Coast Guard Rescues Two Off Gulfport

A Coast Guard rescue helicopter crew based out of New Orleans rescued two men off the Gulfport coast late Friday night. The men were on a 12-ft. aluminum skiff traveling from Bayou Caddy to Bayou Bolan when their vessel capsized. The gentlemen were reported overdue to Coast Guard Station Gulfport by a family member. The rescue helicopter launched from Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans and experienced heavy rain showers, strong winds, and extremely low visibility in the search area. During a break in the weather, the helicopter crew used night-vision goggles to locate the overturned vessel and the two men in the Point Clear wetlands. The helicopter crew rapidly hoisted the men and airlifted them in stable condition to Gulport-Biloxi International Airport. EMS provided further transportation to Garden Park Hospital for evaluation.