Reverse Drift Interview - Done

Whew....those BBCers are thorough! We interviewed and shot footage for ~4-5 hours last Friday. My assessment is, I'm glad I do what I do for a living and AM NOT AN ACTOR! That was redicuolous! Anyhow, the interview could have gone better I felt, but I always say that about my performances. I struggle greatly with any kind of podium time, camera time, but I got through it and the BBC guys said it went fine. The SAROPS demonstration went real well I thought. I also have to tell you right away, if any of you ever see this episode that they made it about me, which was not my intention. They shot video of me walking in the building, up and down hallways and into the Command Center. I know don't ask, but I'll give you my autograph next time I see you for no charge! Be well. Geoff.

REVERSE DRIFT

Folks, Just wanted you to know that I have been contacted by the BBC to do a interview about Reverse Drift and the AFF 442 crash. Evidently they want to see a demonstration of the program which is good for me because that gets me off camera....sort of! Anyhow, be well folks!

OUR BLOG

Okay Guys & Gals, This is our blog? Our way of sharing SAR information, lessons learned, etc. How can we make it better and more interactive? I don't want to wait another two years to hear from you all? Share, post, e-mail. If you want to share a story and can't get it up on the blog e-mail me (geoffrey.m.pagels@uscg.mil) and I'll post it for you. No worries. Be well good RCC people!

S/V WINDWALKER - FOUND SAFE

RCC's, All stop on any investigative efforts! The S/V WINDWALKER has been located safe in Antigua. For all of you who opened this Blog up, read it and did some preliminary investigative work, thank you on behalf of these two sailors. v/resp, Geoff Pagels

OVERDUE S/V - REQUEST ASSISTANCE

RCC'S, We are currently working what appears to be a fairly sticky overdue case. The S/V WINDWALKER (US flag, 14 meter) departed the Canary Islands on 28 Nov bound for Antigua, with two crew a 74 year old male and a 64 year old female. Reports indicate that during the period winds have been light along the track line. We have heard that other S/V in the area are "motoring in" due to the light winds. We estimate the S/V to be at least 5-6 days overdue. Port checks are going to be conducted in Antigua this morning. If any of you have any information regarding this S/V please call RCC NORFOLK or e-mail d05-smb-d5cc@uscg.mil. Thank you in advance. Best Regards, Geoff Pagels

CHRISTMAS and the NEW YEAR

To all the fine RCC people throughout the North Atlantic, South Atlantic and the rest of the world, RCC Norfolk wishes you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

AMVER TO THE RESCUE - 600NM EAST OF BERMUDA

Simply a good case to share. Thanks to Stavanger for forwarding the INM-C distress alert and Gris Nez for forwarding the SARSAT report. The case summary;

RCC Norfolk received an undesignated INM-C distress alert from RCC Stavanger on the 40FT S/Y F ET MER, a French flagged vessel. RCC Gris Nez called and reported that they had received an unlocated 406 EPIRB from this same vessel. an Air Station Elizabeth City C-130 was immediately launched and had a four hour transit to the scene. The AMVER vessel WELLINGTON STAR was diverted to the scene as well. The C-130 arrived on scene and located the F ET MER disabled and adrift in high winds and seas (+6 meters!). The F ET MER crew reported they had been capsized by the huge seas. They also reported they had donned their survival suits. The WELLINGTON STAR arrived on scene an hour after the C-130. All three persons were safely recovered by the WELLINGTON STAR. The F ET MER was abandoned, and an EGC was released concerning Hazard to Navigation. Case closed.