Photo courtesy of US Coast Guard/Heartland
The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three people and three dogs near Pascagoula Tuesday.
According to the Coast Guard, the boaters and the dogs were rescued from a 40-foot shrimp boat that was taking on water after watchstanders at the Coast Guard’s Mobile Sector received a radio call reporting a person in the water holding on to a life ring in the Pascagoula Ship Channel.
The Coast Guard’s response team arrived on the scene and recovered all three people and all three dogs. Two of the people were found holding onto a life ring, and the third person was found separated from the group and holding onto a floating board. None of them were wearing life jackets, according to a news release.
“We want to remind those planning to spend time on the waterways to stay safe and be prepared for the unexpected,” Ensign Amy Harrison, a watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Mobile, said. “We urge all mariners to wear a life jacket, as they significantly increase chances of survival while on the water. Also, have a float plan and the ability to communicate with a VHF Radio.”
Two of the boaters suffered minor injuries and one reportedly suffered from mild hyperthermia.
