For the families involved in sea tragedies, emotional closure is often facilitated by something tangible, such as the recovery of a beloved’s body. For many, though, the sea does not give up the bodies of loved ones for their families and friends to mourn in ceremonies.
Listen to an interview with Capt W. Russell Webster on the Nautical Talk podcast.
Watch an NECN interview with Capt W. Russell Webster and other Coastguardsmen on the 64th anniversary of the Pendleton disaster.
It’s rare that historians uncover something of true and unique value to the modern day persons they write about. But, recently, thanks to Mrs. Ellen (Hokanson) Ouellette, ex-wife and mother of lost fishermen, Hokey Hokanson and Billy Hokanson, I am able to share some of the details of a Department of Justice program, NAMUS, that […]
Retired US Coast Guard Captain W. Russell Webster talks about the book The Sol e Mar: Tragedy off Martha’s Vineyard which he co-wrote with his wife Elizabeth B. Webster.
Specially trained canine units patrolling busy U.S. ports are some of the Coast Guard’s newest weapons in the 21st-century war on terrorism. Each year, U.S. ports host thousands of foreign-flag ships carrying multinational crews and cargoes from around the globe. Former Coast Guard Commandant Admiral James Loy noted that the 11 September 2001 attacks could have occurred at maritime facilities.
Even a quarter century later, Anthony Militello, 50, skipper of the ill-fated fishing vessel Hattie Rose, can still feel the numbing cold of 32-degree water. “Some of the most vivid memories [of the rescue] are like snapshots in a photo album,” he says.
Madaket Millie to the rescue! USNIP 2004. The author discusses Mildred Jewett’s significance as a 50+ year volunteer for the US Coast Guard Auxiliary during wars, storms and normal island life. The article was written with the assistance of Mr. Fred Rogers aka “Mr. Rogers,” who corresponded with the author and provided invaluable perspective including an episode of his show that featured Millie. Rogers and Millie were lifelong friends.
Anti-terrorist Strategic Planning Must Include History’s Lessons. USCG Alumni Bulletin April 2003. The author describes the state of the Coast Guard’s history program and offers suggestions to better integrate history’s lessons into modern planning.
Enlist the public in maritime homeland security. The author discusses how the average citizen can make a difference in the war on terror.
Too Tired To Tell. The author discusses real-world challenges to effective Search and Rescue decision-making by critical personnel in rescue centers precipitated by fatigue driven by too few numbers and 24 hour watch shifts.
United States Naval Institute. Proceedings – Annapolis If a large commercial airplane plummeted into the sea today, would your agency be prepared to respond effectively, efficiently, and compassionately? It can be if you follow the prior planning and lessons learned from the New England Coast Guard commands that directed major portions of at-sea operations during […]
Leaving the lighthouse. by Elizabeth Webster. July 2001 Boston Globe article describing modern day living at a lighthouse.
Solving the Mysteries of Sunken US Coast Guard Treasures. The author discusses the hunt for Revenue Cutter Bear off Boston.
Lightship Crew Remembered. The author befriends the sole survivor from LV-73 which sunk in the Great Hurricane of the Atlantic and describes life on lightships.
In 1944, the Coast Guard lightship Vineyard sank to the bottom off Sow & Pig’s Reef in Massachusetts . Were it not for the efforts of one of her crewmen, her story would still rest with her.
Working together to free whales. The author discusses a groundbreaking partnership between the Coast Guard and Cape Cod’s Center for Coastal Studies to track and disentangle scarce whales and offers long term possibilities for laws and funding for the mission.
Hell-Roarin Mike’s A Hero! July 1999, USNIP. The Coast Guard’s first African American skipper was “the law” in Alaska. He was also a brutal leader and an alcoholic. But, without his skills and perseverance, many would have perished.
Cape and Island Prevention and Preparedness for High Capacity Passenger Vessel Accident. June 1, 1999 Cape Cod Times’My View by the author articulating unique public-private sector partnerships designed to address the very real threat of mass scale ferry tragedies. These same partnerships and capabilities were stressed and leveraged the following months during the JFK Jr. and Egypt Air 990 air crashed.
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