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AMVER, the ‘Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System’ has been around for over 50 years but is not relying on it’s reputable history to help recruit participants. Joining the Coast Guard in a recent push to embrace social media they have launched a Facebook page. You can find the micro site complete with rescue photos and stories HERE.

Via CGBlog.com

While this audience is less likely to be impressed than most, Lou Minatti has video of surviving Hurricane Ike aboard a workboat in Galveston Bay. We know some of you working in the Gulf Of Mexico have more impressive video so if you wish to share please upload it to Vimeo or YouTube and send us the link. Otherwise we invite Lou to see a real storm, maybe Winter North Atlantic?

Here’s some video of what might have happened to Lou if they hadn’t been careful.

While I have seen enough storms to know I’d rather not see another, a man who has plenty of heavy weather experience, our favorite maritime photographer Houston Pilot OneEighteen, shares photos of his house. The sign reads: “A waterfront view is not a matter of life or death. It is much more important than that.”

While being thousands of miles from the nearest Coast Guard Station may have it’s dangers, with some guidance (Lee Chesneau’s new site is a great start) you can navigate to avoid the worst of conditions. We can only imagine the frustration OneEighteen faced in not being able to steer clear of this one!

Waterfront View pre-Ike; by OneEighteen

Many thanks to Fred Fry and the excellent work he’s doing to bring us stories like these every monday!

Download MP3: Messing About In Ships podcast episode 23 - May 15, 2008

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Shownotes:

In this episode Capt. Kelly Sweeney gives us “A Mariner’s Perspective” and we bring you Part II of the harrowing rescue by the U.S. Coast Guard in saving the Sean Seymour II’s crew… an interview with LT Edward W. Ahlstrand,  C-130 rescue pilot who located the vessel in the heavy seas. BUT FIRST… if you haven’t listened already be sure to check out Part I of this series: Interview with USCG Rescue Helicopter Crew.

Here is related video of a USCG C-130 air drop (LINK)

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If you liked this video click HERE for one similar.

INTERVIEW WITH USCG RESCUE HELICOPTER CREW

This past July, in a gCaptain and Robin Storm exclusive, we brought you the Lessons Learned by North Atlantic freak wave survivor Jean Pierre de Lutz. Just two months prior to that article Jean was aboard the sailboat Sean Seamor II when he found trouble in the north Atlantic. In the final logbook entry he writes:

On or around 7 May 2007 the s/v Sean Seamour II was struck by a what is believed to be a “freak wave”, during Subtropical Storm Andrea. The sailboat was broadsided by a wave that did an great deal of damage to the boat and sent the crew flying about the cabin doing 360’s and causing its Master to break his ribs. The wave caused the sailboat to immediately list starboard.

After a harrowing time riding the waves a EPIRB signal was received by the USCG and a C-130 over fight located the wave riding crew. A J-Hawk Helicopter was dispatched to the area and launched a rescue swimmer, who injured his back during the insertion into the water, when a wave dropped from beneath him and he dropped some 50 to 70 feet. All of this done in 50 to 70 foot seas, with winds estimated at 80 knots.

Today we bring you an MAIS Podcast interview with the entire crew of the J-Hawk Helicopter that came to their rescue. It’s a story of survival in nature’s harshest conditions so be sure to listen.

THE HEROS

Aviation Survival Technician Second Class Drew D. Dazzo, H-60 Rescue Swimmer
Lieutenant Commander Nevada A. Smith, H-60 Aircraft Commander
Lieutenant Junior Grade Aaron G. Nelson, H-60 Copilot
Aviation Maintenance Technician Second Class Scott D. Higgins, H-60 Flight Mechanic

Read the Award Ceremony Minutes HERE.

THE VIDEO

Background Reading

• 10 Lessons Learned For Sailing in Severe Weather
• s/v Sean Seamour II - the final log entry
• Rogue Waves - A Call To Action
• EPIRB Failure aboard the “Sean Seamour”
• Top 10 Rescue at Sea Videos from the U.S. Coast Guard
• The Deadliest Catch - Rogue Wave Edition
• The Sean Seamour III

MAIS Special Report - Rescue on The High Seas;

 

 Messing About In Ships Podcast #12 - Special Interview of US Coast Guard Rescue of Sailors Aboard the Yacht Sean Seymour II: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download