Interesting observation. Hadn’t thought of that. Apparently the guy running the basket hoist had a lot of input. The swimmer grew tired after 3 lifts and couldn’t catch up to the raft so they brought him back up to rest for 5 minutes . May have been then when they switched

My uncle flew for the coast guard out of Anchorage for 30 years, always had a ton of respect for him. He retired about 10 years ago and lives in AZ now, I guess he saw enough crappy weather and salt water for his lifetime lol

I was gonna ask you about the swimmer. Where do they find people like that ?

Good question. That same swimmer a couple years later stayed behind in a raft overnight when they didn’t have fuel to get him, the last guy.

Unreal!

God, what an experience! Just brave men.

Jarl: once you got off the raft and into the chopper did you ever wonder if that was a smart choice ?

It was crowded in there. People laying on top of me. They started discussing ditching procedures on the way back

LOL I can believe that !

How big was the raft/skiff? That had to be a ride in that. How far off shore were you when you got in the skiff? Were you drifting in or out?

It was a 6 man raft, about 8’ outside diameter. Were getting blown out to sea. We were never able to close the sides of the raft so we sat in about 24” of water as each wave filled it up again
Probably 6-7 miles offshore

Thanks for posting this again, as I must have missed it the other time that you did. What an amazing story!! I guess it just must not have been your time to go yet.

Brave Men
God's hand

Just Unreal

Whow ,I think I peed my pants on page 1 ! Thanks be to God !!!

I also missed the last time and thanks for repeating your story. Thankful that you survived along with the rest of the crew so you can trap another day!

What a blessing!

Didn't the Coastgurd crash a chopper not too long ago in PWS? Doing the same thing, a rescue? Think I heard an interview with CG chopper pilot on the radio.