The following is the text of a press release issued by the U.S. Coast Guard:
(MIAMI) — A Coast Guard aircrew rescued eight crewmembers from the motor vessel, Anais, which ran aground near South Caicos Island, Turks and Caicos Islands, Thursday.
The Coast Guard District Seven Command Center in Miami received a 406 mhz emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) alert Monday indicating the Anais was in distress. Search and rescue coordinators determined the vessel had run aground but the crew was not in immediate danger and did not need be removed. Additionally, adverse weather conditions associated with Tropical Storm Hanna prevented search and rescue teams from removing the crew at the time.
Search and rescue coordinators monitored the crew aboard the Anais regularly until an HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, deployed in support of Operation Bahamas Turks and Caicos (OPBAT) in Great Inagua, Bahamas, could safely transport the eight men from the Anais to Amberges Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands.
“Rescues such as these demonstrate the danger associated with severe weather,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Johnson, public affairs specialist for Coast Guard District Seven in Miami. “While the crew aboard the Anais was not in immediate danger, weather conditions from Tropical Storm Hanna kept them aboard the vessel longer than necessary and subject to additional danger. Mariners need to remain aware of constantly changing weather conditions and how to contact the Coast Guard during emergencies.”
