Courtesy of the Gloucester Daily Times A newly released book, “The Tragic Sinking of Gloucester’s Patriot” by maritime historian and retired U.S. Coast Guard Capt. W. Russell Webster, sheds light on the mysterious and sudden sinking of the fishing vessel about 15 miles east of Gloucester just after 1 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009. […]
The town of Chatham and the Coast Guard have been at odds since the Coast Guard downgraded Station Chatham’s surf station designation and discontinued using two 42-foot nearshore surf boats on Jan. 5. Why the change? The Coast Guard’s own data revealed that surf conditions didn’t meet the criteria for Station Chatham to remain specially-designated […]
I was thrilled to be asked to appear on The Writer’s Block with John Ronan to discuss my upcoming book “The Tragic Sinking of Gloucester’s Patriot” (coming May 2022). You can watch my interview below, premiering February 3, 2022. John Ronan is the producer and host of The Writer’s Block with John Ronan, a television […]
Captain W. Russell Webster appears on Confident Communication with Molly McPherson where he discusses the behind the scenes of the JFK Jr Plane crash off Martha’s Vineyard. Click the image below to listen to the podcast. Captain W. Russell Website is introduced at 13 minutes 50 seconds.
Captain W. Russell Webster appeared on “Nautical Talk Radio” with Captain Lou on December 9th. He discussed the “Morning Dew” tragedy, which is the subject of his next book, “Lost in Charleston’s Waves”. Listen to the complete interview below.
This story is the preamble to next month’s launch of the book. Thanks to all of you for your unwavering support. Read it here
The fatal Charleston sailboat accident that changed Coast Guard search and rescue The teen’s voice came over the radio at 2:17 a.m., a cry for help on a dark, moonless night. “May … Mayday,” a desperate plea shouted over the crackling static. “U.S. Coast Guard, come in.” The Morning Dew sailboat had crashed into one […]
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 […]
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