Dramatic footage shows moment US Coast Guard rescues four stranded sailors

A 14-year-old boy was one of four people rescued 60 miles off the coast of North Carolina

(Ruptly)

The U.S. Coast Guard has released footage of the moment a stranded sailor jumped into choppy waters and swam to safety after he and three others had to flee their damaged sailboat.

The American Coast Guard rescued the four individuals from their boat 60 miles off the coast of Bald Head Island near Southport, North Carolina, last Saturday. The video of the rescue was released on Wednesday.

Th 40-foot White Trimaran Trio, travelling from Pensacola, Florida, had damaged its sails in strong winds and the sailors alerted the Coast Guard Command Centre in Portsmouth around 6pm of their plight.

The Coast Guard sent a rescue helicopter, with the US Navy also sending a chopper from the USS George H.W. Bush to help find the stranded vessel.

Both crews arrived just over two hours later, helping to host Frank W. Rawley, 54, Douglas Rider, 58, Lorette Medwel, 55 and a 14-year-old boy from the boat.

They were flown to Air Station Elizabeth City and reported to be in good condition.