The past 18 hours has been pure hell ...
I was attending the National Association for Search and Rescue conference in Colorado Springs when my partner Pete Gannon motioned for me to exit the room. The look on his face was evidence that something terrible had happened and his cracking voice confirmed my suspicion. The news he delivered was the worst ... A brother public safety diver was missing, the outcome was bleak.
I had received a phone call several hours earlier from the U. S. Coast Guard and they were asking if the IADRS side scan SONAR that is staged in Florida was available to search for a missing diver. The unit was available but because I was was in Colorado an immediate response was not possible. I provided a list of other resources that were more immediately available and didn't dwell on the unfolding events until Pete broke the news that the missing diver was a public safety diver, a "brother" firefighter.
The missing diver was known to have good skills. He had recently completed the IADRS Watermanship Test and Annual SCUBA Skills Review/Evaluation by his team leader. Additionally, he was a avid commercial harvester and he was spearfishing nearly 8 miles offshore when he went missing. He certainly was not the casual recreational diver and while many were hopeful, many were guessing something had gone terribly wrong.
I made a phone call to our boat crew and learned that seas were running 3 to 5 feet and their progress was slow. From past experience I knew that the search would be difficult. I also know there was a possibility that the diver might be alive and well, unable to be seen by vessels. Air resources were scouring the area too, 2 helicopters and a USCG Falcon jet. As the sun set, a C-130 was launched to assist in continuing the search through the night. The prognosis was not good and I worked to make arrangements to return to Florida early.
The airlines played their usual games. To change my ticket and depart 2 days early, I would have to pay nearly $500 extra. That was their "special" price because I was returning due to the situation. Ironically, as I was looking at the computer and speaking to the customer service agent, I could see I could book a ticket online, same airline, same flight for nearly $100 less! (I'm glad the agents were doing me a "favor" ...NOT! ... It was American Airlines if anyone cares to know). The flight would require me to drive from Colorado Springs to Denver for a 0630 flight. With several hours of shut eye, I left the hotel at 0330 so I could start working my way to Florida.
I spoke to two of the DRI corporate trainers in Florida and learned that the night operation had negative results. I had hoped that FLIR would have a positive results and also knew that the diver was carrying a flashlight. The fact that he had not been located sank hearts further. A side scan SONAR and two operators were in route, dozens of firefighters from around the State and dozens of volunteers were heading out to begin day operations.
I boarded my flight and started working on ICS forms and planning how to support the operation for the long term. It's a BIG ocean ...
It could take days...
I landed in Dallas/Fort Worth and when I turned my phone on the text messages started to chime in on the display. Then the best one... "helo picked him up alive."
It was tremendous news and while I was very hopeful that the situation would be resolved with a save, I was anticipating a long search with a tragic outcome. I pass along the article below so each can share the good news. I will try to post more after I learn facts.
Blades
Missing diver found alive
(Published May 31, 2008)
FORT PIERCE, Fla. A diver has been found safe after going missing for approximately 21 hours while diving off Florida's east coast.
Coast Guard officials found Patrick Scartozzi around 10 a.m. on Saturday, and he was reported to be alive and responsive. Scartozzi had been missing since Friday afternoon when he went diving about 6 miles off St. Lucie Inlet.
The 46-year-old firefighter went for what was supposed to be a 25-minute dive but did not reappear at the set time. He was then reported missing.
Scartozzi was being transported to the hospital for evaluation.
I was attending the National Association for Search and Rescue conference in Colorado Springs when my partner Pete Gannon motioned for me to exit the room. The look on his face was evidence that something terrible had happened and his cracking voice confirmed my suspicion. The news he delivered was the worst ... A brother public safety diver was missing, the outcome was bleak.
I had received a phone call several hours earlier from the U. S. Coast Guard and they were asking if the IADRS side scan SONAR that is staged in Florida was available to search for a missing diver. The unit was available but because I was was in Colorado an immediate response was not possible. I provided a list of other resources that were more immediately available and didn't dwell on the unfolding events until Pete broke the news that the missing diver was a public safety diver, a "brother" firefighter.
The missing diver was known to have good skills. He had recently completed the IADRS Watermanship Test and Annual SCUBA Skills Review/Evaluation by his team leader. Additionally, he was a avid commercial harvester and he was spearfishing nearly 8 miles offshore when he went missing. He certainly was not the casual recreational diver and while many were hopeful, many were guessing something had gone terribly wrong.
I made a phone call to our boat crew and learned that seas were running 3 to 5 feet and their progress was slow. From past experience I knew that the search would be difficult. I also know there was a possibility that the diver might be alive and well, unable to be seen by vessels. Air resources were scouring the area too, 2 helicopters and a USCG Falcon jet. As the sun set, a C-130 was launched to assist in continuing the search through the night. The prognosis was not good and I worked to make arrangements to return to Florida early.
The airlines played their usual games. To change my ticket and depart 2 days early, I would have to pay nearly $500 extra. That was their "special" price because I was returning due to the situation. Ironically, as I was looking at the computer and speaking to the customer service agent, I could see I could book a ticket online, same airline, same flight for nearly $100 less! (I'm glad the agents were doing me a "favor" ...NOT! ... It was American Airlines if anyone cares to know). The flight would require me to drive from Colorado Springs to Denver for a 0630 flight. With several hours of shut eye, I left the hotel at 0330 so I could start working my way to Florida.
I spoke to two of the DRI corporate trainers in Florida and learned that the night operation had negative results. I had hoped that FLIR would have a positive results and also knew that the diver was carrying a flashlight. The fact that he had not been located sank hearts further. A side scan SONAR and two operators were in route, dozens of firefighters from around the State and dozens of volunteers were heading out to begin day operations.
I boarded my flight and started working on ICS forms and planning how to support the operation for the long term. It's a BIG ocean ...
It could take days...
I landed in Dallas/Fort Worth and when I turned my phone on the text messages started to chime in on the display. Then the best one... "helo picked him up alive."
It was tremendous news and while I was very hopeful that the situation would be resolved with a save, I was anticipating a long search with a tragic outcome. I pass along the article below so each can share the good news. I will try to post more after I learn facts.
Blades
Missing diver found alive
(Published May 31, 2008)
FORT PIERCE, Fla. A diver has been found safe after going missing for approximately 21 hours while diving off Florida's east coast.
Coast Guard officials found Patrick Scartozzi around 10 a.m. on Saturday, and he was reported to be alive and responsive. Scartozzi had been missing since Friday afternoon when he went diving about 6 miles off St. Lucie Inlet.
The 46-year-old firefighter went for what was supposed to be a 25-minute dive but did not reappear at the set time. He was then reported missing.
Scartozzi was being transported to the hospital for evaluation.
