Ferries to the Rescue for USAir Flt 1549
Guest Blog by RDML James Watson (CG-54), Director of Prevention Policy
My hat is off to the civilian captains who helped save 155 lives Thursday. The pilot's masterful job of landing a powerless Airbus A320 in the Hudson River is being called a miracle. But, the rest of this miracle story involves the readiness and responsiveness of the New York and New Jersey ferry and excursion vessel captains.
On CGDN click here
Flight 1549 passengers streamed onto the sinking jet's wings as soon as they could get the door opened - desperate to be rescued from the frigid water. The first ferry arrived in less than 5 minutes and began the remarkably orderly rescue operation of all 155 passengers and aircrew. At least three Good Samaritan passenger vessels were on scene before the Coast Guard and other rescue agencies arrived.
This rescue involved more than luck. The professionalism and dedication of the captains and their crews was essential. Also, the ferry and excursion boat company owners who supported the Coast Guard's annual interagency mass rescue planning and exercises were remarkable. Finally, the New York Vessel Traffic System controllers, using Coast Guard remote cameras and radio communications, were able to maintain the calm control which is so important in emergency situations.
It's notable that news reporters beyond New York have commented on this rescue capacity in other port cities. I encourage all of our nation's ferry and excursion captains to be ready. New York has once again set a fine example for every professional mariner to follow.
James Watson, Rear Admiral, USCG
Marine Safety, Security, Stewardship
Director, Prevention Policy (CG-54)
My hat is off to the civilian captains who helped save 155 lives Thursday. The pilot's masterful job of landing a powerless Airbus A320 in the Hudson River is being called a miracle. But, the rest of this miracle story involves the readiness and responsiveness of the New York and New Jersey ferry and excursion vessel captains.
On CGDN click here
Flight 1549 passengers streamed onto the sinking jet's wings as soon as they could get the door opened - desperate to be rescued from the frigid water. The first ferry arrived in less than 5 minutes and began the remarkably orderly rescue operation of all 155 passengers and aircrew. At least three Good Samaritan passenger vessels were on scene before the Coast Guard and other rescue agencies arrived.
This rescue involved more than luck. The professionalism and dedication of the captains and their crews was essential. Also, the ferry and excursion boat company owners who supported the Coast Guard's annual interagency mass rescue planning and exercises were remarkable. Finally, the New York Vessel Traffic System controllers, using Coast Guard remote cameras and radio communications, were able to maintain the calm control which is so important in emergency situations.
It's notable that news reporters beyond New York have commented on this rescue capacity in other port cities. I encourage all of our nation's ferry and excursion captains to be ready. New York has once again set a fine example for every professional mariner to follow.
James Watson, Rear Admiral, USCG
Marine Safety, Security, Stewardship
Director, Prevention Policy (CG-54)
Posted at
8:05 PM
1 Comments:
I was following this on gCaptain hoping to find out more about the maritime response. It would be of good value to provide lessons learned to ports of all sizes around the country. I am further glad to see the investment is observation systems pay off for in thought of uses. Personally I can't wait to learn more about the AeroMech UAV system being developed for Somalia as well as tv Guard's own plans for this technology. The truly amazing and unfortunate accidents often happen begins the range of VTS cameras.
Keep up the good work.
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