Maritime Mobile Service Network Comes to the Aid of Vessel in Distress

The Maritime Mobile Service Net (MMSN) on 14.300 MHz came to the assistance of a sailing vessel on June 25. MMSN control operator Steven Carpenter, K9UA, took a call on 20 meters from Ian Cummings, KB4SG, the skipper of the Mystic Lady, then some 40 miles east of Florida. Cummings reported that his engine had failed as he was attempting to return to his home port of Stuart, Florida. He not only had insufficient wind, but a strong current was carrying the vessel out to sea.

Cummings had been unable to reach any station via his VHF marine radio, since he was too far from the coast. Assisting in the call was Robert Wynhoff, K5HUT, also an MMSN net control operator. Cummings said his vessel, with one passenger on board, was drifting northwest toward the South Carolina coast.

“A major concern was that the vessel was heading directly towards a lee shore,” the MMSN reported. “Lee shores are shallow, dangerous areas which are a hazard to watercraft. Vessels could be pushed into the shallow area by the wind, possibly running aground and breaking up.”

Carpenter contacted Cummings’ family, who had already called the Sea Tow marine towing service. Sea Tow advised Carpenter to tell the captain to head closer to shore by sailing west, if possible. Carpenter told Cummings that if he was unable to get nearer to shore, he would notify the US Coast Guard, which was already monitoring the situation.

As the MMSN reported, “The Mystic Lady was able to make some headway, but it was very slow. Members of the MMSN made additional calls via landline to the captain’s family as to the ongoing status of those on board. The family was concerned but relieved that communication was established and that all were well.”

Several hours later, the captain advised that the wind had picked up, allowing him to head close enough to shore for Sea Tow to reach the vessel and take it back to port.

The Pacific Seafarers’ Net, which monitors 14.300 MHz from the West Coast after the MMSN secures at 0200 UTC, kept in touch with the Mystic Lady into the night while it was under tow.

The tired, grateful captain later messaged the net, “A million thanks to everyone last night who helped rescue us on 14.300. Everyone chipped in as we drifted north in the Gulf Stream 60 miles headed to a lee shore. The MMSN net control and several others stayed with us for hours, phoned people, and were immensely helpful. The situation on board was dangerous. We are now safely under tow home. You folks are amazing!”

In operation since 1968, the MMSN monitors 14.300 MHz 70 hours a week to assist vessels and others in need of assistance. — Thanks to MMSN Net Manager Jeff Savasta, KB4JKL

SOURCE:ARRL

Antenna

Improved EU1KY Antenna Analyzer CEC V0.3

May 24, 2019 No comments

In this video, not include have a voice, but I placed subtitles on important parts. Please turn on subtitles. Read more

“Big Wire Antennas” [ ARRL The Doctor Will See You Now! ]

November 21, 2019 No comments

“Big Wire Antennas” is the topic of the new (November 21) episode of the ARRL The Doctor is In podcast. Listen…and learn! Sponsored by DX Engine... Read more

HF Log Periodic Antenna LP-1005AA ( 3.0 – 30.0 MHz )

February 03, 2015 No comments

HF Log Periodic Antenna – Frequency Range 3.0 – 30.0 MHz The LP-1005 antenna array is designed for medium and long range high fr... Read more

Universal DIY Carbon VHF Yagi Antenna

February 15, 2017 No comments

by:Jenny List “If you’ve ever cast your eye towards the rooftops, you’ll be familiar with the Yagi antenna. A dipole radiator with a refl... Read more

Free Azimuthal Maps by NS6T

December 03, 2014 No comments

Request for free an Azimuthal Map for any place in World: http://ns6t.net/azimuth/azimuth... Read more

VHF

Announcing the Tytera MD-9600 DMR Digital Mobile Radio!

March 19, 2016 No comments

Tytera shook the world of digital radio in 2015 with the introduction of the MD-380, a portable handheld capable of both DMR and analog operation at a... Read more

Handheld Transceivers [ ARRL PODCAST ]

April 25, 2019 No comments

These little radios are packed with features, but which one is best for you? Read more

OM Power OM3006 50MHz 6m 3kw Linear Amplifier

December 04, 2014 No comments

OM Power The linear amplifier OM3006 is designed for 50 MHz amateur bands from 50 till 52 MHz and all modes . It is equipped with a ceramictetr... Read more

IC-9700 Manual – Basic and Advanced Manual [ English ]

March 23, 2019 No comments

IC-9700 Manual Basic Manual http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/manual/pdf/IC-9700_ENG_Basic_0.pdf Advanced Manual: http://www.icom.co.jp/wo... Read more

VGC VR-6600PRO

January 24, 2015 No comments

Product Description Place of Origin Fujian, China (Mainland) Brand Name VGC Model Number VR-6600PRO Type Vehicle Mouted Dimensions 157 X 66 X 33.5mm F... Read more

Review

Kenwood TH-D74 – D-Star and Analog FM audio with EQ off / on 4K

January 08, 2017 No comments

TH-D74 “In this video, we are testing the integrated audio parametric equalizer of the Kenwood TH-D-74. In D-Star and in analog FM. Can you hear... Read more