US Coast Guard rescues 86-year-old sailor and dog after two months at sea

An 86-year-old sailor and his dog have been rescued in the Pacific Ocean after disappearing for more than two months. The pair had been sailing the Willow Wind from Astoria, Oregon, toward Pago Pago, American Samoa, when they lost contact on August 20.

The search intensified on October 27 after an emergency radio beacon from the vessel was detected. US Coast Guard aircraft located the damaged sailboat approximately 460 miles off the coast of San Diego. The commercial vessel Grand Orion arrived at the scene on October 28, but rough sea conditions initially prevented the crew from reaching the stranded pair.

After more than 14 hours of attempting to navigate the treacherous waters, the crew of the Grand Orion successfully brought the man and his dog aboard at approximately 5:36 PM. A Coast Guard helicopter later transported them to Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego. While the sailor was reported to be exhausted and having difficulty walking, he sustained no major injuries.