Coast Guard Foundation restarts disaster relief fund after rescue tragedy
By IBI Magazine
The crew of a US Coast Guard C-130 rescue plane are missing and considered dead 11 days after their aircraft collided with a US Marine Corps helicopter. The seven-member crew was searching for a missing boater near San Clemente Island in California. The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organisation committed to the welfare of all US Coast Guard members and families, has re-activated its emergency Family Disaster Relief Fund to aid the families of the crew members. "At this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers go out to the crew, their families and the entire Coast Guard," said Anne Brengle, president of the Coast Guard Foundation, in a statement. "This incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers these heroes face every day. We hope that others will join us in coming to their aid." A memorial was held on Friday November 6 at Air Station Sacramento in California. Brengle said donations can be made to the Family Disaster Relief Fund, the Fallen Heroes Scholarship Fund or the CG-1705 Memorial Service Fund via their website at www.coastguardfoundation.org. According to US Coast Guard statistics, the Coast Guard carries out tens of thousands of search and rescue cases each year for recreational and commercial vessels. In 2006 (latest available figures), the Coast Guard reported 28,288 search and rescue cases, and estimated it saved 4,403 lives that year. Since 2000, according to its figures, the agency has saved more than 33,000 lives.
(9 November 2009)
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