On Wednesday, November 1, Station Hatteras Inlet was notified by U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina about a 75’ fishing vessel adrift approximately 34 nautical miles southeast of Hatteras.
The station’s 47’ ft. Motor Lifeboat CG47244 got underway at 1:54 a.m. and began making way to the last known position.
Unfortunately, the F/V Ilha Do Corvo had drifted into the Gulf Stream and had been pushed north towards Rodanthe. Due to limited communications with Ihla Do Corvo, the mariners set off their EPIRB and a C-130 from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City was able to locate them.
CG47244 arrived on the scene and was able to put them in a stern tow at 9:20 a.m. and began towing them closer to shore. CG2013 flew overhead relaying communications to the Hatteras station and to Sector NC.
U.S. Coast Guard Station Oregon Inlet’s Motor Lifeboat CG47258 arrived on scene at 12:33 p.m., and shortly after, relieved the tow and began their portion of the tow north until they were relieved by the CG Cutter Sailfish, which finally brought them safely to Virginia.
“This was a lengthy case that utilized various assets to provide the best possible outcome, mariners and their vessel brought safely ashore,” stated Station Hatteras Inlet in an update. “Bravo Zulu to all the units and personnel involved!”
