New York National Guard

Courtesy Story

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY -- The New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing has joined the search for a missing Canadian solo sailor who was supposed to arrive in Bermuda on Monday, Nov. 16.

An HC-130 Hercules search and rescue aircraft with para-rescue jumpers and rescue equipment on board departed Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base just after noon today to search the ocean between Virginia and Bermuda for the overdue 45-foot sailboat. The United States Coast Guard requested Air Force help in the search and the Air Force turned to the 106th.

United States and Canadian Coast Guard aircraft began looking for 67-year old Hubert Marcoux and his boat the Mon Pays on Thursday. Marcoux left Halifax, Nova Scotia, Nov. 9. Marcoux is an experienced sailor who has gone around the world.

The United States Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Norfolk and Joint Rescue Coordination Center in Halifax coordinated flights to search between the two known locations, broadcasted call-outs on marine band radios and contacted other vessel owners that may have seen the Mon Pays, according to the Coast Guard.

The vessel was reported to have a VHF radio, personal flotation devices, flares, an 8-foot white dingy but no electronic position indicating radio beacon.

Coast Guard aircraft have been in contact with another sailing vessel which is also heading to Bermuda from Halifax which left port before the Mon Pays and has still not arrived, Coast Guard officials said.

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