wa5lqz
01-01-2003, 05:22 PM
Amateur radio operator assist Coast Guard in locating stranded boater.
It was a chilly afternoon on December 2 nd when Amateur Radio operator Grant Jones KD5BPW of Saint Bernard Parish in Southeast Louisiana heard a distress call on the local repeater. # The station calling was apparently jumping from repeater to repeater trying to make contact. #Grant finally contacted the stranded and lost boater who was a ham from Wisconsin and was in a small boat with engine trouble. #The boater did not know where he was and seemed anxious as darkness was rapidly approaching. #For a boater not familiar with the local bayous and lakes this can be a frightening experience.
Fortunately the lost boater KB9MML #Dave Burt from Kenosha Wisconsin had his handi talkie with him and was able to stay in touch with Grant while the Coast Guard was contacted to search for him. #Other area hams that were monitoring the operation report that Grant handled the situation professionally and was very effective in keeping the boater calm and informed as to the progress of the rescue team.
Grant has fished the area for many years and was able to determine the approximate location to search and passed this information to the Coast Guard rescue team.
Through the use of flares and spotlights the rescue boat was able to locate Dave and tow him back to the launch site and safety.
Grant is the Amateur Radio Emergency Coordinator for St. Bernard Parish and is experienced in handling emergencies via ham radio.
This operation lasted several hours and the local repeater users are to be commended for their part in giving Grant a clear frequency. #
Submitted by:
Alan Levine #wa5lqz
SEC Louisiana
wa5lqz@communicomm.com
It was a chilly afternoon on December 2 nd when Amateur Radio operator Grant Jones KD5BPW of Saint Bernard Parish in Southeast Louisiana heard a distress call on the local repeater. # The station calling was apparently jumping from repeater to repeater trying to make contact. #Grant finally contacted the stranded and lost boater who was a ham from Wisconsin and was in a small boat with engine trouble. #The boater did not know where he was and seemed anxious as darkness was rapidly approaching. #For a boater not familiar with the local bayous and lakes this can be a frightening experience.
Fortunately the lost boater KB9MML #Dave Burt from Kenosha Wisconsin had his handi talkie with him and was able to stay in touch with Grant while the Coast Guard was contacted to search for him. #Other area hams that were monitoring the operation report that Grant handled the situation professionally and was very effective in keeping the boater calm and informed as to the progress of the rescue team.
Grant has fished the area for many years and was able to determine the approximate location to search and passed this information to the Coast Guard rescue team.
Through the use of flares and spotlights the rescue boat was able to locate Dave and tow him back to the launch site and safety.
Grant is the Amateur Radio Emergency Coordinator for St. Bernard Parish and is experienced in handling emergencies via ham radio.
This operation lasted several hours and the local repeater users are to be commended for their part in giving Grant a clear frequency. #
Submitted by:
Alan Levine #wa5lqz
SEC Louisiana
wa5lqz@communicomm.com