Coast Guard skipper out over 2 diving deaths

The Coast Guard relieved the skipper of the Seattle-based icebreaker Healy of command Wednesday as it continues an investigation into the deaths of two divers from the ship.

In replacing Capt. Douglas Russell, Vice Adm. Charles Wurster, who commands all Coast Guard operations in the Pacific from San Francisco headquarters, said he had "a loss of confidence in the officer's ability to command."

 

BM2 Steven Duque and Lt Jessica Hill - Coast Guard Cutter Healy - Divers Lost in the Line of Duty

BM2 Duque swears the oath on Healy’s forecastle as LT Hill administers his reenlistment.  Lt. Jessica Hill swears in Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Steven Duque during a re-enlistment ceremony the week of July 30 on the Coast Guard polar icebreaker Healy. Both died in an accident Aug. 17 while performing dive operations. — U.S. Coast Guard

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DUQUE AND HILL WE WISH YOU GODSPEED

More on Duque (Fearless)and (Dedicated)

Update on Duque (the more I read about these Coasties the more I am in awe of who they were as people)

'Grant Them Fair Winds And Following Seas On Their Final Journey'

"So to Jessica and Steven," said prior CGC Healy Commanding Officer Dan Oliver, "I tell you, you are going to be missed dearly. Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to know Jessica and Steven. And watch out for our fallen shipmates."

This is an update on BM2 Duque and his memorial service. Apparently he was an extraordinary Coast Guardsman too. 

This an update (video attached) on the memorial service for Lt. Hill. Regardless of the cause of this incident, I think both families should be proud of what their loved ones gave to this Country.

FALLEN COAST GUARD OFFICER TO BE HONORED TODAY

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Two Coast Guard divers assigned to the Seattle-based Coast Guard Cutter Healy died Thursday afternoon during a routine dive operation in the Arctic Ocean approximately 500 miles north of Barrow, Alaska.

Deceased are Lt. Jessica Hill, 30, of St. Augustine, Fla., and Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Duque, 26, of Miami.

The victim’s next of kin have been notified and additional support services are being provided to each family, as well as Healy crewmembers.

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It seems clear from reports that Hill and Duque loved their work on the Cutter Healy.

When something like this happens the sense of loss goes far and wide.   I personally spent four years in the Coast Guard.  When any member of our small service was lost it seemed to permeate the entire service.  It appears that things have not changed much as the Commandant and other high ranking officers have expressed their sorrow.

While I still served the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn was lost.  One of my former shipmates died on that Cutter. 

Many in “The Guard” have perished in peace and war.

May we never forget our lost shipmates and the sacrifices they made.

Dwayne Clark

 

NTSB CHAIRMAN SAYS SAFETY SHOULD BE WATCHWORD THIS LABOR DAY

 

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NTSB PRESS RELEASE

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National Transportation Safety Board

Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2006

SB-06-48

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NTSB CHAIRMAN SAYS SAFETY SHOULD BE WATCHWORD THIS LABOR DAY

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - With the nation about to celebrate its last major holiday of the summer, National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Mark V. Rosenker reminded everyone that "safety should be the watchword this Labor Day weekend.

"Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest periods of time for highway travel. Last year, deaths on our roadways rose to their highest level in 15 years. It is imperative that we all observe posted speed limits, buckle up everyone in the car, and never mix alcohol with motor vehicle operation."

Highway transportation accounts for more than 90 percent of all transportation fatalities in the United States. The NTSB has long advocated a series of safety improvements for highway travel, some of which have become law nationally, including mandatory seat belt laws (in every State except New Hampshire), age-21 drinking laws and child restraints.

Other initiatives still awaiting full enactment in the States, which are on the Board's Most Wanted list of safety improvements, include graduated drivers licenses, laws governing persistent drunk drivers, primary seat belt laws and booster seats for children 4 to 8 years old. These are among Most Wanted issues that will be discussed at the Board's public meeting next Wednesday, September 6.

Chairman Rosenker also reminded boaters to wear personal flotation devices. An average of 714 boaters die each year; 508 of those are by drowning. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that about 84 percent of those drowning victims would still be alive if they had worn PFDs.

A selection of safety alerts covering boating and highway transportation can be found on the Board's website at http://ntsb.gov/alerts/alerts.htm.

- 30 -

NTSB Media Contact: Ted Lopatkiewicz

(202) 314-6100

lopatt@ntsb.gov

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Be safe out there boaters.  Every major holiday we see many catastrophic injuries and deaths on boats.  Keep alert, wear your life jacket and wait to have the alcohol until you return ashore.

Have a fun weekend!

Dwayne

Ernesto

 

 

 

 

 

Boaters should remain vigilant as warned by the Coast Guard

Dwayne

Bloglines - Coast Guard Urges Mariners to Stay Informed of Changing Weather Conditions

Bloglines user Lawboat (lawboat@comcast.net) has sent this item to you.

Boating - Topix.net News on Boating from Topix.net

Coast Guard Urges Mariners to Stay Informed of Changing Weather Conditions With Tropical Storm Ernesto constantly changing and quickly approaching the southern United States, Florida's maritime community and boating public are strongly urged to monitor the storm's progress and make ...

The space shuttle Atlantis sits on the Kennedy Space Center's launch Pad 39-B at sunrise Monday. Mission managers this morning decided to postpone the launch indefinitely, due to the pending approach of Tropical Storm Ernesto. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Woman's leg severed in accident on Columbia River

Her leg was severed near her knee by the propeller, police said, and she was taken to Legacy Emanuel Hospital where she was listed in serious condition at last report.

Vicky Chalfant, of Portland, was expected to survive, police said. A dive team tried to find her leg in the river in time for doctors to re-attach it, but efforts to recover the limb failed and the search was called off around 4:30 p.m.

Ernesto

Experts say airboat rescue death was the first in the nation

SPRINGFIELD – When the Cornish, N.H., Rescue Squad airboat swamped and sank with Virginia "Ginny" Yates aboard Tuesday, causing her to drown, it was the country's first fatality involving an airboat rescue, experts in the field said Friday.

Experts questioned crew members' decision to strap Virginia Yates, 64, of Rockingham to a backboard and rescue gurney on the hull of the Cornish, N.H., rescue boat when they were transporting her across the Connecticut River.

Dwayne

Kite-tube ban spreads on state waterways

 

ST. LOUIS (AP) - Citing danger, deaths and injuries, a growing number of Army Corps of Engineers districts have banned kite tubes on lakes and rivers around the country

Dwayne

Darlene Martin and John Becker Lost in Boating Incident with Barge

Two killed in boating crash on Illinois River

By Tim Wagner

STAFF WRITER

MARSEILLES — The U.S. Coast Guard and Illinois Conservation Police are investigating an overnight crash on the Illinois River that killed two people, both of whom were carriers for The (Aurora) Beacon News, a sister publication of The Courier News.

Conservation police Capt. Greg Hunter said the two people killed — 41-year-old Darlene Martin of Oswego and 45-year-old John Becker of Sandwich — were on a 27-foot pleasure boat that collided with a barge head-on in Marseilles about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday night.

Dwayne

In Memory and Honor of BM2 Steven Duque and Lt. Jessica Hill - Coast Guard Cutter Healy - Lost Divers

BM2 Duque swears the oath on Healy’s forecastle as LT Hill administers his reenlistment.  Lt. Jessica Hill swears in Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Steven Duque during a re-enlistment ceremony the week of July 30 on the Coast Guard polar icebreaker Healy. Both died in an accident Aug. 17 while performing dive operations. — U.S. Coast Guard

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DUQUE AND HILL WE WISH YOU GODSPEED

More on Duque (Fearless)and (Dedicated)

Update on Duque (the more I read about these Coasties the more I am in awe of who they were as people)

'Grant Them Fair Winds And Following Seas On Their Final Journey'

"So to Jessica and Steven," said prior CGC Healy Commanding Officer Dan Oliver, "I tell you, you are going to be missed dearly. Lord, I thank you for the opportunity to know Jessica and Steven. And watch out for our fallen shipmates."

This is an update on BM2 Duque and his memorial service. Apparently he was an extraordinary Coast Guardsman too. 

This an update (video attached) on the memorial service for Lt. Hill. Regardless of the cause of this incident, I think both families should be proud of what their loved ones gave to this Country.

FALLEN COAST GUARD OFFICER TO BE HONORED TODAY

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Two Coast Guard divers assigned to the Seattle-based Coast Guard Cutter Healy died Thursday afternoon during a routine dive operation in the Arctic Ocean approximately 500 miles north of Barrow, Alaska.

Deceased are Lt. Jessica Hill, 30, of St. Augustine, Fla., and Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Duque, 26, of Miami.

The victim’s next of kin have been notified and additional support services are being provided to each family, as well as Healy crewmembers.

———————————————

It seems clear from reports that Hill and Duque loved their work on the Cutter Healy.

When something like this happens the sense of loss goes far and wide.   I personally spent four years in the Coast Guard.  When any member of our small service was lost it seemed to permeate the entire service.  It appears that things have not changed much as the Commandant and other high ranking officers have expressed their sorrow.

While I still served the Coast Guard Cutter Blackthorn was lost.  One of my former shipmates died on that Cutter. 

Many in “The Guard” have perished in peace and war.

May we never forget our lost shipmates and the sacrifices they made.

….

Dwayne Clark

 

Bloglines - Boater deaths spark state to promote life jacket use (Sun-Sentinel)

Bloglines user Lawboat (lawboat@comcast.net) has sent this item to you.

Yahoo! News Search Results for florida car accident Yahoo! News Search Results for florida car accident

Boater deaths spark state to promote life jacket use (Sun-Sentinel) While boating is becoming a relatively safe pastime for the rest of the nation, with accidents and deaths on the decline, Florida waters are becoming more deadly, and boating fatalities are at a 10-year high.

Bloglines - Two Shipmates Have Crossed the Bar

Bloglines user Lawboat (lawboat@comcast.net) has sent this item to you.

Brown Hound Thoughts of a Father, Virginian, Mustang Coastie, conservative, Episcopalian and dog lover.

Two Shipmates Have Crossed the Bar By John It is with great sadness that I inform you of the tragic loss of two of our shipmates. LT Jessica Hill of St. Augustine, Florida, and BM2 Steven Duque of Miami, Florida, lost their lives in the line of duty while conducting diving operations from CGC HEALY during an icebreaking mission approximately 600 miles Northwest of Barrow, Alaska. Despite all efforts by the crew of HEALY, they could not be revived after being rescued from the water in distress. Our highest priority now is to fully support the family, friends and shipmates of LT Hill and BM2 Duque during this difficult time. Both members were single without children, and their respective family members have been notified. I have directed the District and Area commanders to provide whatever support services are necessary for the families and crew of HEALY. HEALY is returning to Barrow where we will be better able to assist them. Two concurrent investigations will be conducted to help determine the circumstances surrounding this accident. In my conversation with HEALY’s commanding officer, CAPT Doug Russell, this afternoon, I expressed my personal condolences to him and his crew and pledged my support for them while they deal with this loss. CAPT Russell spoke proudly of LT Hill and BM2 Duque. LT Hill was on her second Coast Guard tour serving as the Marine Science Officer aboard HEALY. She was a graduate of University of Western Alabama. BM2 Duque enlisted in the Coast Guard in 2002, and served both afloat and ashore prior to being assigned as one of HEALY’s divers. This loss is a reminder to all of us that we operate in a hazardous environment and must remain vigilant. It also reminds us that Coast Guard men and women serve our Nation proudly across the reaches of the globe to preserve and protect our national maritime safety, security and stewardship interests. LT Hill and BM2 Duque made the ultimate sacrifice. We are proud of their selfless service and honor them by our continued dedication to the important work we do for the American people. Please join Secretary Chertoff, me, and all who serve in uniform in taking a moment today to reflect on the loss of these two brave and heroic members of our Coast Guard family in whatever way you find most appropriate. Please keep their families, friends and shipmates in your thoughts and prayers in the days to come. Details on memorial services and how you can express your condolences to the families of LT Hill and BM2 Duque will be provided when available. Admiral Thad Allen

http://komotv.com/news/story.asp?ID=45013

The Larimer County District Attorney's Office filed felony child abuse charges Thursday against Gil Smith in the death of his 2-year-old son last month at Carter Lake.

An arrest warrant was issued, and Smith, 44, turned himself in about 5:45 p.m. Thursday, said Eloise Campanella, spokeswoman for the sheriff's department.

Smith posted $25,000 bail and was released, she said.

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This is a really sad case.

Dwayne

Bloglines - Woman Aboard Boat Involved In Collision Recalls The Accident

Bloglines user Lawboat (lawboat@comcast.net) has sent this item to you.

Boating - Topix.net News on Boating from Topix.net

Woman Aboard Boat Involved In Collision Recalls The Accident A local woman who escaped serious injury in an Aug. 12 boating accident on Cherokee Lake that claimed one life and seriously hurt two other boaters says she is thankful to be alive.

Wade Bourne - Hunting / Boating Safety

Abuse charges likely against boy's father in Boating Incident

 Searchers who have spent the past four weeks looking for 2-year-old Shay Smith's body in Carter Lake are now dealing with the empty and sad ending to a tragic tale.

Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden on Tuesday announced he is asking the district attorney's office to charge Shay's father, Gil Dwayne Smith, 44, of Longmont, with child abuse resulting in death.

The search for the toddler was called off Monday night.

After weeks of believing Smith's story that Shay fell off the back of the boat, investigators now believe he was being towed on a "Super Screamer" tube traveling between 20 and 30 mph with no one but his 3-year-old brother watching and a life jacket too big for his 25-pound frame when he went into the water.

Video on the story.

Larimer County Sheriff's Office Release.

Dwayne

Tyler Doughty - Investigators plan to reconstruct fatal boating accident

IRA TWP.- It could take a week before an investigation into a fatal Saturday night boating accident is sent to the county prosecutor's office for review.

Lt. William Krul, commander of the St. Clair County Sheriff Department Marine Division, said police are interviewing witnesses and the parties involved in the accident.

Dwayne

Tarpon Fishing in North Florida

Tarpon fishing can be good in North Florida. 

Seven in one day for some North Florida anglers.

Dwayne

Florida Keys

Boater dies in Islamorada over weekend - Florida Keys

A boater in Islamorada died Saturday, one of many incidents U.S. Coast Guard crews in South Florida responded to during the weekend.

Dwayne

Bloglines - Boating accident kills Rogers man

Bloglines user Lawboat (lawboat@comcast.net) has sent this item to you.

Boating - Topix.net News on Boating from Topix.net

Boating accident kills Rogers man The body of a Rogers man was recovered Saturday after he and a friend were thrown from a ski boat in a collision Friday night on Beaver Lake.

Bloglines - Paramedics say beware: Odorless carbon monoxide threatens boaters

Bloglines user Lawboat (lawboat@comcast.net) has sent this item to you.

Boating - Topix.net News on Boating from Topix.net

Paramedics say beware: Odorless carbon monoxide threatens boaters You can't see it, smell it or taste it. A concentrated level of it will kill you in less than three minutes.

Fisherman Dies at Sea

Fisherman dies at sea

By Karen Dandurant
kdandurant@seacoastonline.com

 

A Portsmouth fisherman who drowned after falling overboard two miles off the coast of Great Boar's Head Wednesday afternoon has been identified.

 

Dwayne

Paramedics help raise funds to aid Conn. girl hurt in boating accident

 

By Jodie Mozdz
Hartford Courant (Connecticut)
Copyright 2006 The Hartford Courant Company

DEEP RIVER, Conn. — When 10-year-old Nicole DiMasso was caught in the propeller of a motor boat this summer, paramedics were there to stabilize her. Now, as she recovers at home, local paramedics, and other emergency service workers, are trying to help her one more time — with support and a fundraiser for recovery costs.

Nice story….

Dwayne

Behind the Bouy / carbon monoxide poisoning

Behind the Buoy
By Michael G. Sciulla
Editor & Associate Publisher

 

 

 

For the second time in less than two years, the sorrowful story of a mother who lost two sons in a boating accident was heard by the Coast Guard Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives. This time it was mid-May and it was Bambi Dixey of Colorado whose two boys died from carbon monoxide poisoning while swimming off their houseboat on Lake Powell. In November 1999, it was Libby Cornett of Virginia whose two sons drowned after their sailboat, the Morning Dew, crashed into a jetty and sank just outside of Charleston Harbor, SC.

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This article from Boat/U.S.

Dwayne

SIU -Seafarers Approve Standard Contracts -

Seafarers Approve Standard Contracts – Agreements are said to Boost Wages, Maintain Medical Benefits, Preserve jobs
Current Issue -- August 2006

The SIU reports that members last month demonstrated their overwhelming support for the new standard freightship and tanker agreements, ratifying the five-year pacts during meetings at the union halls and aboard ship. Dwayne Clark

Is Night Boating as Safe as Boating in the Day?? What Do You Think?

Some boaters say they wouldn't dare be on the water after dark, but there is no evidence that night boating is any more dangerous than being out during the day.

Those who favor staying out a little later say the weather is cooler and the water less crowded.

I probably enjoy being on the water at night more than in the day.  Especially when night fishing.  Here in Florida it is obviously cooler and there is less traffic. There is no doubt that a different degree of caution is required and navigation and emergency preparation is different. 

Night time accidents can be bad.  We posted an article below about a night time accident here in Jacksonville just recently.  A boater struck a mantee sign and was badly injured.  The cause of that accident is still under investigation and there may be a question of lighting.

Night boating can be fun, rewarding and safe if done correctly.

Dwayne

Black Sunday changed hydro racing

Black Sunday.

Memories of hydroplane racing's darkest day still resonate 40 years later.

	On June 19, 1966, Ron Musson (center) perished in a hydroplane accident on the Potomac River. Hours later, drivers Rex Manchester (left) and Don Wilson (right) also died when their boats collided.

It was June 19, 1966, when three of the sport's most popular drivers died during the running of the President's Cup on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.

 

This is a good story.

Dwayne

Man Critically Injured Boating On Doctors Lake - Arthur Isaac Ferrell - Critically Injured

 

CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- A man was critically hurt in a boating accident on Doctors Lake early Friday morning, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

The FWC report said a 16-foot Ranger boat had gone out from Whitey's Fish Camp on a fishing tournament when it struck a double-poled manatee sign near the Doctors Lake Bridge at U.S. 17 at about 12:30 a.m.

NASCAR BOATS

Centurion To Build NASCAR Licensed Boats

NASCAR and Centurion reached an agreement for Centurion to build a special series of NASCAR towboats.

August 3, 2006 Merced, CA - The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Centurion Boats have signed a licensing agreement that gives Centurion the right to build and sell a special series of towboats officially licensed by NASCAR, the boat builder reported in a statement yesterday. “It's an enormous honor to partner with NASCAR and Centurion is eager to prove it will rise to the occasion,” said Kayce Brewer, Centurion marketing manager. “Soon, boating enthusiasts will be able to cruise the lake and boldly boast their NASCAR pride.” Centurion is currently working with various racing teams to bring exclusive options, custom interiors and driver insignia to the boats so that each boat will display the name, number, sponsor logos and even embroidered signature of popular NASCAR drivers. “Centurion is a leader in its class and we're excited about partnering with the company for this unique series of towboats,” said Blake Davidson, NASCAR's managing director of licensed products. “NASCAR fans' passion for the sport extends far beyond the track and now, with Centurion, it will reach onto lakes all across the country.” Centurion's NASCAR licensed boats will be available in the last quarter of 2006.

Boating Deaths in Florida

ISSUE: Boating deaths in Florida are on the rise.

The Sunshine State could just as well be called the Boating State. With more than 1 million registered vessels, it leads the nation in boat numbers, so not surprisingly, it also leads the nation in boating deaths.

Dwayne

Man's arm is nearly cut off in Christmas Lake boat accident

A man's arm was nearly severed at Christmas Lake, in Shorewood and Chanhassen, on Wednesday evening when he collided with a boat.

Dwayne

Navy Salvage Man Dies on Cougar Ace

The Alaska Coast Guard is reporting that a member of a salvage team looking at how to stabilize a listing ship in the Aleutian Islands died when he lost his footing, slid down the ship's deck and hit his head.

A team of four was prepping to leave the Cougar Ace on July 30 when a naval architect slipped and was knocked unconscious. He was flown to a Coast Guard cutter nearby with a doctor and a clinic but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. He was declared dead about an hour later. The four-member salvage team had just completed an internal survey of the ship and was preparing to disembark when the accident occurred. The accident is under investigation from the Coast Guard. (Source: Alaska Report)

Dwayne

Kite Tubing / Kite Tube

We posted news below on Kite Tubing and alleged dangers associated with this sport. This video shows a "kite tube" of sorts. We are not certain from the news press whether all types of kite tubes are suggested for recall by the Consumer Product Safety Commision or just some makes or models. The depiction of this video and photographs below is not meant to suggest that these kite tubes are dangerous but merely shown to depcit what we understand the "water sport" to be. We will leave it to others including to the manufacturers, users and the CPSC to determine whether these prodcuts are safe.

Enjoy the video.

Dwayne

Boating-accident victim dies

Orange County -- One of the victims in a Sunday morning boating crash on Lake Irma in east Orange County died from her injuries, Sgt. Carlos Torres, a spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Office, said Monday.

Shelby Harper, 20, of Orlando, was airlifted to Orlando Regional Medical Center after a speedboat in which she was riding at about 5 a.m. Sunday crashed into a dock off north Econlockhatchee Trail, critically injuring Harper and two others. Harper was pronounced dead at the hospital, Torres said.

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In Florida boats striking docks with devasting results is common.  The cause of such allisions is often varied.

Dwayne