Helo Rescue

AVRA preps for arrival of Helo

Video taken from USCG Hercules C-130, approx. 0400 hrs July 2, 2008

Swimmer being lowered to AVRA swim platform

Video taken from USCG Jayhawk Rescue Helo, approx. 0445 hrs, July 2, 2008

On the evening of July 1st, 2008, one of AVRA’s Bermuda return delivery crew, a 66 year old woman, lost her footing and scraped the back of her head on a lifeline.  Due to ongoing blood loss, AVRA issued a Mayday, which was answered by two nearby sailing vessels, GOLD DIGGER, under the command of CAPT John Bonds, and BLACK WATCH.  Both vessels were returning from the Bermuda Race and came to AVRA’s assistance, offering medical advice, communications relay and moral support!  They stayed with AVRA throughout the night until 0400 hours when the first of two US Coast Guard aircraft arrived -- AVRA had motored through the night to a location that was approx. 240 NM SE of Cape Cod.  The first video below is shot from the “Hercules” aircraft which arrived from the Elizabeth City, NC USCG airstation at 0400, right before dawn.  The Hercules helped AVRA prepare for the helicopter rescue operation.  The second video is shot from the Jayhawk rescue helicopter, looking down on the Swimmer as he comes to land on AVRA’s swim platform. Because of the support of the two assisting vessels and the flawless rescue work by the USCG, the injured woman was safely transported to a hospital in Cape Cod, MA and released the next day.