Coast Guard, Navy Rescue Family from Sailboat

The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy successfully rescued a mother, her 7-year-old daughter, and their pets from a distressed sailboat nearly 1,000 miles off the coast of Hawaii amid Hurricane Gilma's severe weather conditions. The rescue operation was initiated on August 25 after an emergency radio beacon alerted the Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Honolulu. The 47-foot French-flagged sailboat, Albroc, was found by an HC-130 Hercules plane, which received a mayday call from the mother, who reported the presence of a deceased male captain onboard. Despite rough seas and winds, the rescue was coordinated with the Navy's assistance, and a safer window for rescue operations opened at 5 a.m. the following day. The family and their pets were brought back to safety just hours before conditions worsened, with waves later reaching 25 feet. This incident underscores the bravery and quick action of the rescue teams in dangerous maritime situations.