NAUTICAL NEWS
Bare Cove Sail & Power Squadron is pleased to provide maritime-related news and announcements that are designed to educate and entertain you from a mariner’s perspective.
Monday, October 29. 2012 So That Others May Live
Don’t ever underestimate the immense value of our very own U.S. Coast Guard…
Sad to say, on Monday, 10/29/12, the HMS Bounty sank off North Carolina. As of this
writing, 14 crew members were rescued by Air Station Elizabeth City (see video).
Another crew member was recovered unresponsive and later pronounced dead. The Captain
remains the subject of a Coast Guard search.
As you watch the video, note the following:
The conversation you will hear is the aircrew member at the door acting as eyes for the pilot. He reports every move of the rescue swimmer and directs the pilot in small maneuvers to position the aircraft (like “forward 5 right 5”). You will hear the crew member report an injury to himself and keep right on task. The co-pilot (female voice) calmly reports the height and period of oncoming waves. The pilot needs to concentrate on his instruments to keep those monster waves from reaching up and smashing his aircraft. Occasionally you will hear the onboard computer giving voice “Altitude” alarms.
The life rafts used here are 25 feet in diameter. They are red on top and black on the bottom so you will be able to tell when they are flipped over.
These “Guardians” have an extraordinary level of commitment and professionalism in carrying out their dangerous mission and they act like it’s another day at the office. Bravo Zulu (Good job/Well done!) to all those involved in the effort.
Written by
P/R/C William E. Husted, SN
Homeland Security Team Leader - Government and Partner Relations Committee
United States Power Squadrons
Learn more about the tall ship, HMS Bounty.