The United States Coast Guard and Navy recently conducted a daring rescue mission in the midst of Hurricane Gilma’s landfall off the coast of Hawaii. The story begins when watchstanders at the Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu received an alert from an emergency radio beacon, notifying them of a stranded family on a sailboat. The distressed family consisted of a mother, her 7-year-old child, a pet tortoise, and a cat. Tragically, the boat’s captain had passed away.
Efforts to locate the sailboat began immediately, with the center broadcasting the alert to all ships in the area and deploying an HC-130 Hercules airplane for the search. The Hercules plane successfully spotted the 47-foot French-flagged vessel named Albroc and made contact with the 47-year-old woman through her mayday call. It was revealed that she and her daughter were the only passengers on board, along with the body of the deceased captain. However, details regarding the captain’s relationship to the woman and her child were not immediately disclosed.
Unfortunately, the rough waters caused by Hurricane Gilma prevented an immediate rescue. With waves reaching up to 6 feet high and winds up to 20 miles per hour, it was deemed too dangerous to approach the Albroc. The situation grew more critical as the hurricane approached the mainland, necessitating additional assistance from the Navy.
A 754-foot liquid petroleum gas tanker arrived at the scene approximately eight hours after the Hercules plane had spotted the stranded sailboat. However, the rescue window did not open until 5 a.m. the next day when the conditions became less treacherous. Just in time, the mom, daughter, and their pets were successfully rescued and brought back to Honolulu.
The heroic efforts of the rescue crews were commended by U.S. Navy Cmdr. Bobby Wayland, who praised their boat handling skills and judgment. He also expressed appreciation for the seamless coordination and information provided by the USCG throughout the operation. The successful collaboration between the Navy and Coast Guard was highlighted as a testament to their teamwork.
Tragically, the worsening conditions prevented the crews from rescuing the body of the deceased captain. As a result, the Albroc could not be salvaged and remains adrift at sea. This unfortunate outcome serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by sailors and the unpredictable nature of the ocean.
It is worth noting that just 12 hours after the survivors were rescued, waves in the area reached heights of up to 25 feet, nearly half the size of the damaged Albroc. This emphasizes the importance of timing and the incredible resilience of the rescue operation.
The story of this harrowing rescue serves as a testament to the bravery and dedication of the Coast Guard and Navy. Despite the challenging conditions posed by Hurricane Gilma, they were able to save the lives of a mother, child, and their beloved pets. The successful outcome of this mission highlights the importance of preparedness, teamwork, and the unwavering commitment to saving lives demonstrated by these exceptional individuals.
