Coast Guard kicks into high gear after Sandy

Federal Drive

Coast Guard kicks into high gear after Sandy

Nearly 170 people are reported stranded in New York City, where Coast Guard helicopters are now being deployed, said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Frederick. Most...

Jolie Lee

October 30, 2012 11:25 am

1 min read

wfedstaff | April 17, 2015 4:19 pm

Download audio

The U.S. Coast Guard has kicked operations into high gear now that Post-tropical Cyclone Sandy has hit the Eastern Seaboard.

Prior to the superstorm’s Monday night landfall, the Coast Guard had all of its assets pre-positioned along the coast for search and rescue mode today, said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jamie Frederick, in an interview on The Federal Drive with Tom Temin and Emily Kopp.

Most calls the Coast Guard received this morning were inland-based, Frederick said. Nearly 170 people are reported stranded in New York City, where Coast Guard helicopters are now being deployed.

“Most mariners were prudent and were off the water,” Frederick said.

The Coast Guard is coordinating its efforts with state and local authorities.

“What it’s important to remember is, this is what we prepare for. This is what we train for. And, quite frankly, this is what we do really well,” Frederick said.

Bounty captain still missing

Responders are continuing their search for the caption of the tall ship HMS Bounty off the coast of North Carolina. The Coast Guard has rescued 14 crew members, plus one who died after being rescued.

A high-endurance cutter will go out to search for the captain today. The rescue efforts show that having an offshore presence is “irreplaceable in doing search and rescue.”

The Coast Guard is also preparing for recovery phase, surveying ports for safety before they are reopened. Opening up the maritime transportation system is a “high, high priority,” he said.

FEMA says funding won’t be an issue in storm relief efforts

NWS ramps up to track Post-tropical Cyclone Sandy