Rescue – Living the Dream

After such an busy morning, we had headed back to DD for Lunch. Rain had begun to fall but even that did not deter the masses of people enjoying themselves on the beach. The music continued to blare and in fact we noticed that there was a large gathering of scouts now massing on the shore. It was then that we saw the coast guard boat filled with crew slowly cruising up and down the beach. It appeared that they were keeping the jet skiers and other watercraft out of an area right between DD and the beach. It was then we heard a helicopter approaching and a radio transmission that they were inbound. We watched as a Red US Coast Guard Helicopter flew about 3 circles around DD. (Later on of course we would hear from Persephone asking us what sort of trouble we had caused that required the dispatch of so many Coast Guard personnel) We could see someone in the water but it did not appear that anyone was in distress. We realized this was an exercise for the benefit of the Scouting Jamboree. The Helicopter hovered directly in front of us approximately 25 ft over the swimmer. The wind and spray that was generated from the helicopters rotors was intense. It was then that a Coast Guard Frogman jumped from the helicopter into the water along with the swimmer. A rescue basket was lowered and the swimmer was loaded and pulled to up to safety. A rescue sling was then lowered and the frogman was pulled out of the water and rejoined the rest of his crew aboard the Helicopter. It was impressive to watch especially having a front row seat as we did. The helicopter did one last circle around DD and a slow cruise up the beach. The cheering of the scouts could be heard over the drone of its engine and we applauded as well. As a fitting end to a day filled with rescues, we were treated that evening to a fireworks display and live music coming from the Park. The rain had abated and we sat in our hammock on the deck under starry skies and enjoyed a wonderful end to a very eventful day.

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In keeping with the scouting tradition, Michael did his good deed of the day and came to the aid of a fellow boater, with Mighty Mouse once again pressed into service as a rescue boat. A Single Hander by the name of Chuck had traveled from Samana in the DR headed home to Boqueron, Puerto Rico aboard his boat Ronin. He had engine trouble and then his Autopilot went out. The weather window for the Mona Passage had been predicted as fairly calm but Chuck spent at least 5 hours in 30 -35 knot winds and big waves . He finally made it just outside of Boqueron Harbor and droppned anchor at about 8:00pm the night before. He was exhausted and so did not risk sailing alone through the reef and into the harbor. He had called his girlfriend, Lolin in the morning to tell her he was back and to see if she could find someone to help tow him the last 3 miles to safety. Lolin had come into the Restaurant where Michael and I were attempting to access the internet. It was the only restaurant where she knew anyone. Terry, a friend of Chucks, was working there and when she explained his situation he came over to our table and asked if we were on a boat and if we had a big enough engine to assist him. Michael hopped into Mighty Mouse and stopped by DD to fuel up and gather some gear and a radio before heading out the 3.5 miles to where Ronin was anchored. Lolin contacted Chuck via cell phone and told him help was on the way. Mike made his way out to Ronin and tied Mighty Mouse along side. The waves were about 3 ft and a Mike had to stay in the Dingy for much of the tow to keep Mighty Mouse under control. He was finally able to tie off the engine once inside the harbor buoy and climb aboard Ronin. Chuck was extremely grateful for the help. I stayed with Lolin as we watched them come into the harbor and anchor. A very wet Michael brought a weary but thankful Chuck and his large gray tabby cat,Thomas ashore to the welcoming arms of Lolin. We said our goodbyes and made plans to meet up with Chuck and Lolin for dinner at Chucks home the next evening.

Tag: Rescue

Same Day Different Rescue!

A Good Turn Daily!