December 5, 2023 — Within just a few weeks of an AMSEA Drill Conductor training course, the crew of the F/V Talia went out for a halibut trip. On a stormy night with a full load of fish, the vessel sank.

However, the crew was able to get out a clear mayday call before escaping into the life raft. Though they were scared, the crew was able to cooperate in their helicopter rescue as they had practiced in the training workshop.

The captain reported to the AMSEA staff that it was so helpful to know what to expect, what to do — including paying close attention to the instructions of the rescue crew — and their evacuation when off without a hitch.

“Knowing what to do during the rescue lowered our anxiety and increased our confidence that everything was going to be OK,” the crew reported to AMSEA. “The rescue operation went just like they described it would. The training helped us know what to expect!”

Read the full story at National Fisherman