Last Thursday, the Coast Guard’s Maritime Operations Center (MOC) received a call for assistance regarding a fishing boat experiencing engine trouble. At the time, the vessel named Charnelle was located off Westpunt with two local men on board.
Based on the report, the MOC dispatched the Coast Guard helicopter to assess the situation. The Charnelle was not equipped with a VHF radio, leaving the crew with only a cell phone for communication. The men reported that they had asked friends for help, who responded in another fishing boat named Arca. However, upon arrival, the Arca also experienced technical issues and could no longer assist. Consequently, the MOC redirected the helicopter to winch the two men from the Charnelle and deployed CITRO, a Metal Shark vessel, and the Coast Guard aircraft to assist the Arca.
The helicopter successfully rescued the two men from the Charnelle and delivered food and water to the crew aboard the Arca. Shortly after, the men on the Arca managed to restart their engine and navigated independently toward Playa Piskado. CITRO assisted the Charnelle and towed it to Playa Piskado.
The Coast Guard emphasizes the vital importance of proper communication equipment on board. Mariners should not rely solely on mobile phones, as signal loss, dead batteries, or equipment failure can lead to a complete loss of contact. A VHF marine radio is the most reliable tool to maintain communication with the Coast Guard and nearby vessels during emergencies.
Boat owners are strongly advised to perform regular maintenance on their vessels and ensure all essential safety equipment is on board: life jackets, flashlights, a first-aid kit, ample water, fire extinguishers, a VHF radio, and a fully charged cell phone. Prevent breakdowns to ensure safety at sea. For emergencies, contact the Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16, dial 913, or send a WhatsApp message to 005999 510 0913.
