On October 27, 1983, the Seattle based tugboat “Eagle” was towing two barges across the Gulf of Alaska from Anchorage, AK. to Seattle, WA. While 65 miles offshore, the boat was caught in a storm. The 50'-60' foot seas and 70 knot winds proved too much for the tug and she capsized.
Awakened from his bunk when the boat leaned 50 degrees starboard, Chief Engineer, Robert Ray grabbed his immersion suit and made his way to the bridge. The “Eagle” went down quickly and Mr. Ray found himself alone and adrift in the tumultuous sea. The last thing he heard was the second mate sending the radio dispatch, 'Mayday, mayday, tug Eagle going down.' He was the sole survivor of the nine man crew.
The crew of US Coast Guard HH-3F Pelican #1470 based out of Sitka, AK got the call. Heading out in 70 knot winds, it took the helicopter about 2 hours to get on scene. Flying in extreme conditions, it took another hour or two of searching before Robert Ray was located and rescued from the sea.
For their extraordinary efforts that day, the crew of #1470 received the following awards:
LCDR Mike Burnett, Pilot – Air Medal
LTJG Roger DeRoche, CO- Pilot – Air Medal
AD2 Ken Cochran, Flight Mechanic – Distinguished Flying Cross
AT2 John Rivera, Avionicsmen – Air Medal
HS2 Bob Longo, Corpman – Commendation Medal
This artwork depicts the HH-3F Pelican on the scene with Chief Engineer Robert Ray.