Coast Guard Red River Flood Rescues Reaches 93

From the U.S. Coast Guard:

FARGO, N.D. -- As of March 29, 2009, Coast Guard crews have rescued 93 people since the commencement of flood response operations along the Red River on March 25. Today, Coast Guard air boats crews are conducting welfare checks of residents in areas isolated by the flood waters to confirm they are not in need of assistance. Those who do need help are being evacuated to safe, designated locations. In addition to the 93 people, 14 dogs, 14 cats and various other pets have been rescued.

"In this response, our primary mission is to save and protect the lives of those affected by the flooding," said Capt. Steve Hudson, commander of Sector Upper Mississippi River. "The Coast Guard will keep personnel and equipment in the area as long as necessary. But this is not a one-agency operation. We are part of a very skilled and highly-motivated team led by the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, including FEMA, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and numerous other agencies and volunteers."

The breakdown of Coast Guard assets is as follows:
5 helicopters on scene with 8 air crews
4 Disaster Response Teams (DART) onscene, 4 on standby
7 Airboats
2 Coast Guard Auxiliary communications trailer
106 Coast Guard personnel
For the latest Coast Guard news and imagery regarding the Red River floods, please visit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/36783873@N03/
http://cgvi.uscg.mil/
http://www.uscgstormwatch.com/go/site/1769

FARGO, N.D. -- An HH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City, Mich., flies over the Red River March 28, 2009, in response to the flooding. Another Dolphin helicopter from Air Station New Orleans, accompanied them during the transit from Grand Forks to Fargo to stand by for rescue operations. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Erik Swanson)

FARGO, N.D. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Christopher Wheeler, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, radios the Coast Guard HH-65C Dolphin rescue helicopter, from Air Station Traverse City, Mich., to pick up a stranded local man during a search and rescue mission here Thursday, March 26, 2009. The man was later hoisted into the helicopter and transported to safety. (U.S. Coast Guard photo/Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Blackwell)