The following pictures are of an actual man over board.

We were operating with TF77 in high seas.
The crew was reminded not to go above decks on the bow.
If required to be there for any reason, members were required to wear life jackets.

A crew member disobeyed both rules and was washed over board on Helena's port side..
Fast action by an Officer on duty on the bridge saved the mans life.
The "man-over-board" alarm was sounded as the ship turned sharply to port. This so the ships screws would not injure the man.
At the same time, Helena radioed the Task Force Commander of the man-over-board and that the ship was turning hard to port.

Within moments, and as the man washed past the ships port side, many crew members threw life rings at him.
The lifeboat duty crew launched Helena's wale boat and the ships helicopter tried to take off.

Helena's helicopter was unable to launch due the wind and high seas conditions.
Helena's bridge duty officer radioed the TF Commander for assistance and a helo was launched from one of the carriers in the Task Force.

By now, the lifeboat crew had reached the man and had him aboard. It was noted the man had a serious injury to his knee.
It was decided the man should be removed from the lifeboat by the helo so he could receive medical attention ASAP.
In this process, the helicopter with the man dangling underneath, was nearly lost by a huge wave.
As the man was pulled into the helo, he was banged against the opening.

Those in Command wanted to abandoned the lifeboat and have the boat crew removed by chopper.
It would be too dangerous to try to retrieve the boat in such high waters.
The lifeboat crew indicated they felt the boat and crew could be saved if manual power was used to raise
the boat out of the water instead of the usual slower winches. Timing would have to be perfect.

Helena had to match her speed to the lifeboat (about 4 knots) and time the removal so as to not crush the lifeboat as the ship rolled to port.
At the instant Helena started to roll to starboard, the lifeboat would come alongside and be lifted out of the water using crew members
rapidly pulling on two large ropes. A number of attempts were made and as it seemed like the process would not work, suddenly
UP CAME THE BOAT!!

This real life drama was captured by your author on 8mm film using the camera's standard lens and telephoto lens.
Some of the original frames of the 8mm film are here now.

Taking water over the bow.

Lifeboat launched.

Helo reaches the lifeboat.

Helo lifts the man from the boat.

Helo nearly lost in a huge wave.

Prepare to retrieve the lifeboat.

All hands standing by.

All hands--PULL!

Lifeboat retrieved.

Secure equipment.

Crewman leaves the boat.

Secure the lifeboat.

Note the crewman has semiphore flags in his back pocket.

Do not remove your life jacket yet. We want to take pictures.

To learn more about this incident, click HERE!