12 June, 2009 by reading
The Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary was among the responding agencies tasked to remove a crew member from a Great Lakes freighter recently.
Early on a Sunday morning the M/V Algowood requested medical assistance for one of its crew members. SAR resources tasked included a DND helicopter, a CCG SAR cutter and two CCGA units.
The freighter was between Long Point and the small port village of Port Burwell when the call for help went out for assistance.
Auxiliary Vessel "Pop's Pride" was tasked to respond from Port Burwell as well as the Auxiliary Vessel "Maverick" from Port Stanley.
"Pop's Pride" was the first SAR resource on scene arriving approximately 20 minutes prior to "Maverick" and with its crew of three was able to make its way alongside the 730 foot freighter to the bottom end of the ship's gangway where crew from the "Pop's Pride" was able to gain access to the ship.
The crew member was evacuated to the 25 foot loa "Pop's Pride" and was transported to awaiting EMS on shore. The three crew of "Pop's Pride" which responded to the call for assistance were all trained medical first responders.
The transfer took place about 10 miles southeast of Port Burwell in seas of 1 metre with winds of 10 knots gusting to 25 knots.
This response illustrates how a coordinated SAR service works as a group to save lives and prevent suffering with resources from DND, CCG and CCGA as well as EMS working together.