Honolulu-based cutter ship rescues mariners aboard a stricken Cargo ship
The crew members of USCGC Morgenthau (WHEC-722) have been assisting in the rescue and safe transit of a 400-foot cargo vessel with 12 people aboard during multiple day operations in the Gulf of Alaska.
The Resolve Pioneer, a seagoing tugboat based in Dutch Harbour, arrived on Saturday and established a tow with the motor vessel BBC Colorado under the observation of Morgenthau. Upon authorization that the tow was strongly holding and intact, Morgenthau’s crew resumed their mission of fisheries enforcement in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea, and the Resolve Pioneer made way for Washington with the BBC Colorado in tow.
On October 5, the Coast Guard received a distress call for help from the captain of the BBC Colorado who reported that the vessel ran into severe engine troubles that restricted their speed and manoeuvrability. With unfavourable weather forecasted with seas of 30-feet and winds in excess of 58 mph closing in on its location, the Colorado’s master requested the Coast Guard’s assistance.
The Morgenthau was redirected to the scene approximately 500 miles away from their position at the time.
The Morgenthau’s operations personnel worked together with the 17th District Command Centre in Juneau to create a rescue assistance plan for the Colorado on its rescue journey.
Coast Guard personnel raised a marine assistance request broadcast, resulting in a positive response from the Resolve Pioneer. On October 7, the Resolve Pioneer began making way toward the BBC Colorado.
Once within range of the BBC Colorado, the Morgenthau crew launched their MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew to evaluate and assess the condition of the cargo vessel, capture images of the vessel to regulate a better plan and to establish radio contact with the master.
Morgenthau then maintained a constant presence in the Colorado for over 24 hours until the Resolve Pioneer crew was on the scene. Morgenthau prepared emergency gear and crews, including heavy towing lines and survival equipment in case immediate response was necessary.
Morgenthau based in Honolulu was on an Alaska Patrol to carry out a living marine resources mission in the Bering Sea at the time of the case.
The Resolve Pioneer and Morgenthau have trained together on emergency towing evolutions in the past. In September of this year, these two vessels conducted a training exercise near Dutch Harbour utilising a towing system designed specifically for large cargo vessels disabled in the region.
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Source: DVIDS
