USCG Rescues Three Crew and a Cat

On Monday, the crew of the sailing vessel Bella Gina requested assistance from Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders. Bella Gina was taking on water six miles west of Point Piedras Blancas. Seas were in the 12- to 14-ft range, and winds were blowing 20-25 knots.

USCG Petty Officer Mark Barney of the L.A.-Long Beach public affairs office told us that the boat was headed from Morro Bay to Monterey. The crew tried to make a turn, the rudder jammed, and the rudder post began leaking. The Coast Guard helicopter and boat crews arrived on scene and attempted to dewater and tow the sailboat. Due to the sea state, the boat crew could not safely tow the vessel and recommended the passengers evacuate.

USCG video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Ryan Fogarty

The three people aboard and their cat were hoisted into a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco Forward Operating Base Point Mugu MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and transported to Paso Robles Airport. Bella Gina was left adrift and the Coast Guard sent out a bulletin to alert mariners in the area.