Oh how things have changed. During the 4 yrs, 5 mo. and 2 hrs I spent in the USCG (but only 4 yrs behind the other engineers at the plant when I got out), all of the aircraft, except the C-130 could land in the water. I guess that's why they brought back the rescue swimmer, for those who are unable to propel themselves to the basket...
Lake Superior is huge, and ports can be over a daysail apart. Most boats passage-make to get where they are going. If he was port-hopping, likely he would have taken the Keweenaw Waterway. There are very few safe places to anchor in that area. Little protection and the water is very deep until you get to shallow water and rocky bottoms. Copper Harbor is an all weather refuge 12nm away, but its dangerous to enter after dark.
He had his jib out and a tiny bit of RF main. Perhaps he hadn't given up all hope of a self-rescue.
I think the video shows that the rescue swimmer swam him to shore ( he was already wearing an environmental suit) and basketed him up from the beach.
No, they are flying over water. Those are fishing pole holders.
The SOP is for the rescue swimmer to get the crew clear of the vessel, and the hoist operator to get them up to the bird. They want to avoid a hoist cable wrap on the vessel that could endanger the recovery. If necessary the CG will provide the Gumby. But if this happens to you, plan on going for a swim.
