RESCUE DRILL IN SKJALFANDI BAY
The other day Skjálfandi Bay became a place of ''accidents". One of the Gentle Giants rib boats, 'Amma Sigga', crashed into a big oak boat. Both boats were full of passengers and thankfully no one had severe damages.
Preparations
Do not worry, it was a planned scenario in which whale watching companies, Iceland's rescue services and volunteers from Húsavík took part. It was a long day which started with a small breakfast, distribution of roles and bloody makeup. Some actors had a broken leg, some got hypothermia, the loss of consciousness, shock, hysterics or fear. Everyone had their own role and medical record. For rescuers, everything was supposed look as realistic as possible.
After we finished the preparations, we were taken to port, and every actor was divided between two “crashing” boats. I work as a guide here at Gentle Giants, which includes a lot of responsibilities while working at sea. So, I asked for a role where I could observe the work of Húsavík`s rescue team and hopefully learn from them. Finally, I got the role as a captain on the big oak boat that was used in the rescue drill.
I did not know how far out we were from Húsavík port. There was an impenetrable fog. Even if we were only a hundred meters from Húsavík, it seemed that we were all alone in the open ocean. After a few minutes of waiting, Amma Sigga came and the “crash” happened.
In a hurry my crew were taking out the life jackets, then giving them to every single passenger. One passenger was overboard. The ship was leaking and we tried to launch a life raft. Unfortunately, it was not a successful release. The life raft was turned upside down and we could not manage to turn it over. Now we had to wait for rescuers.
Rescuers
Finally help came. First boat, second boat … To me as captain, rescuers began to ask questions: ‘What happened? How many passengers were on board? How many passengers are on board now? How many insured persons? What kind of insures? Is the ship is leaking? Do you have a mechanic on board?’. I had to answer all these questions while being in the role of a shocked captain.
Together with the rescuers were doctors that assessed the conditions of the victims. Critically wounded passengers were evacuated within the first minutes. Rest of people were moved to the huge life raft where they waited for evacuation boats.
Rescuers brought on board special machines for pumping water, trying to save the big oak boat I was on from sinking. It was very interesting to observe how the lifeguards were working. I do not know how the rescue operation should of looked like nor whether our rescuers did everything correctly. Still one learns a lot from following the process. What I saw was only a part of a rescue operation. Some boats were helping us, others were with a crushed rib boat or busy with saving passengers from the water. It was a big job.
Finally, the rescuers told to me - “now the captain can also leave the ship” – and they put me on a rescue zodiac together with medical workers. As well other things which were not necessary to keep on the sinking ship.
Hospital and Red Cross.
A field hospital was waiting for us on land. Doctors, paramedics and nurses bustled around the wounded. Each participant of the accident had a tag on their hand – showing what state they were in. For example, the color red means that one would need emergency help. I was marked green, meaning that I could walk and did not have any serious injuries. Therefore, I was one of the last people to be checked by the doctors. They measured my pulse and blood pressure, asking if I was in pain then they took me to a room where I was offered to sit down and drink coffee.
I was taken to the Red Cross workers, where I had conversations about stress and fear. Everything seemed very logical and well done to me. I felt safe being with the Red Cross. A warm room, some snacks and children playing around. Some actors played such a great role that the workers of the Red Cross had to reduce their aggression and panic.
After all, it was a wonderful day that ended with a lamb soup and pica. Each actor received a certificate of appreciation and a free ticket to the swimming pool. As a person working out at sea, I would say that all in all we had a giving experience which brought a lot of self-confidence, which will help me if something unexpected happens out at sea.
Gentle Giants was very happy to participate in this big event that was run by the rescue team in Húsavík!
Down below are some pictures that I took on board the ship. You will see the process of evacuating the passengers.
Text and photos: Mark Badalan (guide)
Not a real person!
