Adventure Runner Calls off Voyage at Sea
The runner ignored a previously issued order from U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) to not depart on his seagoing journey. The order outlined specific safety conditions which Baluchi failed to meet. At approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, a Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale boatcrew discovered Reza Baluchi aboard his makeshift hydro pod approximately 7 miles off the coast of Jupiter en route to Bermuda. Coast Guard crews remained on-scene with Baluchi throughout the night to ensure his safety and to prevent other vessels from colliding with the hydro pod.
Coast Guard, Partner Agencies Work to Recover Fallen Containers
At approximately 1 p.m. Monday (March 4, 2013), the Coast Guard received a report that 22 containers fell off the 91-foot barge Atlantic Trader and into the ocean 18 miles east of Key Biscayne, Fla. Coast Guard Watchstanders at Sector Miami received notification from the Tug Spence that 22 containers on a voyage from Jacksonville, Fla., to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba fell off the barge into the water. An aircrew from Coast Guard Airstation Miami launched to the scene and initially located some of the containers floating around the Tug Spence.
Engine Fire on Tug
MIAMI - Crews from Station Miami Beach, Station Fort Lauderdale, Air Station Opa Locka, and the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet responded this afternoon as the Betty Wood, a 130-foot tug pushing a 500-foot barge with 10 people on board, experienced an engine fire 17 miles east of Haulover Beach. The initial distress call was received at 11:52 a.m. Currently there are three rescue boats, two helicopters, one Falcon jet, and the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet on scene to assist the vessel's crew and monitor the situation. The fire is reported to be extinguished, although there is still smoke on board. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
