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February 19, 2006
tugs in a row
15:18 Hours:
A call comes in on the marine radio at the Sturgeon Bay Coast Guard Station. The freighter, Lake Trader, was spotted by fishermen from shore listing to the port side in high winds and six foot waves up near the treacherous Porte Des Morts passage. All hands on duty are alerted and the station UTB is dispatched to investigate.
The waters surrounding Door County, Wisconsin in winter can be very hazardous especially the passage way between Washington Island and the peninsula. But Second Class Boatswain's Mate Sally Bluestone has navigated these waters for three winters now and knows where the dangers are hidden. The boat is safe with the helm in her hands.
The late January daylight is quickly fading by the time the UTB reaches the passageway. The Captain, Lt. Jg Carl Ferguson, orders Bluestone to come around to the port side. The freighter looks dark and no navigation lights are operating. Hanging down the side from the top side deck about mid ships is a cargo net.
16:47 Hours:
The Captain orders Bluestone and Seaman Terrance Hanson to take the skiff and board the ship. They take only their side arms and bullet proof vests for protection.
After boarding the damaged vessel, Bluestone and Hanson head straight for the Captain’s Quarters. It is dark and the two have only their flashlights to guide them.
“Look in the Captain’s desk draw, Terry, and see if you can find the ship’s log. I will see if I can find anything under the Captain’s bunk”, Sally says as she lights an emergency candle and places it on the desk. She moves over and stands next to the bed.
Terry follows her and slips his big Irish hands around her waist from behind. He kisses her neck as Sally arches her head back onto his shoulder.
“You know they are going to talk if we take to long”, Sally says.
“Don’t worry, we won’t.”
In one motion, Terry pivots around and falls backwards on top of the bunk taking Sally with him. Sally tightens up her fist and swings her elbow back into Terry’s stomach.
“Oooohhhh shit! You playing a little rough aren’t you?”, asks Terry.
“You know I don’t go for this when I am working. We don’t need anybody finding out about us. Now get your ass up and let’s finish looking around. There will be plenty of time for this later.”
17:45 Hours:
Petty Officer Bluestone and Seaman Hanson report back to the Captain on the UTB.
“We found no one on the ship sir. It appears to be deserted. But we did find the ship’s log,” says Bluestone.
“Very curious - a freighter deserted and damaged and no reports filed by anybody?”, replied the Captain. He reads the last entry in the log. “Weather turning bad, engines stopped, ship taking on water. We will have to abandon ship soon. Nothing but bad luck. I hope they find us.”
Posted by roadapples at February 19, 2006 08:04 AM
