Coast Guard Rescues Sailor, Dog 460 Miles Offshore

An 86-year-old sailor and his dog were rescued after being missing for more than two months during a voyage from Astoria, Oregon, to Pago Pago, American Samoa. The Coast Guard received an overdue report in late October and located the damaged sailboat, Willow Wind, after its emergency beacon sent an alert. Rough seas delayed the rescue, but the crew of the cargo ship Grand Orion brought the pair aboard, and a Coast Guard helicopter later transported them to San Diego. The sailor was weak but had no major injuries and was taken to a hospital for evaluation; officials did not provide an update on the dog. The Coast Guard said the rescue underscored the importance of carrying emergency communications equipment and filing a float plan.