Distress flare helps Coast Guard rescue man near Sta. Cruz

STA. CRUZ — The Coast Guard assisted a man whose boat was in distress near Sta. Cruz after someone on shore spotted a red distress flare at sea last Thursday. This according to the Coastguard reporting this weekend. 

The Maritime Operations Center directed a Coast Guard aircraft to the area, where its crew located the boat and saw the man waving for assistance. A Metal Shark patrol boat was dispatched to tow the vessel to Sta. Cruz Bay, bringing the man to safety.

The Coast Guard stressed that the flare was essential in attracting attention. It recommends regular boat maintenance and sufficient safety equipment on board, including life jackets, flares, water, a first-aid kit and means of communication.