Re: [Paddlewise] Coast Guard helicopter tragedy at La Push, WA

Melissa Reese wrote:
> I'm sure you've all heard/seen by now, news of the deadly Coast Guard 
> helicopter crash yesterday...[snip] Just about every bit of water I
> paddle has its tragic stories; both recent and ancient. It's just the
> way of the sea, and at the same time that we celebrate the life
> enriching experiences we seek on these waters, there's always someone to
> remember as well. The next time I paddle La Push...I'll remember.

Well said, Melissa.  Becky and I live one street over from an area in my 
city the Coast Guard populated with homes fifteen years ago to provide 
housing for Coasties with families.  Now and then, one of those big helos 
circles overhead, way up there, so the kids can see Dad or Mom wave at them 
from their duty station.  I always wonder if the kids understand the risks 
their parents take.  Today I bet they do.

Here in this fishing-centric community, we are up close and personal with 
USCG folks.  Been that way for a long time, and getting more intense, with 
some readjustments in assignments and shifts in mission (mostly Homeland 
Security demands).  A couple weeks ago, a guy got some crab pot line 
wrapped around his propeller shaft transiting the Columbia River bar, and 
had to call them in.  One of their skookum 47 foot surf boats had the duty 
and snagged this guy (30 ft sailboat) and towed him back into Ilwaco harbor.

We happened to be there, recharging our batteries after a delightful paddle 
just inside the bar (on benign waters) and wandered over to see the 47 
footer up close and personal.  The young man and young woman who had the 
dockside duty off the boat were extremely gracious and most proud of their 
"asset," answering our questions and explaining how they do tows, etc. 
After fifteen minutes of PR, they turned the thing within its own length 
and scooted back out.

Short video of a 47-footer in action in 11-12 foot waves, Humboldt Bay Bar, 
northern CA:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4lA6UcYKTw&feature=channel 
Ignore the cheesy soundtrack.

This one is a series of stills of action at Morro Bay, with a shot of a 
partial rollover:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YI1AWCA6340&feature=related

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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