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129 RQW rescue crews save three from sinking vessel

By 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs, 129th Rescue Wing Public Affairs / Published September 21, 2012

The 129th Rescue Wing responded to Coast Guard District 11 to save three people aboard a boat taking on water 140 miles off the coast from Morro Bay, Calif., Sept. 20, 2012. Aircrews and personnel prepped an HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter, an MC-130P Combat Shadow and a pair of highly trained pararescuemen, then quickly launched the life saving mission. Once on scene two pararescuemen rendezvoused with the three patients who had abandoned the vessel. They were all hoisted from a life raft and taken to Moffett Federal Airfield where Santa Clara EMS ambulances were waiting. All patients are reportedly stable. (Photo courtesy of Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Ford)
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The 129th Rescue Wing responded to Coast Guard District 11 to save three people aboard a boat taking on water 140 miles off the coast from Morro Bay, Calif., Sept. 20, 2012. Aircrews and personnel prepped an HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter, an MC-130P Combat Shadow and a pair of highly trained pararescuemen, then quickly launched the life saving mission. Once on scene two pararescuemen rendezvoused with the three patients who had abandoned the vessel. They were all hoisted from a life raft and taken to Moffett Federal Airfield where Santa Clara EMS ambulances were waiting. All patients are reportedly stable. (Photo courtesy of Tech. Sgt. Jimmy Ford)

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MOFFETT FEDERAL AIRFIELD, Calif. -- Three fishermen are safe and sound this evening thanks to the California National Guard's 129th Rescue Wing who rescued the trio about 140 miles off the coast of Morro Bay just before 8 p.m.

The 129th RQW launched an HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter and an MC-130P Combat Shadow aircraft with two Pararescuemen on-board just before 6 p.m. They were able to locate and pull the fishermen from the ocean after they abandoned their 85-foot vessel that was taking on water. Also rescued was the fisherman's cat.

The three individuals and their feline were hoisted from a life raft and treated by the Pararescuemen while being flown back to Moffett Federal Airfield where they were transported to a Santa Clara EMS ambulance. None are suffering from any serious injuries or ailments.

This successful rescue mission now brings the total number of people saved by the 129th RQW to 956.

For more information, please call Major Alyson Teeter with the 129th Rescue Wing at 206-701-9259.