A daring rescue - Part I
It was an early summer afternoon in Cape Careless and the yachts and sailboats have been out in force all over the harbor with their crews enjoying sunny weather and snacks out at sea.
The day was generally peaceful and a constant (almost boring one could say) Northwestern breeze made it possible for even inexperienced captains to enjoy a successful sailing session in ideal weather conditions. However, at about 4pm, the skies over Cape Careless started to darken a bit. First, a milky overcast has covered the visible horizon, reducing sun to a bright, blurred spot. Later, however, the clouds transformed into a rather unpleasant, lead-colored curtain. Shortly before 6pm the first lightning struck the surface of the water, making it abundantly clear to one and all that it was time to bail and set course for the nearest port...
At first, most of the ships started to calmly converge on the mouth of Flapjack's Stormalong Marina and Country Club, creating orderly queues along the waterways...
However, as the number of slips available started to shrink, the tempers flared... Sailors who entered the port a bit too late, started to perform dangerous stunts and picked up fights in order to moor their boats in preferred spots. This created an absurd, chaotic spectacle which was promptly accompanied by the sounds of thunderclaps from an impending storm.
The important thing though, was that everyone was within the port's limits and safe... as long as they were agile enough to dodge beer bottles being hurled at them by irate seamen.
However, there was yet one more vessel cutting through the rising waves. Having learned through the radio that Flapjack's Stormalong Marina was at the brink of riots, Skylark II was sailing towards Courageous Flynn's Docks.
The crew have decided to moor with the small marina as it wasn't wise to seek other options in such a bad weather. While poorly sheltered, Courageous Flynn's Docks has at least offered safety, shore leave and a warm tavern nearby. However, when the Slackers aboard Skylark II prepared to drop sails and cover the remaining distance with the engine, their radio suddenly went on and a frantic voice blurted out the following message over an emergency channel...
The crew of Skylark II, chilled by the desperate call for help, looked questioningly at the captain - Pierse Toonleigh. He was not just a regular yacht owner but an active-duty second officer aboard STS (Slacker Tribe Ship) "Long Haul" container vessel. He also knew international laws regarding rescue at sea very well. The call for help was genuine and he could not afford to ignore it.
The crew of Skylark II jumped to the rigging and prepared the boat for an insanely risky mission. The course to the last known location of the sinking ship was set and Pierse and his crew promptly sailed by Courageous Flynn's Docks. Then, made a tack to continue sailing with the gusty Northwestern wind...
The journey was difficult due to the wind coming directly from the location of the distressed vessel. Alyssa was thus forced to beat to windward, using series of medium or long tacks to keep approaching the target and maintain the speed in worsening weather conditions.
After about an hour of navigating through rough seas, the wind changed and started blowing from the West, allowing Skylark II to finally stabilize course at close-hauled port tack. At roughly the same time, the crew noticed another sailboat, about 1/3 NM away from them to the North. Pierse, who continued to command his crew while being constantly smacked in the face by thick rain, stopped and reached for his binoculars.
He took a good, long look at the unit running the same course as Skylark II. Then, looking relieved, he walked to the radio and started the following exchange.
- Cirrus V, you're back with us?!
- Yeah! Just like in the old days!
Pierse heard a familiar voice. It was Ranald Dooles - a chief mate with whom Pierse had made several voyages to Wilhelmshaven. People felt safe around Dooles - an old sea wolf and experienced crewmember. As it turned out, he has also intercepted the rescue call and was steaming towards the accident with his friend onboard to help the sinking ship.
- Cirrus V, let's match speeds so we can get there together. It should be safer this way.
- Negative Skylark II! - replied Dooles - it looks like you have a greater SOG [speed over ground] than us. Just go in first, every minute counts! We'll just follow your lights. Don't worry, we'll manage.
- Understood, you are right. Try to keep us in your sights and let us know in case you need help! Skylark II - over and out.
About 30 minutes later and in what was already an all-out gale, the crew of Skylark II suddenly noticed a bright light darting across the sky. They were close and the sinking ship was shooting a signal flare into the ink-black sky.
Skylark II corrected the course and approached the accident area with Cirrus V trailing behind. As it turned out, yet another Slacker ship was already on the scene. A relieved container ship (aptly named STS Rain) has been aligning herself with the sinking vessel and preparing for a rescue operation just as Skylark II approached from another side.
After a quick radio exchange, captains of both ships have agreed to the rescue plan. Two crew members from each ship were supposed to board GS Navigator, help the crew out and then use STS Rain's liferaft to transfer the injured aboard the container vessel. The crew of Cirrus V was to provide an overwatch and react to any unexpected turn of events.
Once the castaways have been secured, all of the Slacker ships have readied for departure. Due to the ravaging strom, the captain of STS Rain has decided to assist Cirrus V and Skylark II with tow lines, relieving the crews of these vessels from having to fight their way back to Lagmi Shi Island. GS Navigator has been lost to the sea, but all hands have made it out alive.
At around half past 10 p.m., STS Rain reached the safety of Cape Careless. The ship has disconnected the tow lines and the brave, but tired, crews of Skylark II and Cirrus V limped into the mouth of Flapjack's Stormalong Marina. The passing storm was still thundering around Cape Careless, but now it was safe to unfurl the sails again.
Conversely, STS Rain has thrown the anchor within the roadstead and again used their liferaft to move the injured mariners to the nearby beach where medical services have already been waiting to receive and treat the wounded.
Once everyone has been accounted for, STS Rain signed off, and the crew of GS Navigator has been admitted to the nearby hospital. Marking the end of their harrowing adventure.
To be continued...
Comment replies:
@kkffoo - It's indeed somewhat challenging - let's just hope I won't succumb to a multipolar disorder! I consider myself a Slacker though, so I have a pretty determined identity. 
I'm happy that you appreciate the cities layout. It's a very interesting work and greatly the NAM's merit - it really makes cities more interesting.
@TogaMasterJohn - Well, the important thing is you came back but it's true - I noticed you have been missing from the forums for some time. 
Are you sure you still want to moor with CCFSAM? 
-
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