Sebring Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

On February 2, 2011, the 'Sebring Express' was prompted to change course following a request from the Coast Guard's 5th District watchstanders. They had received an emergency alert from an EPIRB associated with the sailing vessel 'Nacouda' at 2:51 PM. Utilizing the AMVER system, the Coast Guard guided the 'Sebring Express' to the precise coordinates of the emergency signal. Upon arrival in the area, the crew visually identified a strobe light indicating distress. As they moved closer, they witnessed a flare being released, along with a sailor’s cries for assistance. Remarkably, the sailor was located and successfully rescued from a life raft at 8:47 PM, reported to be in excellent health and high spirits. The French national had been making the sea voyage from the Canary Islands to Guadeloupe when rough conditions, including winds of 25 to 30 mph and 10-foot waves, forced him to abandon the 'Nacouda' as it began taking on water.