Willow wind sailboat rescue pacific ocean

On 30 October 2026, the United States Coast Guard successfully completed a high-seas rescue operation involving a solo sailor aboard the sailboat Willow Wind. The vessel had been navigating the North Pacific Ocean when it encountered severe weather conditions, resulting in significant damage to the mast and a total loss of steering capabilities. The sailor activated an emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) after the boat began taking on water approximately 400 miles off the coast of California. A long-range search and rescue aircraft was dispatched to locate the vessel, followed by the deployment of a cutter to the coordinates provided by the distress signal. Despite challenging sea states and high winds, rescue crews managed to stabilize the sailboat before safely transferring the sailor to the cutter. The individual was reported to be in stable condition, though suffering from mild hypothermia. The Willow Wind was ultimately abandoned at sea due to the hazardous conditions, which prevented a safe tow operation. The Coast Guard emphasized the importance of registered emergency beacons in facilitating this successful rescue.