A US Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay release: 

Today the Coast Guard remembered the sacrifice of four crewmen lost at sea in 1997 near Shelter Cove, California.

On the night of June 8th, 1997, nineteen years ago today, a crew of four was lost in an effort to rescue mariners in distress approximately 60 miles West of Cape Mendocino; where the Canadian sailing vessel Ezara 2 with five people onboard became disabled in 25 foot seas.

All four rescuers aboard CG-6549 were never recovered:

  • Lt. Jeffrey F. Crane, 35 Marshfield, MA (CG Aviator #3188)
  • Lt. j.g. Charles W. Thigpen IV, 26 Riverside, CA (CG Aviator #3310)
  • AD3 Richard L. Hughes, 33 Black Canyon, AZ
  • ASM3 James G. Caines, 26 Hinesville, GA (CG Rescue Swimmer #425)

Two Coast Guard helicopters from Air station Humboldt Bay who were escorted by an HC- 130 from Air Station Sacramento and the Coast Guard cutter Edisto, all responded to the call. The helicopters provided the Ezara 2 with radios and sea anchor which stabilized the sailing vessel. However, later that night heavy seas injured some of the Ezara’s crew and caused damage to the boat, forcing the crew of the sailing vessel to abandon ship into a liferaft. The severe wind and sea conditions precluded a rescue by the on scene 110 foot cutter, Edisto, so CG-6549, crewed by Crane, Thigpen, Hughes, and Caines, launched again and proceeded to the scene to recover the five survivors from the life raft. In the heavy winds and darkness, the H-65 helicopter commenced an instrument-guided approach to the life raft when the HC-130 lost sight and communications with the helicopter. Forced with no alternatives the Edisto, through exceptional seamanship, was able to safely recover all of Ezara 2’s survivors from the life raft and coordinate the initial intensive search for CG-6549. Also responding to the crash, were Coast Guard aircraft from air stations North Bend and Astoria, plus Navy P-3 patrol planes, and Air Force HC-130 rescue airplanes. On the water, Coast Guard cutters Sapelo, Buttonwood, Steadfast, and Boutwell all responded to assist. At first light, scattered debris from the helicopter was located while the main fuselage was recovered on the ocean’s floor more than a month later.

Captain Snyder, Sector Commander said, “I’d like to remind you that veterans from all five of our Armed Services give Uncle Sam a blank check when they join, payable up to and including their life, in service to our great nation. I ask that you remember to be grateful each and every day for all our veterans who have issued these checks and to never forget those who paid the ultimate price in service to our great nation.”