Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmers — 25 years later

(CHINCOTEAGUE, Va.) — This week the Coast Guard commemorated the 25th anniversary of the event that gave birth to its helicopter rescue swimmer program. The program was created following a tragedy involving a capsized coal ship off Chincoteague in which 31 Merchant Mariners died in gale force winds and 40-foot waves.
 
Click here to view a feature story about the program produced by the Coast Guard.
By Professional Mariner Staff