“I will never forget the actions of my boatcrew …. Or how I became The 374th Surfman”! And got the #afras #goldmedallifesavingaward

As written-

On 15 January 2006, Station Cape Disappointment received a third party report
on VHF-FM 16 that the 50-foot fishing vessel CATHRINE M was disabled
with three people on board and drifting towards the breaking surf in Peacock
Spit, Columbia River Bar. The unit immediately dispatched the Coast Guard
motor lifeboat (MLB) 47248 and the MLB TRIUMPH to provide assistance.
Upon reaching the scene, Boatswainmate David Ramsey aboard CG 47248 recognized that the situation was much more critical than the initial report. On scene conditions were 25 to 35 foot seas with 25 foot breaking surf and the #CATHRINEM had drifted into the treacherous #PeacockSpit area. This area has earned the nickname “Graveyard of the Pacific” as it is the most dangerous area on the #ColumbiaRiverBar. Over recorded history an extremely high volume of vessels have been lost in this area, including the namesake, USS PEACOCK. As such, this area is normally only entered by seasoned Surfmen with years of experience on the Bar. The crew of the motor lifeboat 47248 had arrived on scene well ahead of #MLBTRIUMPH which carried the experienced #CoastGuard #Surfman. BM1 Ramsey was faced with a difficult decision, and after consulting with both his crew and the command cadre positioned in the Cape Disappointment tower, the decision to render assistance was made. The crew of MLB 47248 briefed and prepared the deck for a dangerous “slip tow” evolution. BM1 Ramsey focused on navigating the tumultuous seas to reach the CATHRINE M to pass a towline to the stricken vessel. Under BM1 Ramsey’s leadership the crew courageously accepted the risk of working the deck for the passing of the towline. During a slip tow this is extremely dangerous due to the possibility of towline paying out uncontrollably through the MLB’s towing bitt upon attachment to the distressed vessel. Furthermore, the aft deck was being swept with large breaking seas making it incredibly hazardous. The CG crew flawlessly took the CATHRINE M in tow first approach.

uscg dmramsey #surfman #afras #goldmedal U.S. Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment #cathrinem #catherinem #fvcathrinem

Ain’t heard that nickname in a longtime “cowboy” guess that’s what they called me lmfao 🤠 good thing I’m in Texas… if I tagged ya it’s because I love ya and want to say thanks for sharing life with me trust me I wish I could tag all of Facebook! Because it’s been a journey never give up! On family kids or friends! Be bold live laugh love ❤️ GOD Bless yall I ether tagged ya because your a family or a friend or related to one who ain’t on here lmfao 😂 GOD Bless make a hell of a movie wouldn’t it hahahaha

DMR “Cowboy” SurfCowboy that is

afrasgoldmedal U.S. Coast Guard #ChesterRBenderAward #DMR #surfman374 life’s a journey, square up! Back down! #TeamWork #UsOursThemTheirs #SOLAS