Posted on 09/17/2005 7:00:06 AM PDT by Ellesu
Nearly 5,000 plucked from rooftops
The Coast Guard has released numbers which partially explain why the death toll in New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina has been lower than expected.
The Coast Guard says that during its first week of operations in New Orleans, it saved the lives of nearly 6,500 people. Officials say almost 5,000 of those rescues were by hoist in areas where the water was just too deep or dangerous for the Coast Guard to come in by boat.
All of those lives were saved by the crews of just 17 helicopters, during 1,500 flight hours in the air.
The numbers released today cover Coast Guard operations which ended September 10.
Coast guard rescue crews have been out in force since then in conjunction with National Guard units, searching for additional survivors, but also recovering the bodies of flood victims.
Thanks for the ping. I'm trying to include what went right in my timeline -- but most of the info is only coming out now, as summary after-action reports, without specific times.
The Great Lakes Search And Rescue Detachment (SAR-DET) on its way back to Cleveland today. We should rock & roll this town again Wednesday afternoon.
This is photo of Great Lakes SAR-DET New Orleans, LA. (NOLA) preparing for another busy day of SAR. We worked joint rescue operations with elements of the NOLA Police Department, and US Army 82nd Airborne. Utilizing three ice rescue air boats, seven Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), and three flood punts; together we were responsible for saving126 lives from the flooded streets of NOLA!
With operational excellence, honor, respect, and devotion to duty; let me say on behalf of my great Coastie shipmates, than you for your support.
OLA
Your pic is not showing up Master Chief
I tried to "fix" it but no go.
http://www.neiu.edu/~jabennin/uscg/CampD9er.jpg
FReep mail me if you have another pic?
I have a good reference on html
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1486619/posts?page=408#408
Thanks for protecting America, Master Chief!
Thanks for serving. Please tell your son the same!
Yeah, I heard this on ABC. Yeah, that's the ticket.
Go figure. The photo is hosted upon what is normally a very reliable server. What happens on reload?
I saved it on another free server.
Double coverage if yours hangs up.
And in keeping with my tagline
Thank You for your service to our country.
Tonk:
Thank you for continuing to serve our country. Awesome USCG Auxiliarists such as you, are a great USCG work force multiplier. Hundreds of Coasties were made available for Katrina OPS duty around the nation, because well qualified USCG Auxiliary members assisted us.
Semper Gumby,
OLA
Thank you All.I am very proud of you.
Bush's fault.
You're not wrong, but why weren't those helicopters flying on the day of the hurricane to keep the levee from breaking? hmmmm?
Good Evening FA:
And a WLB 406, SAR Station same to you too. Thank you for doing you part which mkdes the USCG what we are today.
OLA
mkdes = makes
Coast Guard ping
Good job FRiend! Have a safe trip home!
Thank you. We also rescued over 60 pets. However, this was one frightened pooch we helped rescue.
We cut the padlocked chain with bolt cutters and rescued this abandoned dog.
OLA
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.