SAR: Capsized Boy Scout boat prompts search off Santa Monica

Sunday, January 18, 2009

SAR: Capsized Boy Scout boat prompts search off Santa Monica

Updated: SANTA MONICA, Calif - Late last night the Coast Guard received a report of an overturned 18-foot Boston Whaler, CF# 4538EA, about 100 yards off the Santa Monica pier.

A Coast Guard HH-65C rescue helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles and a response boat from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles were immediately dispatched to the scene and conducted a search of the surrounding area. Los Angeles County Fire Department Baywatch Lifeguards and the Santa Monica Harbor Patrol also joined in the search efforts.

The search resumed at first light this morning and is continuing. So far the Coast Guard has searched approximately 37 square miles of ocean.

The boat was recovered and towed to Marina del Rey. According to vessel registration records from the Department of Motor Vehicles the boat was last registered to the Boy Scouts of America in Van Nuys, California, however according to the Boy Scouts they no longer own the boat and have no information as to the current owner.

Information sought: The Coast Guard is requesting the public’s help in determining the owner of the boat. Anyone having information is requested to call Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach Command Center at 310-521-3815

Capsized Boy Scout boat prompts search off Santa Monica

A multi-agency search for possible victims was underway Saturday night off the Santa Monica coastline after authorities discovered a capsized 22-foot boat registered to the Boy Scouts.

The boat was found by the Santa Monica harbor patrol shortly before 9 p.m. Coast Guard and Los Angeles County Fire Department helicopters, along with lifeguard search boats, scoured the area, but found no sign of crew members or passengers in the water, officials said.

The boat is registered to a Boy Scout unit in Van Nuys, said Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Brent Reid.

"We're looking into all possibilities," Reid said.

Updated 11:59 p.m.: The boat, a Boston Whaler, has been righted. No personal effects have been found in the vessel or the water, said Coast Guard Petty Officer Pamela Manns. The search is continuing, but Manns said, "As far as we know, this boat could have just broken free from its moorings and overturned from the surf."

The boat is being left in the water to provide a reference point for searchers, she said. Authorities are attempting to contact Boy Scout officials, she said.

Source: LAT - Link

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Sunday, January 18, 2009