Yesterday the surf was really up here in New England. A few people who have no experience at the ocean didn't respect it and were swept away. One died but the Coast Guard was able to rescue one. Someone shot video of that rescue. What isn't immediately apparent is the rescue is taking place almost on shore which is loaded with rocks. Not at all like the NJ shore.

 

http://video.ap.org/?f=NHMAN&pid=ztASfH ... KwCwTwCTMO

I've always wished I entered the Coast Guard Academy.

+1 for the coasties.

The coasties actually have IIRC 3 in BUDS riught noiw..should finally kill the "They aren't really Military" Asshats.

+1 for the Coasties! My understanding is these were tourists watching the surf at Thunder Hole and a rogue wave came up and swept them into the water. There is a big difference between Jersey Shore and Maine. NJ=Sand, Maine=Rocks.

That was a 47 foot CG rescue boat. That thing can role over in the water and right itself in a few seconds. It's really an amazing boat.

Sempar Paratus- Always ready

The Park Rangers told them to get off the rocks but true to form, the New York City tourists thought they knew better and were swept out to sea.

 

Even experienced fisherman routinely crash into rocks near the coast. While the Coast guard boats can operate in those rough seas, the don't stand up too well if they crash into the rocky shoreline. Add to that the high winds in the area and you have one he*l of a ride.

The technicalities of whether or not Coasties are military can be confusing. During times of peace, the Coasties are a part of the DHS. However, during times of war, they then fall under the US Navy, and are an official branch of the DOD. I've worked with Coasties, and regardless of the technicalities they do their impossible job better then anybody gives them credit for.

Yes, they have a variety of duties and have some pretty cool tactical teams for ship boarding and anti drug units.

Yes, they have a variety of duties and have some pretty cool tactical teams for ship boarding and anti drug units.

 

Yeah, that not exactly Navy Seals but more like a swat team on water.