Coast Guard Rescues Yacht Zion Near Bermuda
In a dramatic maritime rescue, local officials coordinated an international response after the French sailing yacht Zion sent out a distress signal approximately 48 miles east-northeast of Bermuda. The U.S. Coast Guard successfully located the vessel and confirmed that its three crew members were safe.
Emergency Response Activated
The Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre reported that a 406 MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) alert was triggered by the Zion. This prompted immediate action from the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) in Bermuda, which communicated with RCC Gris-Nez in France to gather more information about the yacht and its owner. The Zion is a 35-foot white sloop, believed to be equipped with a life raft and a dinghy.
Given the rough weather conditions in the Bermuda area, the U.S. Coast Guard’s East District (RCC Norfolk) was informed about the EPIRB activation. They assessed the situation and determined that a search aircraft might be necessary. Meanwhile, the closest merchant vessel, the Marshall Islands-registered bulk carrier Genco Bourgogne, was 160 miles southeast of Bermuda. Although it diverted towards the distress signal at the request of RCC Bermuda, it was still estimated to be 24 hours away from the yacht due to adverse sea conditions and its speed of 6 knots.
Successful Location and Ongoing Efforts
At 1:15 PM local time, a U.S. Coast Guard HC-144 CASA aircraft from Air Station Cape Cod arrived at the EPIRB’s location and successfully spotted the Zion. The crew on board was reported to be in good condition. However, attempts to deliver marine VHF radios to the yacht via parachute were unsuccessful in two separate attempts. The aircraft departed the scene at 3:05 PM to refuel in Bermuda, leaving the case pending further action.
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This incident highlights the importance of maritime safety and the effectiveness of international cooperation in emergency situations. The ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the crew aboard the Zion continue as authorities monitor the situation closely.
