Comments for ...the perils of the sea.

...the perils of the sea.

2006-08-21T11:50:20Z

This isn't "new" news, since it happened last week, but I'm betting most of today's readers haven't heard it, unless they are local to the homeport (Seattle) or have an interest in those who go down to the sea in ships. I saved it for today, because today is generally the day of our highest visitor count of the week.

USCGC Healy website http://www.uscg.mil/pacarea/healy/deployments/AWS06/XO/JULY%2030/30%20Jul%2006%20Update.htm.">

BM2 Duque swears the oath on Healy�s forecastle as LT Hill administers his reenlistment. Photo from the USCGC Healy website

Two Coast Guard divers die in Arctic Ocean
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

SEATTLE -- Two divers aboard the Coast Guard icebreaker Healy died during a routine dive operation in the Arctic Ocean about 500 miles north of Barrow, Alaska, the agency said Friday.

The cause of deaths was being investigated, the Coast Guard said.

Lt. Jessica Hill, 30, of St. Augustine, Fla., and Petty Officer 2nd Class Steven Duque, 26, of Miami, had entered the water Thursday afternoon to examine the ship's rudder, which is done often as it operates in Arctic ice.

Complete story here.

The picture was taken in the last week of July. Fair winds and a following sea, sailors.

Now is the time at Castle Argghhh! when we dance: In Memoriam.

Eternal Father, Lord of Hosts,
Watch o�er the men and women
who guard our coasts.
Protect them from the raging seas;
And give them light and life and peace.
Grant them from thy great throne above;
The shield and shelter of thy love.

[Update: I have been asked to note that Steven Buque was 22 years old, not 26 as stated in the article.]

Comment from Seth on 2006-08-21

2006-08-22T01:21:12Z

As you say, AW1 Tim, shipboard work is often pretty dangerous. On a Coast Guard ship, especially for a deckie like Duque, there are many "opportunities" to get seriously injured or dead without having to go over the side to find them. I haven't lived on a coastie cutter for about 30 years, but I actually recognized that the Healy was USCG the second I saw the deck and the rail in the pic. My prayers and condolences go out to the families of Lt. Hill and BM2 Duque.

Comment from dave t on 2006-08-21

2006-08-21T21:12:05Z

NO ROSES There are no roses on sailors graves, Nor wreaths upon the storm tossed waves, No last post from the Marine band, So far away from their native land, No heartbroken words carved on stone, Just shipmates bodies there alone, The only tributes are the seagulls sweeps, And the teardrop when a loved one weeps.

Comment from Trias on 2006-08-21

2006-08-21T14:07:56Z

You can see statisitcs in Iraq too show not everyone is dying the way we migth expect. A few are simply having heart attacks.

Comment from Gwedd on 2006-08-21

2006-08-21T13:07:25Z

AFSister, Yuo'd be surprised how many folks the service lose each month in just the regular performance of their duties. A review of the Sea Service Obituaries in Navy Times, back when I was flying showed around a death a day. Sailors got sucked into jet intakes, blown overboard, fell overboard, died in fires, got crushed by falling equipment, killed in vehicle accidents, etc. In short, it's a dangerous job, especially when operations tempos are ramped up. In one 18-month period, between '77 and '79. my wing lost 3 aircraft and crews, some 30 men. None of the accidents were related, each was a unique set of circumstances, but it's still a hard hit. Especially when you know a lot of the fellows personally. Respects, AW1 Tim

Comment from AFSister on 2006-08-21

2006-08-21T12:27:05Z

You're right, John- I hadn't heard about that. I guess dying outside of a military operation just doesn't warrant news coverage, eh? *bassids* The swearing-in picture is eery. I wonder if the report regarding the cause of death will be made public. So sad. Thank you for bringing this to our attention.