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The Aurora Newspaper, 14 Wing Greenwood, NS Page 3October 17, 2011Anatomy of a high seas, stormy rescueBy Captain Phil Lawson,413 SquadronEarly September 20, theJoint Rescue CoordinationCentre in Halifax (JRCC)began receiving satellite callsfrom a vessel apparently indistress.Initially, the calls werebroken and were beingdropped. Over the course ofa few calls, JRCC staff wereable to establish there was asailing vessel approximately80 nautical miles (148 kilometres)south of Sable Island,dismasted after rolling overin an intense storm and nowadrift.The weather near SableIsland was described by ameteorology technician asbeing a “miniature hurricane:”a “deep low”collidedwith a cold front, generatingsustained winds between55 knots and 60 knots (93to 111 kilometres per hour).The stricken ship’s captainreported winds gusting to 65knots and sea swells approximately30 feet high.JRCC tasked a C-130 Herculesfrom 413 Squadronat 14 Wing Greenwood tosearch for the missing vessel.JRCC was also able toestablish the vessel had anEmergency Position-IndicatingRadio Beacon (EPIRB)on board, and had the ship’scaptain activate it. Once activatedthe Search and RescueHUGE PRICE DROP!RefurbishedCOMPUTERSStartingNow At$ 9599Satellite Network (SAR SAT)was able to receive the locationof the beacon and providea position for the Herculesto begin its search. JRCCthen tasked a rescue Cormorant,also from 413 Squadron,to pre-position at Halifax’sStanfield International Airport.The time now was 4:30a.m.Once in Halifax, the Cormorantcrew removed allnon-essential equipment toreduce weight, allowing thehelicopter to carry more fuel.Near the rescue scene, threeoil rig platforms were put onnotice by JRCC the Cormorantmight land for additionalfuel, depending on the weatherconditions and visibility.The crew then waited for thecall to continue to the vesselin distress.Over 407 kilometres outto sea, the Hercules was conductingits low level visualsearch for the vessel, flyingfor approximately 45 minutesbefore spotting the vessel.There was nothing left ofits mast and it was coveredin downed sails and rigging.The 48-foot sailboat wasbroadside to the wind, completelyat the mercy of thecresting swells.The Cormorant was giventhe position and tasked to rescuethe vessel’s three sailors.While en route to the sailboat,the Hercules made threeattempts to drop a messageBy Robert C. Sealby, Dispute resolution centrecoordinatorThe Association of Conflict Resolution (ACR), an internationalprofessional organization dedicated to enhancingthe practice and public understanding of conflict resolution,celebrates the 6 th anniversary of the International ConflictResolution Day October 20. In order to increase publicawareness about conflict resolution and its many benefits,ACR has coordinated its efforts with other conflict resolutionorganizations and reached out to local, provincial and internationalgroups to recognize the third Thursday in October asConflict Resolution Day.Since 2008, Canada’s Federal Interdepartmental Committeefor Informal Conflict Resolution has joined with the ACRin celebrating the day. Various activities will take place toraise awareness and build employee skills related to managingconflict in the workplace, creating a conflict-friendly andcompetent work environment.The role of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) in theCanadian Forces/ Department of National Defence falls+ tax Other models availablekit to the sailors. Due to thehigh winds and severe gusts,the small radio attached toits parachute did not stand achance of making a smoothdescent. The Hercules remainedat low level on top ofthe sailboat, maintaining visualcontact.As the Cormorant approached,the Herculesdropped three smoke markersbeside the sailboat to helpthe helicopter crew locate itquickly, saving precious timeand fuel. Even with the markers,the vessel was still difficultto spot because of thereduce visibility, fog blowingoff the water and the boatdisappearing in and out of the30-foot waves. By radio, theHercules crew was able to talkthe helicopter onto the target.A quick assessment wasdone of the condition of thevessel, and the Cormorantcrew formulated its plan toget everyone off safely. Dueto the hazards of limitedspace, downed sails and riggingand the possibility of thevessel capsizing, the Searchand Rescue Technician (SARTech) team leader had thesecond SAR Tech remain onthe helicopter, better able tohoist people from the waterResources support conflict resolution workunder the director general alternate dispute resolution. Disputeresolution centres (DRCs) and dispute resolution centreoffices (DROs) have been established to provide ADR servicesto all Canadian Forces members, civilian personnel,Non Public Funds employees, Cadet organization membersand contract personnel; including training and promotion,consultations, mediations, group facilitations, organizationalneeds assessments and conflict coaching.14 Wing DRC and Aldershot DRO personnel providedNext Greenwood CourseOctober 22, 23, 29, 30call 1-888-397-5520should the vessel capsize.All three Dutch sailors andthe SAR Tech were lifted offthe vessel without incidentand once on the Cormorant,the SAR Techs began a medicalassessment of the sailors.Their condition was passed toJRCC through the Hercules,as both aircraft began the tripback toward shore. A secondHercules arrived to relievethe first aircraft and crew.Ambulances and membersthe Canada Border ServicesAgency were at the Halifaxairport to receive the wearysailors.What began as a leisurelyADR training to 29 international officers attending the DirectorateMilitary Training and Cooperation Junior Commandand Staff Course at LFAA Detachment Aldershot earlier inOctober.For further information, contact 14 Wing DRC at the AVMMorfee Centre, 765-1494 local 5530 or LFAA TC DetachmentAldershot DRO, Building 70, 678-7930 local 2407.Mimie’sSpecials$21.99PIZZA765-6888765-2232Now Open in Our New Location683 Central Ave, Greenwood16” Pizza 3 toppings~ Plus ~12” Garlic fingersplus tax16” Pizza up to 5 ToppingsImage Corporal B.Kennysailing trip from Michiganto Holland had turned into amayday call on the high seas.With expeditious coordinationfrom JRCC, combined withthe quick reaction time andcoordination of rescue assetsfrom 413 Squadron, whatcould have been a tragedyturned out to be a success.The rescuers aren’t the onlyones who deserve mention:if not for the ship’s captainhaving the right equipment(a sat phone and EPIRB),there may have been no wayof knowing they were ever indanger -let alone have crewsable to find them.$22.992 -12” Pizzaswith 5 Toppings$17.99$17.99plus taxCome in & try our Shawarma!~ Summer Hours ~~ Debit at Your Door ~Delivery in Local Area