Want To Read About A Real Honest To Goodness Hero?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:36:56 -0400

Petty Officer 2nd Class Darren Harrity, 27, of Jupiter, Fla., swam 1,750 yards in 5-foot seas and 30-mph winds to rescue the crew of Jamie K, a 52-foot commercial fishing vessel.

Harrity individually pulled each person more than 250 yards in 57-degree water from their life raft to shore. The call came in at 1:40 a.m. Tuesday, stating they were taking on water and had lost power.

The vessel then ran aground, at which time the crew donned survival suits and abandoned ship into their life raft.

An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station North Bend and two 47-foot Motor Life Boat crews from Coast Guard Search and Rescue Detachments Rogue River and Coquille River launched to assist.

The aircrew arrived on scene at 2:49 a.m. and lowered Harrity into the water next to the life raft. Shortly after, the aircrew reported experiencing mechanical issues with the helicopter and was unable to safely complete additional hoists. The aircrew remained on scene until all of the fishermen and rescue swimmer had safely made it to shore and then landed on the nearby beach.

The fishing vessel was reportedly carrying 3,000 gallons of diesel and 10,000 pounds of shrimp. A sheen was reported in the area, but it's currently unknown how much fuel has been released. The incident is under investigation by pollution responders from Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Portland.

http://theworldlink.com/news/local/coast-guard-rescue-swimmer-saves-near-cape-blanco/article_be9fa8e1-ef52-5b17-84bf-e70d341323a2.html

Response by TSgt David L. made Jul 22 at 2015 7:47 PM

TSgt David L. — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:47:22 -0400

WOW! This is one bad Coastie! If this isn't the personification of HEROism than I don't know what is.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jul 22 at 2015 7:51 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 19:51:21 -0400

Semper Paratus!

Response by PO2 Katie Benson made Jul 22 at 2015 8:42 PM

PO2 Katie Benson — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:42:28 -0400

Great job shipmate

Response by SSgt Alex Robinson made Jul 22 at 2015 8:52 PM

SSgt Alex Robinson — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:52:14 -0400

Thanks for sharing great news!

Response by PO1 Shahida Marmol made Jul 22 at 2015 9:57 PM

PO1 Shahida Marmol — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 21:57:08 -0400

There should be more coverage on this!!! Awesome guy!

Response by LT Garth Young (Ret) made Jul 23 at 2015 7:32 AM

LT Garth Young (Ret) — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 07:32:59 -0400

Semper Paratus......."that others may live"

Response by PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels made Jul 24 at 2015 1:13 AM

PO2 Jeffrey Sheibels — Fri, 24 Jul 2015 01:13:22 -0400

Should have saved on gas and sent a 47.

Response by SPC Heath Todd made Jul 25 at 2015 10:38 AM

SPC Heath Todd — Sat, 25 Jul 2015 10:38:59 -0400

Good story!