The SIU-crewed Innovator on May 20 came to the aid of a recreational boater, his wife and daughter and their pet on the high seas.Life’s Dream, a privately owned sailboat, departed Honolulu May 3 for the West Coast. Initially, the vessel was destined for San Diego. Several days into the voyage, though, Harvey Owen (the boat’s owner) changed course and headed to San Francisco.
On May 17, the boat met with misfortune and consequently was left with a broken rudder and fouled propeller. Life’s Dream was seriously distressed and adrift in a position 38 degrees north and 134 degrees west. The vessel remained in this condition for three days.
Meanwhile, Owen sent out a call for help and did what he could to keep the other occupants in his boat calm. Those inhabitants included his wife, Krista Steele; their 11-year-old daughter, Fantaysia; and a kitten.
Four hours after being informed of Life’s Dream’s dilemma, the Innovator arrived and quickly conducted safe, efficient rescue operations. Thanks to the superb efforts of the crew aboard the USSM vessel, all souls were secured.
SIU members aboard the Innovator during the rescue were: Bosun Steve Kastel, ABs Maintenance Gheorghe Savencu and Ed Lusk, Watch ABs James Morgan, Incencio Roxas and Joe Salcido (who was at Innovator’s helm as she approached the distressed vessel), Electrician Chris Earhart, QMED Charles Kirksey, DEU Benny Cruz, SB Pepe Bayani, Chief Cook Mostafa Loumrhari, Stewart Utility Fernando Onativia and Unlicensed Apprentice Michael Fernandez.
Bob Lamb of the MM&P captains the Innovator. He had high praise for members of his crew and congratulated them on a job well done during the rescue. The captain’s accolades were echoed by SIU Vice President Contracts Augie Tellez who, in a letter to the Innovator’s ship chairman, wrote, “We wish to commend the crew who participated in the rescue of the persons aboard the sailboat Life’s Dream. Had it not been for the rescue efforts, the incident would have been a nightmare.”
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