07/21/2026
SEMPER PARATUS - Always Ready
A review of an evening rescue of a disabled vessel that was towed to safety.
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1030986486244819&set=a.159308560079287
"SEMPER PARATUS" - an evening rescue of a disabled vessel towed safely back to the launch ramp
Southwest District - Southern Region
Division 06
Location: Long Beach (bay), CA
Photo: the disabled vessel back on the ramp after being towed to safety by the Coast Guard Auxiliary Patrol Boat
The Coast Guard's motto is "Semper Paratus," which means "Always Ready." On the evening of Saturday, July 4, 2026, that motto was put to the test by members of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
As part of the City of Long Beach's celebration of our Nation's 250th Anniversary, a spectacular fireworks display was launched simultaneously from three locations—two floating barges in the harbor and one site adjacent to the RMS Queen Mary.
Members of the Coast Guard Auxiliary were assigned to patrol the waters surrounding the launch sites and enforce the established safety zones to ensure the safety of the boating public. Two Auxiliary patrol boats were assigned to different sectors of the safety zone and remained on station throughout the fireworks display. After the show concluded, they continued to monitor the area as the hundreds of recreational boats that had anchored to watch the display began departing for nearby marinas and launch ramps.
As one of the Auxiliary patrol boats prepared to return to its home port, the crew noticed a flashlight being waved in the darkness, apparently signaling for help. Responding immediately, they discovered a disabled 21-foot recreational vessel carrying seven people—four adults and three children.
The vessel would not start and had completely lost electrical power, leaving the occupants stranded. They had no marine radio, no sounding device, no functioning navigation lights, and only six life jackets for the seven people on board. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, the Auxiliary crew immediately provided an additional life jacket and instructed everyone aboard the disabled vessel to put on their life jackets and assemble near the stern while preparations were made for a tow.
After confirming that all passengers were safe and uninjured, the Auxiliary crew began setting up the towing operation. During their assessment, they discovered that the disabled vessel had only midship and stern cleats and no bow cleats, making a conventional towing bridle impossible to use. Complicating matters further, the water was extremely choppy from the wakes of the hundreds of boats leaving the fireworks display, creating hazardous conditions for both vessels.
The towline was passed to the operator of the disabled boat, who was instructed to secure it to the vessel's bow eye—the reinforced metal fitting located at the bow. Once the connection was verified, the Auxiliary crew carefully began towing the vessel at a safe speed back to the launch ramp area, successfully bringing all seven passengers safely to shore.
Incidents such as this demonstrate why the Coast Guard Auxiliary places such a strong emphasis on training. Coxswains and boat crew members regularly participate in classroom instruction and on-the-water exercises designed to prepare them for emergencies. Auxiliary crews also train alongside active-duty Coast Guard personnel, sharpening their skills while supporting the training of new crews.
The successful rescue on July 4th is an excellent example of the Auxiliary's commitment to its mission of recreational boating safety and its readiness to respond whenever and wherever assistance is needed.
However, responsibility to being ready and prepared also rests with the boat owner. Having the right equipment, proper number of life jackets, fire extinguishers, flares, etc. should always be checked prior to heading out into the water. We invite the public to attend our Coast Guard Auxiliary Boater Safety courses that provide the necessary information to make your trip on the water a safe one. For more information, visit our Boaters Safety Course website at https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=B-DEPT&category=for-boaters
A related training video demonstrating a two-boat towing exercise conducted jointly by active-duty Coast Guard personnel and Coast Guard Auxiliary boat crews can be viewed here:
https://youtu.be/cPNgbvMM8d0
If you are interested in pursuing the training and certification to become qualified as a Boat Crew member, contact your Member Training Officer within your Flotilla or Division.
Story and photo provided by USCG Auxiliary Rudy Lopez Jr, PA3
