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Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - The Coast Guard rescued a man from a disabled vessel about 145 nautical miles west of Sitka, Alaska, Monday.
Watchstanders received an alert from the man's emergency position indicating radio beacon at 3:00 p.m. The information from the beacon had shown that the vessel was sold, had an expired registration, and indicated the batteries were low.
The coast guard says the previous owner of the ship reported that the new owner intended to leave his homeport in Seward and travel to the Philippines with the possibility of going to Seattle beforehand.
A helicopter crew was launched, and arrived on the scene in the late afternoon and hoisted the man from his 33-foot sailing vessel, Ananda.
Watchstander Petty Officer First Class Dustin Lake says that it was a prime example of how having boating safety equipment, like an emergency position indicating radio beacon, can save your life.
“It also shows why keeping your EPIRB registered with the correct information is crucial,” he said.