Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless crew offloads more than $160 million in illegal narcotics at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach. The Coast Guard Cutter Dauntless’ crew offloaded more than $160 million of seized illegal narcotics at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, April 1, before returning to homeport in Pensacola. Dauntless’ crew seized approximately 8,500 pounds of cocaine and apprehended 13 suspected drug smugglers with Dominican Republic and Colombian nationalities following a 45-day patrol in the Caribbean Sea. The Dauntless’ crew worked alongside multiple U.S. Coast Guard and international assets, including HNLMS Friesland of the Royal Netherlands navy to interdict the illegal drug smuggling ventures. “The Coast Guard's strong international partnerships counter threats in the maritime domain, protect each of our countries from transnational organized crime, and work to stabilize and promote good governance in the region,” said, Lt. Paul Puddington, a District Seven duty enforcement officer. “We are thankful for coordinated efforts across the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Defense, Customs and Border Protection, as well as our international partners from the Netherlands and throughout Central and South America.” Read more.
Coast Guard Cutter Kimball crew offloads more than 11,300 pounds of cocaine and more than 4,000 pounds of marijuana worth $223 million in San Diego. The Coast Guard Cutter Kimball crew offloaded more than 11,300 pounds of cocaine and more than 4,000 pounds of marijuana worth more than $223 million in San Diego, March 31. The drugs were interdicted in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean off the coasts of Central and South America, including contraband seized and recovered during eight interdictions of suspected drug smuggling vessels between late February and early March. "At-sea interdictions of pure cocaine are the most effective way to limit cartels’ destabilizing effects throughout the Western Hemisphere," said Vice Adm. Michael McAllister, Coast Guard Pacific Area commander. "Coast Guard national security cutters like Kimball are the service's most capable asset to strengthen maritime governance, but when team partners from the Royal Canadian navy and U.S. Navy Littoral combat ships they leverage our network of international and interagency partners to reduce the availability of illicit drugs in the Western Hemisphere and facilitate U.S. Attorney's efforts to close the cycle of justice." Read more.
Coast Guard rescues 3 mariners who activated their emergency beacons east of Pamlico Sound, Hatteras, North Carolina. Watchstanders at the Coast Guard District Five command center received a report on the morning of March 29 from the International Emergency Rescue Control Center that a Satellite Emergency Notification Device (SENDS) registered to the owner of the sailing vessel Abide had been activated. District Five watchstanders launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., and 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Fort Macon, N.C., to respond. “We can’t stress enough how important it is to have an emergency notification beacon on board your vessel any time you take to the water,” said Lt. Andrew Grady, operations unit watchstander at the District Five command center. “The master of this sailing vessel not only had two forms of alert, but also an updated emergency contact who was able to share with us his float plan, allowing us to get to his vessel quickly and get him and his passengers to safety.” The aircrew hoisted the three mariners aboard and flew them back to Elizabeth City. No injuries were reported. Read more.
Coast Guard Cutter Tampa returns to homeport following 70-day patrol. The crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Tampa returned to their homeport in Portsmouth, Va., April 2, after a 70-day patrol in the North Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the patrol, Tampa’s crew conducted search and rescue, law enforcement and living marine resources missions. Tampa boarded 26 commercial vessels to ensure that they were adhering to mandates regarding gear type, catch size, amount and area. In addition, boarding teams found eight violations while inspecting the vessels’ safety equipment for compliance and recommended one vessel to return to port to correct safety-of-life at sea regulation compliance violations. “Our crew performed admirably in trying sea-going conditions, often facing extreme weather and frigid temperatures,” said Cmdr. Sky Holm, commanding officer of Coast Guard Cutter Tampa. “Their perseverance to effect mission execution was truly inspiring. We cherished the opportunity to operate in New England, working with our partners to enforce regulations that sustain fish and shellfish stocks for future generations, while keeping fishing vessel crews safe.” Read more.