Flares lead to rescue of woman and child in hurricane’s path
15/10/2024
A woman and child have been rescued by the US Navy and Coast Guards after their boat was in the path of a hurricane off Hawaii, USA.
Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu watchstanders received a distress alert from an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) around 925 miles east of Honolulu.
An HC-130 Hercules aircraft crew took off from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point and appeals for help were sent to vessels.
The crew located the 47-foot sailboat, the French-flagged vessel Albroc, and heard a mayday call from a woman aboard with her seven-year-old daughter and a deceased man.
Two distress flares
The Hercules crew could not establish direct communication but saw her light two distress flares. The boat was drifting and taking on waves in six-foot seas and 20 mph winds.
JRCC Honolulu watchstanders requested assistance from the Navy’s U.S. Pacific Fleet and U.S. 3rd Fleet, which diverted the crew of USS William P. Lawrence, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer stationed in Pearl Harbor.
The master of an AMVER-registered vessel, the Seri Emperor, a Singapore-flagged, 754-foot liquid petroleum gas tanker that was around 290 miles south of the sailboat, 18-hours away, was also asked to assist.
When a Hercules crew from Air Station Barbers Point arrived, they saw the woman and girl waving their arms before retreating inside the cabin. The aircrew unsuccessfully attempted to communicate with them on the radio and by dropping message blocks.
The Seri Emperor arrived, but was unable to safely remove the woman and child due to deteriorating weather conditions ahead of Hurricane Gilma. It remained on scene until the arrival of the William P. Lawrence.
Six hours to carry out rescue
With seas greater than 25 feet forecast within 12 hours of their position and the damaged condition of the Albroc, the William P. Lawrence had six hours to carry out the rescue. A small boat crew from the Navy ship launched and rescued the woman and girl, as well as a cat and tortoise, from the sailboat.
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bobby Wayland, commanding officer of William P. Lawrence, says, “I am extremely proud of the crew’s professionalism in planning and executing the safe recovery of two persons at sea on a disabled vessel in worsening conditions.
“My boat crew – in particular the coxswain – demonstrated deft boat handling and good judgement in approaching the distressed vessel and transferring the survivors. I also appreciate the remarkable coordination and information provided by the USCG throughout the entire operation – very cool to see the Navy / Coast Guard team work together so smoothly.”
Vice Adm. John Wade, commander of the U.S. 3rd Fleet, says, “While saddened by the loss of the sailing vessel’s master, I couldn’t be prouder of the combined efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy who saved the lives of two other passengers.
“I’m particularly grateful for the professionalism exhibited by the crew of USS William P. Lawrence who executed the rescue flawlessly under extremely dangerous conditions.”
The US Navy photo is by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Lance Watson.
Source: USCG
