U.S. Coast Guard performs rescue demonstrations at sea

The U.S. Coast Guard and other local agencies performed rescue drills for the media on Tuesday near the Channel Islands Harbor.

“For our demonstration, we had a vessel that was having engine trouble with three people on board,” said Thomas Wieland, Commanding Officer for Channel Islands Harbor Coast Guard Station.

Members of the media hopped on the Black Finn ship for the ride along to see first hand how first responders handle an ocean rescue.

“Oxnard fire was first on the scene,” said Wieland. “They came out with their rescue water craft which is a jet ski and rescue swimmers on board that was followed by the U.S. Park services as well as Coast Guard response boat. In addition, the coast guard helicopter came out on the scene and lowered a rescue swimmer into the water.”

Then the rescue was made. It’s something they do daily saving an average of nine lives a day.

“Specifically Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Barbara County, we do an outstanding job working together with local agencies as evidence by the demo today,” said Wieland. “Everyone is on the same page and it’s very impressive to watch.”

The demo is a sneak peak to what the public will see free of charge at the 12th Annual Channel Islands Safe Boating Expo which will be held on Saturday, May 13th.