The Sinking of the Sailing Vessel Mariposa: A Case Study in Maritime Rescue
The sinking of the sailing vessel Mariposa in the Atlantic Ocean’s Silver Bank waters north of the Dominican Republic on October 5, 2020, resulted in the rescue of four American sailors. This incident highlights the critical importance of emergency equipment and the effectiveness of the AMVER system and the Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) system in maritime rescue operations.
Incident Details
Vessel Involved
The incident involved the sailing vessel Mariposa, which struck a submerged rock and sank in the Atlantic Ocean’s Silver Bank waters north of the Dominican Republic on October 5, 2020. The vessel was en route from St. Croix to Portofino, Texas.
Survivors
The four survivors were David Potts (63), John Potts (62), Andrew Cullar (26), and Russel Case (67).
Cause
The cause of the sinking was the vessel striking a submerged rock.
Location
The incident occurred in the Atlantic Ocean’s Silver Bank waters north of the Dominican Republic.
Route
The vessel was en route from St. Croix to Portofino, Texas.
Rescue Operation
The rescue operation for the Mariposa was initiated promptly when the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Juan received the emergency beacon signal from the sinking vessel. The immediate response was crucial in ensuring the safety of the four survivors aboard the life raft.
The U.S. Coast Guard, the Crowley container ship El Coquí, and the fishing vessel Bonanza played pivotal roles in the rescue operation. The U.S. Coast Guard aircrew was instrumental in acquiring the emergency beacon and locating the life raft with the survivors. The aircraft then coordinated with nearby vessels to facilitate the rescue, ensuring that all efforts were synchronized and efficient.
The fishing vessel Bonanza was instrumental in the retrieval process. Despite the challenging conditions in shoal waters, the crew of Bonanza successfully retrieved the survivors from the life raft. Their quick action and expertise were vital in rescuing the four individuals from the perilous situation.
Once the survivors were safely retrieved, they were promptly transferred to the Crowley container ship El Coquí. This ship then transported the survivors to Jacksonville, Florida, where they received the necessary medical attention and support. The coordination among the U.S. Coast Guard, El Coquí, and Bonanza ensured a seamless and efficient rescue operation, highlighting the importance of teamwork and quick response in maritime emergencies.
Importance of Emergency Equipment
Statement by Lt. Hannah M. Boyce
Lt. Hannah M. Boyce emphasized the importance of proper emergency equipment for vessels at sea. She highlighted the significance of having adequate emergency equipment on board to ensure the safety of mariners in distress.
Thankfulness
The survivors expressed their gratitude for the mariners being properly equipped, which played a crucial role in their rescue.
Emergency equipment is crucial for sea rescue operations, as it ensures the safety of mariners in distress. Properly equipped vessels can quickly respond to emergencies, minimizing risks and maximizing survival chances [Source: Marine Insight].
Effectiveness of the AMVER System and SARSAT System
AMVER System
The AMVER system, a voluntary global ship-reporting system, played a pivotal role in the rescue operation. It enabled search and rescue authorities to coordinate assistance for mariners in distress effectively. The system provided real-time updates on the vessel’s position, course, and speed, which were crucial for the U.S. Coast Guard in planning and executing the rescue operation. The AMVER system’s timely and accurate reporting facilitated the swift deployment of rescue resources, ensuring that the survivors were located and rescued within a short period. Source: Marine Insight
SARSAT System
The SARSAT system provided crucial vessel profile information through the registered emergency beacon, aiding in the location and rescue of the survivors. The emergency beacon transmitted a distress signal that was intercepted by the SARSAT network, which relayed the signal to the nearest search and rescue center. This information was essential for the U.S. Coast Guard in pinpointing the exact location of the sinking vessel and the life raft with the survivors. The SARSAT system’s ability to quickly and accurately locate distressed vessels significantly enhanced the efficiency of the rescue operation. Source: Marine Insight
Conclusion
The sinking of the Mariposa underscores the necessity of proper emergency equipment and the AMVER system for effective maritime rescue operations. The successful rescue of the four sailors emphasizes the importance of preparedness and coordination in such critical situations.
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