Post by corsair67 on Sept 14, 2006 13:52:43 GMT 12
Back in the dark ages (early 1980s!) I read an article in Reader's Digest about a RNZN Wasp that was sent out to rescue a Russian trawler crewman somewhere way to the south of NZ in 1979(?).
From what I recall, the rescue was pretty dramatic because the Wasp was operating at maximum range from the frigate, and the weather was really terrible (as it usually is in the Roaring 40s!). Apparently at one point while the ship's doctor was being whinched down to the trawler a huge wave washed over the helicopter, but the Wasp pilot couldn't pull up to avoid it because he would've dragged the poor doctor through the wires, aerials and other equipment at the back of the trawler!
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else remebers this incident, or has a copy of the Reader's Digest that this article was published in?
I seem to recall the article was titled "To Save A Stranger" but I don't know if that is correct.
From what I recall, the rescue was pretty dramatic because the Wasp was operating at maximum range from the frigate, and the weather was really terrible (as it usually is in the Roaring 40s!). Apparently at one point while the ship's doctor was being whinched down to the trawler a huge wave washed over the helicopter, but the Wasp pilot couldn't pull up to avoid it because he would've dragged the poor doctor through the wires, aerials and other equipment at the back of the trawler!
Anyway, I was wondering if anyone else remebers this incident, or has a copy of the Reader's Digest that this article was published in?
I seem to recall the article was titled "To Save A Stranger" but I don't know if that is correct.
