maeroda
31st Dec 2014, 17:05
"Mare forza 8 e vento a 50 nodi: vi racconto la mia esperienza in elicottero sulla Norman Atlantic" (http://www.helipress.it/schede-726-mare_forza_8_e_vento_a_50_nodi_vi_racconto_la_mia_esperienza _in_elicottero_sulla_norman_atlantic)
Great rescue operation envolving Italian Navy, Italian Coast Guard and Italian Air Force.
The news is still not available in English, please use google translator.
maeroda
2nd Jan 2015, 08:44
December 30, 2014
Captain Daniel Catamo, pilot 84th SAR center of Gioia del Colle, Air Force, was among the first responders on the ferry caught fire. Here is his testimony
Francesco Marino
"There were terrible weather conditions and the helicopter was in trouble." Captain Daniel Catamo, pilot 84th SAR center of Gioia del Colle, Air Force, talks about his experience of the rescuer on Norman Atlantic.
On the ferry caught fire off Albania, there were 466 passengers, 427 of whom were rescued by helicopters Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard.
Captain Catamo calls himself "a professional, he has done his work with constant attention to safety." Then he says, exclusively to Helipress agitated moments of relief and the difficulties due to the adverse weather conditions.
Captain, as it all began, that morning of December 28?
"At 7:35 the first helicopter took off from Gioia del Colle, who has been identified as a location near you and therefore more likely to intervene. The first stages were the most excited, especially for the panic of the passengers. There was a good reaction from the rescue machine, with excellent coordination between the forces involved. "
When he was called to participate in the rescue?
"Personally, I was called back immediately after the first mission. The choice of the Air Force was to put into action many crews, so as to ensure adequate shifts, also considering the extreme weather conditions in which it was going to work. "
Tell us his turn to rescue.
"Me and my crew we started at 19:00 on December 28 and we worked at night, using the NVG (night vision goggles, night vision goggles). We did what we were asked to save people from the top deck of the ship, where they were crowded all the castaways. Rescuers were carried out thanks to a Rescue swimmer lowered with the winch, while the helicopter was still hovering (still in the air at a constant height) on the ferry. In all, as 84 ° SAR center of Gioia del Colle, we brought 48 people to safety. "
What was the situation on Norman Atlantic?
"In the moments immediately after the fire was triggered panic. It worked a little 'as when there is an earthquake and, in a building, everyone crowding toward the exit, without understanding that it would be better to get in line and evacuate one at a time. "
This situation has created difficulties?
"To manage the rescue, we decided to leave the bridge a Rescue swimmer, who could coordinate recovery operations, giving priority to the wounded, sick, women and children. We have to thank these professionals, who have done an important job, which goes far beyond their duties. "
What he saw in people who carried to safety?
"In those people I have seen it all before so scared, especially in the early stages. Once on board, he felt the desire to embrace us all, to thank us. When we landed at the air base of Lecce, asked especially water and hot drinks. "
What were the difficulties during the rescue operation?
"With a sea and wind force 8 to 50 knots, the problem is the long waves, with the ship in continuous oscillation, and the stability of the helicopter, which also is called to remain hovering for complete relief. It took great effort and concentration to the maximum, because there were too many obstacles to pay attention also to the deck of the ship. "
How important is training in these situations?
"In a situation unique, we put in practice, all that we have been taught, but we raised the threshold of extremely high levels of attention. We did our job, aware of the risks and precautions that we should implement to avoid danger. "
How has the HH-139 cool transition with the HH-3F?
"The HH-139 has proved a versatile, powerful and reliable even in extreme situations. It is lighter dell'HH-3F but does not make it less stable. In addition, there has ensured excellent performance even with the NVG, without reflections that disturb the visibility. The outcome, from that point of view, is more than positive. "
Rwy in Sight
3rd Jan 2015, 19:15
It seems you forget the effort of the 384 Search and Rescue Squadron (SAR) and the pilots of the Hellenic Navy.
I guess Italians are happy the captain remain on board longer this time.
It was a difficult rescue with complex issues it seems even language barriers.
Happy new year.
Rwy in Sight