Part Two: Details on CG Rescue

Nothing like being rescued by the United States Coast Guard when one is dead in the water off Cape Flattery.

In spite of the circumstances, it was really cool. The United States Coast Guard: so professional, so experienced, killer boat and cool uniforms.

In the dark (at 11pm) they pitched across a tow line from the stern of their 47’ monster boat and we attached it to the Sampson Posts of Antipodes.

It was inspiring to watch them in action. The coxswain announces the commands (he is the guy in charge, he drives the boat too), the worker bees state the command and then confirm with a Scottish sounding “AYE”.

The tow lasted just over two hours. They checked in with us about every 20 minutes. Jim’s response to the situation was amazing as well. He went into total focus and respond mode. He setup the various boat systems for every possible emergency and checked them every 15 minutes.

This is the MLB as seen from our port side as it was lashed to us for side tow:

As we neared the docks (at Neah Bay) the Coast Guard moved us from a stern tow to a side tow (port side).

Again it was really cool to watch them manipulate (our 55’ boat with their 47’ boat) from a stern tow to a side tow. Their teamwork and interaction was obviously the result of hours and hours of training.
From their side tow, one of their men stepped aboard Antipodes as they pushed us into the dock. Jim was above operating the thrusters, the Coast Guardsman and Lara tied Antipodes to the vilest dock ever. That is not paint splotches but bird poop. The dock was actually slippery. YECH.

The Coxswain (the bossman) met Jim on the dock. He said that, “It is a pleasure to work with a professional mariner” and “all during the tow we kept talking about how easy this was to tow a boat operated by people who are experienced.” We didn’t tell them just how thin that experience is. The Coast Guard boarding team joined us in the helm to complete their paperwork. The boarding officer told Jim that this was the “easiest SAR call he’s ever been on- ever.” I have to admit that Jim’s prior military and pilot experience once again came handy as he immediately worked well with their team; demonstrated confidence and professionalism in his radio interactions.

Near 2am we were “lashed to a safe harbor” and headed for bed. Tomorrow we will worry about mechanical problems. I have now lived the saying, “To sleep the sleep of a sailor lashed to a safe harbor”...
A smiling Lara with some of the crew at 1:30am

FACTS: United States Coast Guard Motor Life Boat (MLB). The 47 MLB is able to withstand impacts of three times the acceleration of gravity, she can survive a complete roll-over, self-righting in less than 10 seconds with all machinery remaining fully operational. Powered by twin Detroit Diesels producing 435 hp (324 kW) each, the 47 MLB can travel at 25 knots (46 km/h). Our tax dollars well spent.