<p>PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard is responding Wednesday to a call from the lost operator of the sailing vessel Lancastrian, approximately 340 miles east of Atlantic City, N.J.</p>
<p>The boat&#8217;s operator called the Coast Guard 5th District command center to request assistance after becoming confused about his current position.</p>
<p>The owner was traveling from Little Creek, Va., to Scotland when he encountered adverse weather and was forced to turn back after his sailing vessel sustained steering damage. The Coast Guard has launched an HC-130 Hercules rescue aircraft crew to maintain communication with the sailing vessel. A good Samaritan crew aboard the merchant ship Master has also been keeping radio communication with the Lancastrian.</p>
<p>A Coast Guard cutter is currently en route to assist the disabled vessel.</p>