIGATION
NEW ORLEANS – The Coast Guard continues to investigate the cause of an oil spill east of Larose, Louisiana where a damaged well continues to discharge oil into Bayou Perot. The operator of the well, ExPert Oil & Gas, LLC of Covington, La., is offering a $35,000 reward for specific information resulting in the positive and verified identification (as determined by the operator) of the person or persons responsible for damaging the wellhead. Anyone with information can call the Coast Guard at 504-589-4203 x 382. Caller identity will be protected. The Coast Guard, in conjunction with Expert Oil & Gas, continues to work with local, state, and federal agencies to respond to the spill. Crews from Coast Guard Sector New Orleans, and Marine Safety Units Morgan City, La., and Houma, La., are responding to the spill which was discovered after midnight on Saturday near mile marker 20 of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. The well, which was properly marked with appropriate navigational aids, was to produce sweet medium crude oil. “ExPert has mounted a tremendous effort to ensure that the well is put under control and the discharge halted,” said Pete Kelly of ExPert. “We are working aggressively to mitigate the environmental impact and are committed to continue those efforts.” The GICW is open to all vessel traffic however a safety zone remains in affect between mile markers 19 and 21 where a slow bell zone is in effect. ###

Coast Guard searches for person from capsized boat

2006-12-04T16:25:31Z

Office of External Affairs U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release	Date: Dec. 4, 2006 Contact: PA2 Adam Eggers (713) 578-3080
COAST GUARD SEARCHES FOR PERSON FROM CAPSIZED BOAT
LAKE CHARLES, La. - The Coast Guard is searching for a person today after their boat capsized on the Intracoastal Waterway at the Gibbstown Bridge near Lake Charles, La. A watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Houston/Galveston was passed a report from the tug boat Chickasaw, stating they saw a boat capsize sending a person into the water. As the tug boat went to the aid of the boater, the person went under the water and has not resurfaced. Coast Guard Air Station Houston launched an HH-65 helicopter and crew to assist in the search. The Calcasieu Sheriff's Office Marine Unit, Lousiana Fish and Wildlife, and Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles are also searching the area by boat. ###