A Tragic Rescue by the Coast Guard

[Wentworth]

It has been inordinately cold near me recently (Friday morning when I got up it was -18F/-28C) and as a result the Hudson River has frozen over. The U.S. Coast Guard regularly runs an icebreaker on the river from New York City to Albany to keep the shipping lanes open. Yesterday the U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker Penobscot Bay was called in for a rescue mission right below my place (see photos of the ship). A woman patronizing a pub/restaurant directly across the river from my place decided to walk out on the river ice and about halfway across fell through the ice. After breaking a hole in the ice Coast Guard divers went into the frigid water to recover her. They docked down river from my place near Vassar Brothers Hospital where regrettably she was pronounced dead. While tragic it is further evidence of the fine (and dangerous) service the Coast Guard provides for the United States. At least now they are being paid after the conclusion of the 35 day government shut down.

[Bligh]

Sorry to hear about that accident Bill.

We must give a thought to those grieving her loss, and also one for those too often unsung heroes such as the Police, Coastguard,Lifeboat men and Firemen. Those who so often risk their lives on our waterways rescuing the unwary, or those uninitiated into the dangers such as frozen rivers and lakes. I hope this tragic loss will bring these dangers home to anyone else who tries such risky antics before they endanger themselves or those who attempt to rescue them.
Rob.

[Naharaht]

That is a really sad story. Our sympathies go out to the woman's family and friends and we admire the courage, dedication and skill of the Coastguard crew.