Ham Radio Helps Rescue Pacific Boaters

Ham radio helps rescue Pacific boaters: According to a May 14 report in The Honolulu Advertiser, ham radio operators in Hawaii and on Fanning Island in the Republic of Kiribati worked together to help the US Coast Guard rescue a group of teachers adrift in the Pacific. Five Fanning Island teachers were aboard a 36-foot outrigger canoe on a day-long fishing trip May 10 when the canoe's engine failed, said Lt Michael Wessel of the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center in Hawaii. A relative reported the missing boat to a ham radio operator on Fanning Island who, in turn, reported it to a ham operator in Hawaii. The Hawaii operator reported the missing canoe to the Coast Guard. After coordinating with the US embassy in the Republic of Kiribati (to assure fuel would be available on Easter Island) the Coast Guard dispatched a C-130 from Oahu early May 12. The airplane found the boat at noon. The aircraft crew dropped food and water to the teachers, as well as a radio and beacon. They then contacted the coastal freighter Matangare on Washington Island in Kiribati. The freighter rescued the crew and salvaged the boat May 13.--thanks to Russell Houlton for sharing this report

Member Comments: