The LTJG Dave Swanson Collection
Page 7
USS Helena CA-75
1957 - 1961
(Page posted on 19 August 2013.)
FM ALUSO HONG KONG 090251Z
TO COMSEVENTHFLT
NORWEGIAN CARGO VESSEL HOI WONG WITH
130 DECK PASSENGERS SINGAPORE CHINESE
ENROUTE SWATOW TO SINGAPORE HARD
AGROUNG 060240H NORTHEAST SIDE BOMBAY
REEF PARCEL ISLANDS X MASTER REPORTS
15-20 FT SWELLS BOTH SIDE, IMPOSSIBLE TO
APPROACH FROM LAGOON X NUMBER TWO
HOLD LEAKING X MASTER CONCERNED
SAFETY LIVES OF PASSENGERS AND CREW
X REQUESTS HELICOPTERS UNDER PRESENT
CONDITIONS |
Within minutes after receiving the message of notification, HELENA was speeding toward Subic Bay to pick up her helicopter, plus an additional helo and crew from COLUMBUS, assigned to aid in this mission. Soon, we were steaming at top speed for the disaster area. A notice was being prepared, detailing tasks to accomplish in a very short time.
At 0930, 10 October, we sighted the stranded vessel/ attempts to transfer the passengers by boat were futile, and the helicopter crews prepared for the arduous undertaking. Their outstanding work enabled the operation to be completed by 1630, when the last of the passengers was brought aboard HELENA.
While aboard, the guests enjoyed ice cream, a band concert, heaping portions of nourishing food, movies and cartoons, and, perhaps most of all, the warm hospitality of Navymen. Their pleasure was amply expressed as they left the ship on Saturday morning via Hong Kong ferry . . . . . a spontaneous round of enthusiastic applause rang through the air.
The operation was over.
