[amsat-bb] Fwd: w6fog trip info via N2RAG

[Rob Goodson]

Date: Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 8:48 PM
Subject: w6fog trip info via N2RAG
To: w6zkh at comcast.net


QST QST QST On the phone now with Neil W6FOG and he is well despite
quite the seafaring adventure!
Out of the blue the sea state went from calm and idle to truly ugly.
After fighting rolling waves and rouge waves for 16 hours Niel
activated the epirb. the coast guard sent the helicopter out to the
position south of Monterrey and monitored them while they turned north
(into the waves) and a coast guard cutter was dispatched from Alameda
Island to assist.
 The vessel Com Center sustained significant tiller and damage to the
stern but was still navigable as the cutter arrived (36 hours after
epirb activation) to take the vessel in tow to Santa Cruz. They
snapped three 1 1/2 lines during the 7 hour tow to port, but vessel
passengers and captain made it just fine!
 Three cheers for the Coast Guard, Real heroes in this as Neil was
truly exhausted and not able to be much help after his ordeal at the
helm.
He's reporting that today is the first day he's feeling human, again,
due to exhaustion, hypothermia and deep muscle fatigue.  Repairs have
been swift and he just got his Sat pre-amp back up and is planning to
resume (weather permitting) on a Friday to Monday time window.
He and the hearty mate will enjoy telling you the full story on the
air and We all look forward to working them underway again soon!
DE N2RAG
R.Goodson
650.823.0974