IBRRC: Deeply saddened by Coast Guard air crash

On Monday October 26, 2009 a U.S. Coast Guard crew stationed at McClellan Air Force Base in Sacramento, CA generously donated their time and the use of Coast Guard C-130 Hercules aircraft #1705 to transport over 300 seabirds impacted by a Harmful Algae Bloom off the coast of Oregon in order that they could be rehabilitated at International Bird Rescue Research Center in Fairfield.

IBRRC’s staff and volunteers were saddened to hear that Coast Guard crew members also stationed in Sacramento were involved in the fatal crash in San Diego which involved the same C-130 plane last Friday, October 30, 2009.

Our hearts and thoughts go out to the families and friends of everyone involved.

Media report on the flight of mercy:

Algae Bloom Epidemic: Survival takes Coast Guard flight: The Daily Astorian