Gulf Shore Getaway

OK a couple of important lessons here for those of you planning to head out on the Gulf for a day of sailing...

• Don't go out in a storm or you might get hurt and need to have the US Coast Guard come pick you up.


• If you do, and they do, they might just issue a press release about it and make the whole thing available on video for anyone who wants it.

Press Release

US Coast Guard Rescues Injured Boater

NEW ORLEANS - A helicopter crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans rescued an injured boater from 12-foot seas about 45 miles south of Panama City, Fla., at 11 a.m. today.

M.K. Zerkel, 64, was flown to Bay Memorial Hospital in Panama City after falling during a storm Tuesday, which left him suffering from a broken wrist, a broken rib and shock.

At the time of the accident, Zerkel and another crewmember were sailing in the Gulf of Mexico on the two-masted, 48-foot sailing vessel, Eowyn, homeported in Houston, Texas.

Coast Guard video of the rescue is available. Please contact PA3... Read more