So You Thought YOU Had Problems

So, a few days after our "adventure" on the high seas (I once thought adventure meant something positive), I read the following article in the local newspaper.

HEAVY SEAS AND HIGH WINDS PROVED TOO MUCH FOR TWO SAILORS NEAR HAIDA GWAII, FORCING THEM TO SEND OUT A CALL FOR HELP.

The sailors on board sent a mayday distress call at approximately 8:10 p.m. Monday night, after they lost their rudder, engine and sails in 80-kilometre winds and four metre seas, approximately 48 km south of Haida Gwaii Islands, in Queen Charlotte Sound.

The call was received at Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Victoria and a Buffalo search and rescue airplane and a Cormorant helicopter from 19 Wing Comox were dispatched. The Buffalo aircraft arrived on scene first and dropped a two-way radio by parachute to re-establish communication with the sailors who had lost their radio shortly after sending the mayday.

“We assessed the situation and determined it was very dangerous for the people on board,” said Captain Jean Leroux, aircraft commander of the Cormorant. “We tried to put a Search and Rescue Technician (SAR Tech) on the deck, but it was impossible due to the masts, loose cables and torn sails. We lowered the SAR Tech into the water to the aft of the boat and he swam to get on board.”

The sailors were able to throw a guideline to Richardson and help him aboard. Once on the boat, Sgt. Richardson and Flight Engineer, Corporal Kent Campbell aboard, the Cormorant worked together to hoist the men from the rolling ship approximately 55 feet into the hovering helicopter. Both men were flown to Port Hardy.

 They lost a rudder, sail and engine. Their radio cut out after they sent out a Mayday. 4 meter waves, 80 km winds. They had to be rescued by helicopter in the middle of the night. I feel like a piker with my humble experience, but still shaken nonetheless.

Here is a video taken of the rescue of the Magnolia by a passenger on a cruise ship that had moved in to assist with the rescue. Not terribly clear but this isn't Hollywood. It sure gives a sense of those stormy seas. Watch it full screen.