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USCG COTP Update 1/16/09

Alert Notification:

NEW YORK - The Coast Guard has suspended search and rescue operations for the 
downed U.S. Airways plane after all passengers were reported accounted for at 
around 8 p.m. on 15 January.

The Coast Guard is enforcing a security zone around the plane, which is now 
located at Battery Park City, N.Y.

The Coast Guard launched a multi-asset response when the plane plunged into the 
Hudson River, at approximately 3:30 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

Upon initial notification, Coast Guard Sector New York launched a fleet of 
small rescue boats and the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Ridley, based in Montauk. 
Once on scene, the crews rendered assistance and distributed life jackets.

A joint effort between New York City Fire and Police water assets were 
effective in coordinating first responder efforts. Among the many Good 
Samaritans New York Waterways and Circle Line ferries worked closely to 
transfer passengers and crew to shore side units, which consisted of New York 
City Police, Fire departments, and EMS crews.

Three helicopters from Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., and one from Air 
Station Cape Cod, Mass., worked closely with New York City Police air assets to 
provide aerial support.

"The Coast Guard along with state, local and federal agencies worked together 
in a harsh climate to rescue all of the passengers as quickly and safely as 
possible," said Captain Robert O?Brien, Commander, Coast Guard Sector New 
York.  

A salvage team is en route to begin work on removing the plane from the water.