MORRO BAY, Calif.– The Coast Guard saved a commercial fishing boat that lost power early Friday morning, towing it back to safety.
According to the Coast Guard, the Watchstanders from Station Morro Bay received a distress call at approximately 1:50 a.m. from the crew of the Point Estero, a 45-foot commercial fishing vessel home ported in Morro Bay, stating that the vessel had suffered engine failure approximately 3 miles offshore. The boat's crew reported no injuries.
A 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Morro Bay was launched shortly before 3 a.m. and safely towed the vessel back to the harbor.
"Being prepared to call the Coast Guard and making the decision to call early is critical in ensuring the successful outcome of a potential distress situation," said Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Cory Wadley, Station Morro Bay's Office-In-Charge. "Often times, people are reluctant to make the phone call for fear that they are not in actual need of assistance. This however is critical so that adequate search and rescue resources can be activated to avoid a potentially deadly situation."
Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Santa Barbara personnel will conduct an inspection of the Point Estero to ensure its seaworthiness before it is allowed to resume fishing.
