This January trip began with a bang
for OcDet Three and the crew of the USNS Michelson. Less than a day out of
port, the ship received a call for help sent by the SS Grand, a Chinese
merchantman, and proceeded to her aid.
Late that afternoon the stricken
ship came into view along with the SS Japan Bear which was also answering
the Grand in her call for help. The Japan Bear was the first to reach the
sinking ship and radioed that she would spread oil to help calm the waters
near the Grand and launch a life boat to rescue those still on board.
Shortly thereafter it was reported that many of the stricken ship's
crewmembers were scattered in the water around the ship. Upon receiving
this information the Michelson moved in closer and began rescue
operations.
Evidently the forward section to
the Grand had broken away and sunk without warning thus throwing everyone
on that section into the water. The break also released large quantities
of fuel oil which covered everything still afloat.
The sea temperature in the low
sixties, the wind was cold and blowing strongly, and the seas were running
high. All these factors, while not too severe, proved to be fatal for many
of those cast into the water.
There had apparently been no time
for the Grand to properly launch her life boats since only one overturned
boat was sighted in the water. Her other boat, assuming she had only two,
was still aboard sitting on the after section and apparently in such a
position that it could not be launched by those left on board.
Both the OcDet and the Michelson's
crew pitched in whole-heartedly as the rescue operations began. Due to the
sea conditions the Michelson could not safely launch her own boats;
therefore, the ship had to be maneuvered in strong winds to pick up the
survivors. Before nightfall five survivors had been plucked from the grasp
of the sea. Three of the OcDet crew members, Ben Gorman, Smokey Stover,
and Ray Tullos, were major contributors to the rescue in that they went
over the side to place lines around survivors.
Shortly after dark the sixth man
was picked up when his shouts were heard near a light thrown over earlier.
The search continued through the night with the aid of search lights and
flares dropped by aircraft. All the next day the area was crossed and
recrossed by ship and aircraft but to no avail. The sea currents and wind
had scattered all signs of any survivors or debris.
The crew of the Grand consisted of
43 men. The USNS Michelson picked up 6 men out of the water, the Japan
Bear rescued 9 from the sinking ship, and the Colorado Maru, which arrived
shortly after the Michelson, picked up 7 from a raft and 1 out of the
water. Of the 43 total there were 23 survivors, 6 known dead, and 14
missing (presumed dead).
The disaster which sank the grand
was a grim reminder to all on the Michelson that the sea can be deadly if
the men who sail over her are not ever vigilant and constantly mindful of
safety.
