Hurricane Helene is raging across multiple states in the U.S., with Florida being one of the most affected. Off Florida’s coast, a man and his dog found themselves on a sinking sailboat, and the U.S. Coast Guard had to step in and rescue them at the last second.
The death toll following Helene is still ticking upward and thousands of people, as well as animals, are doing their best to weather the storm.
36-foot Sailboat Succumbs to Helene
The 36-foot sailboat was disabled and began taking on water while located about 25 miles off the coast of Sanibel Island, Florida. The distress call came in on Thursday, September 26, 2024, as Hurricane Helene, with its strong winds, neared the Florida coastline.
Coast Guard Takes Calculated Risk to Rescue
In times of natural disasters, there’s a continuous assessment of risk – is a rescue mission too dangerous to be worth attempting? We’re reminded of how selfless and brave people at agencies like the U.S. Coast Guard risk their own lives to save others.
With Hurricane Helene’s winds intensifying from Category 2 to Category 3 at the time, the U.S. Coast Guard had to assess the danger before launching the rescue mission. Despite the risks, they decided to proceed, believing they could bring both the man and his dog to safety.
Chief Petty Officer Nicole J. Groll of the U.S. Coast Guard explained that rescuing in such severe weather conditions is always a challenge. “The seas were terrible, and the winds were worse,” she said, emphasizing the calculated risk the team took to complete the mission safely.
Dramatic Footage of the Rescue Released
The Coast Guard shared footage of the daring rescue, showing a rescuer being lowered from an MH-60 helicopter into the choppy water. The man and his dog, both wearing life vest, swam from their sinking vessel and were hoisted into the helicopter to safety.
Had it not been for their life vests, especially in the case of the dog, things might’ve ended differently – and not for the better.
Man and Dog in Good Condition Post-Rescue
Despite the perilous situation, the man and his dog were in good medical condition after the rescue. They got through it just like two best friends would.
After being rescued, they were taken to Southwest Florida International Airport where they were examined by emergency medical services.
The sailboat, however, could not be saved and remains adrift at sea and at the hands of Helene.
A Tragic Outcome for the Sailboat and Belongings
The sailor, identified as 64-year-old Earl Barcome, was unable to save his sailboat, which now rests at the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico. The boat’s motor failed, and with no working bilge pump, he could only use a hand pump as Hurricane Helene’s winds drove his boat northwest.
The Aftermath and Death Tolls Following Helene
Hurricane Helene, now recognized as the deadliest U.S. mainland hurricane since Katrina, has claimed over 200 lives.
More than half of these fatalities were in North Carolina, where the storm severely impacted entire communities. With over 780,000 homes still without power and significant infrastructural damage, rescue efforts continue as President Biden and federal agencies provide assistance.
How Animals Are Affected by Hurricanes Like This One
Hurricane Helene not only impacts human communities but also causes devastating losses among animals, particularly those in factory farms. Thousands of animals, confined and unable to escape, likely perished due to flooding and high winds.
It’s high time for systemic change to better protect animals during climate disasters.
Watch When the U.S. Coast Guard Rescues a Man and His Dog
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