2018
Views

Off-Duty Coastguardsman Rescues Boater from Capsized Vessel

alt
Image courtesy USCG

Published Apr 29, 2019 2:37 PM by The Maritime Executive

[Brief] An off-duty Coast Guardsman rescued a boater from a capsized vessel Friday near Cumberland Island, Georgia.

The coastguardsman, Chief Matthew Hare of the cutter Hammer, was on his own personal boat Friday evening when he noticed a man sitting on a capsized 16-foot boat. At 1930 hours, Hare notified Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville Command Center watchstanders of the casualty. He retrieved the man from the water himself and transported him to Fernandina Harbor Marina.

"Even when we're out of uniform, we as Coast Guardsman are always on duty," said Hare. " The maritime community is always there for each other." 

The boater was reported to be in good condition, and the owner of the boat is arranging for a salvage response.