The Coast Guard -- and let's say right here, thank God for the U.S. Coast Guard -- responded swiftly, and rescue swimmer Petty Officer 3rd Class Ralph Aguero was able to guide all five in the raft to a rescue basket and a hoist up to the helicopter.
Lt. Jon Bartel, the helicopter pilot, said those aboard the Nordic Mistress were prepared for disaster, and effectively summoned help. The result was what he described as a perfect rescue. There was little or no chance for any rescue for the five commercial clam diggers who died in Cook Inlet when their overloaded skiff was swamped. The men took the 22-foot skiff with about 3,500 pounds of razor clams into rough seas. One of their group survived because he refused to get into the boat and walked back to their camp.
Only one of the five who died wore a life jacket.
The Coast Guard said that the skiff should have had survival suits for all aboard. Pacific Alaska, the clam diggers' employer, is now seeking an exemption for that rule, much like the exemption granted to setnetters.
In this case four of the men didn't wear even what protection they had, and risked their lives in an overloaded boat.
Thoughts and prayers go their families, along with the thought that men who work so hard for up to a $150 a day should have caught a break, rather than a cold death in the Inlet.
For the rest of us, lessons in the difference between rescue and recovery come at a good time. This Memorial Day weekend, tens of thousands of Alaskans will take to both salt and fresh water, and to the backcountry. The five aboard the Nordic Mistress were prepared and they're alive today. The five clammers aboard the skiff were not prepared and are mourned today.
Alaska can be unforgiving. We should all take heed and be prepared.
BOTTOM LINE: There's no substitute for the right gear -- especially good judgment.
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