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Auxiliary Pilot Doug Kerr and his wife Auxiliary Observer Deb Kerr with Bell 47 Helicopter |
Orinda, CA - It is with great honor that I recognize Auxiliary Pilot Doug Kerr and his wife Auxiliary Observer Deb Kerr for saving the life of a woman boater on San Francisco Bay on Saturday, 10 Sept 2011. Doug Kerr with his wife Deb Kerr, began their patrol in Doug's Bell 47 Helicopter, (jointly owned by Doug Kerr and Carol Simpson) from Hayward Airport at about 1130 hrs.
About 15 minutes later they reached the Emeryville – Berkeley (CA) shoreline, when Deb spotted a sailboat that had just capsized off shore. Doug piloted the helicopter to the capsized sailboat and they observed four persons in the water (PIW) around the boat. Deb radioed this situation to Sector San Francisco. They continued to circle the distressed sailboat while the boat crew made several failed attempts to upright the boat. The wind was estimated at about 35 knots and the Bay was quite choppy.
Deb continued to radio status reports to Sector and answered questions from Sector about the situation and condition of the PIW. After 15 to 20 minutes, a skiff came out from the Berkeley Marina and began to assist the distressed boaters.
Doug and Deb were convinced that this situation was under control and that they were no longer needed. Deb was just ready to advise Sector, when she spotted a second sailboat capsize several hundred yards from the first capsized boat.
Doug immediately proceeded to the second capsized boat and observed three PIW. Deb then radioed Sector of this second observation and began reporting conditions and status to Sector. The helicopter crew noticed the capsized boat drifting toward the rocks with two PIW clinging to the overturned boat, however, the third PIW was now separated from the others by approximately 100 yards and did not appear able to swim to the drifting boat.
Doug descended to about 500 feet to better observe this distressed PIW. Doug and Deb believed this PIW was in serious trouble and was unable to swim. Deb was giving continuous updates to Sector and was answering questions and providing information to Sector.
In a few minutes Deb received a radio call from a Coast Guard helicopter, advising the Auxiliary crew that they were in the area to assist and asking for vectors to the PIW. Doug and Deb spotted CG helicopter and began giving directions to reach the PIW.
Just to complicate matters, a marine layer was rapidly moving over the scene and was intermittently obscuring both the PIW and the CG boat from Deb's view. Several times the helicopter crew re-established visual contact with the PIW and was able to provide further directions to the CG boat crew to help them intercept the PIW. The CG boat responded immediately to each change in direction message transmitted by Deb. In the meantime, Doug slowed the helicopter down to about 35 mph and was making tight orbits over the scene in an effort to keep the PIW in sight as well as monitor the progress of the CG helicopter as it maneuvered to reach the PIW.
During this time the PIW was not swimming and was obviously in trouble. Finally, the CG boat reached the PIW and the crew pulled her aboard their boat. They then checked on the capsized sailboat, but determined that the remaining two boaters were now next to the shoreline and able to take care of themselves. The victim on the CG boat was in need of medical care and was transported to a hospital. The marine layer had now completely covered the area and Doug piloted the helicopter away from the Bay and on up into the Delta.
Doug and Deb were later advised by Sector that the victim was taken to a hospital with a core body temperature of 92 degrees. She was hypothermic and had lost the ability to swim or care for herself. There were no other boats or assistance available to her and the conclusion was that she would almost certainly have perished had it not been for the Auxiliary and active duty helicopters.
On a side note, Deb Kerr demonstrated exceptional professionalism during the hour-long rescue operation involving both of these capsized vessels. Deb's radio transmissions were clear, concise, and on-point. She was calm and provided only the necessary and important information, without taking up more air time than needed. Deb seemed to recognize that the Station watchstander was working hard on this rescue and was likely handling several radios and telephones at the same time. Deb waited for responses without repeating her transmissions or over-using the radio.
I am sure all of you join me in commending Auxiliary Pilot Doug Kerr and his wife, Observer Deb Kerr, along with the watchstander at Sector San Francisco, and the Coast Guard active duty boat crew for an outstanding job in this life saving rescue operation.
~efl 11-04-11