19-Jan-2010 Source: HAI
HAI is pleased to announce the 2010 Sikorsky Humanitarian Service Award recipient, Crew of CGNR 6033; U.S. Coast Guard, Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida.
On September 7, 2008, the crew of U.S. Coast Guard CGNR 6033 launched from Providenciales, Turks and Caicos, to respond to a stricken fishing vessel with four people aboard, 50 miles from the eye of Hurricane Ike in its most dangerous quadrant. LCDR Mark W. Turner and LTJG Daniel B. Cathell skillfully piloted the aircraft through the dangerous semi-circle of the hurricane, replete with deteriorating weather conditions, limited visibility, low ceilings, 40 foot seas, and wind gusts reaching 75 knots.
Completing a challenging visual approach to the vessel, the crew was unable to find a safe hoisting area due to extensive rigging and framework that littered the deck. After a careful risk assessment, it was determined that the survivors should enter the water to be hoisted to safety. Undaunted by the weather, Rescue Swimmer AST3 Jon E. Geskus powered through towering waves for nearly 30 minutes to locate and hoist the first survivor to safety. During the third hoist, Cathell realized that the helicopter was being driven back over the fishing vessel by the hurricane-force winds. Aware that Geskus and the survivor were still dangling below the aircraft, and could possibly be dragged through the rigging, Cathell assertively maneuvered the helicopter safely away from the vessel as Geskus and the survivor were recovered.
In the face of furious winds, 40 foot swells, and limited kicking power due to a lost fin, Geskus successfully rescued all four terrified survivors. Despite exhaustion from his efforts, Geskus rendered medical assistance to all four survivors before they were transferred to a local hospital to be treated for minor hypothermia.
Despite being a relatively inexperienced crew, CGNR 6033 worked flawlessly as a team to ensure the safe execution of this critical mission. The newly designated Flight Mechanic, AMT3 Jason A. Menezes, completed his first operational hoist during the mission. Each crewmember’s airmanship and courage stood out as they rose to the challenge, allowing the crew of the stricken vessel to safely return home.
All winners will be recognized at HELI-EXPO 2010’s annual “Salute to Excellence†Awards Banquet on February 22, 2010 in Houston, Texas. For more information about the 2010 “Salute to Excellence†Awards, contact HAI’s Communications Department at 703-683-4646, fax: 703-683-4745, or email: rotor@rotor.com. For more information on HELI-EXPO 2010, visit www.rotor.com.