Coast Guard Persues Hoax Distress Caller
The Coast Guard continues to investigate a probable hoax distress call that was received June 11, 2012, alleging a yacht explosion off Sandy Hook, N.J. Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service New York received the distress call at approximately 4:20 p.m., reportedly from the master of the yacht Blind Date, stating the vessel suffered an explosion with 21 people aboard. A massive, multi-agency search took place 17 nautical miles east of Sandy Hook, and involved two Coast Guard boat crews, four Coast Guard aircraft crews, response units from New York City Police Department, Fire Department of New York City, New Jersey State Police, and Nassau County Police Department. Good Samaritan boats also participated in the 5 1/2-hour, 638-square nautical mile search.
Hoax Distress – USCG Offer Reward
Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service New York received an apparent distress call Monday, reportedly from the yacht Blind Date, stating the vessel suffered an explosion, seven people were injured and all 21 people aboard the yacht had abandoned ship into liferafts. A later call to the Coast Guard reported that three people aboard the boat had died, and that several people had 2nd and 3rd-degree burns, and that people aboard were abandoning ship into liferafts. Coast Guard search east of Sandy Hook included two Coast Guard boat crews and four Coast Guard helicopter crews, who searched approximately 638 square nautical miles. Response units from New York City Police Department…
Marad: All Safe After Gas Leak Evacuation
On Sunday evening, a gas leak was discovered in a hot water system servicing Barry and Jones Halls at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Midshipmen and staff on duty immediately evacuated Barry and Jones Halls, which share mechanical systems, and two adjacent barracks. Emergency responders transported thirty-nine midshipmen to local hospitals for evaluation, however no one was admitted. The barracks buildings were ventilated, and a hazardous materials team from the Nassau County Police Department tested the air in the barracks to ensure it was free of carbon monoxide, and that the buildings were safe to reoccupy. Midshipmen were permitted to return to their rooms by approximately 10:30 p.m. Sunday evening.
Vessel Focus: Patrol Boats
Halter Marine has answered the call from the Venezuelan Navy for a variety of patrol boats. The company recently delivered four 80 ft. (24.3 m) boats to the country's government, which completes the contract for the design and construction of 12 total vessels in this size range. Designed for high speed operations in coastal and riverine environments, the vessels will be used for a variety of patrolling efforts in Venezuelan territorial waters, specifically to counter illegal drug traffic, provide search and rescue assistance, and disaster relief. Powered by a pair of Detroit Diesel marine engines, the vessels will have a range of 1,000 nm and a maximum speed of 25 knots. Halter also supplied the last two 54 ft. patrol boats for the Venezuelan National Guard.
Kvichak Delivers Patrol Boat to NCPD
Kvichak Marine recently delivered the second of a two-boat order for the Nassau County Police Department of New York. Marine 6 will join Marine 5 for patrol and rescue operations on the south shore of Long Island. The 38-ft. all-aluminum vessel has a beam of 13.5 ft. and replaces a 36-ft. fiberglass boat that operated in the NCPD for more than 17 years. "We definitely wanted aluminum construction for our new vessels," said First Chief of Patrol Robert Bishop. Twin Caterpillar 3126-DITA @ 420 hp diesel engines, fitted to Twin Disc MG507-1 reversing marine transmissions power Marine 6. The engines are coupled to a pair of Hamilton 321 propulsion jets via Spicer U-joint shafts.
Kvichak Marine Building Patrol Boats
Kvichak Marine Industries of Seattle is currently building two 38 ft. patrol boats for the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) of New York. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in May 2000 with the second to follow in December. With a beam of 13.4 ft. and a 2.6 ft. draft, the all-aluminum vessels will replace two 36 ft. fiberglass boats that operated in the NCPD fleet for 17 years. Powered by twin Caterpillar 3126-DITA diesel engines, fitted to Twin Disc MG507-1 marine gears, the vessels will be used for patrol and rescue on the South Shore of Nassau County. Due to the operating conditions the vessels will encounter, the NCPD chose Hamilton 321 propulsion jets over conventional propellers and shafts.
