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On The Edge Of Survival: A Shipwreck, A Raging Storm, And The Harrowing Alaskan Rescue That Became A Legend (2010)

by Spike Walker(Favorite Author)

3.7 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

0312286341 (ISBN13: 9780312286347)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

St. Martin's Press

review 1: The rescue story is incredible, however the writing isn't. That isn't to say it is terrible, but many times I found an awkward sentence, or cliche, that took the energy out of the narrative. That being said, any story featuring waves large enough to knock helicopters out of the sky is worth a read. I do agree also with some other reviewers, that the author stretched this too much, I think the book could have been half the size and been much better. The crew featured in this book is outstanding and I am grateful we have folks like this working on behalf of others.
review 2: Quick, exciting read by the same guy who developed the series The Deadliest Catch. In December 2004, a cargo ship--the Selendang Aye--stalls and in rough seas off the cost of Alaska. The US... more Coast Guard scrambles to off load the crew of 18, but rogue wave crashes against the foundering ship and the spray takes out one of the HH-J60 helicopters with its crew of 3 and 10 passengers. All three crew members are plucked from the icy water by a second, waiting helicopter, HH-65B. But the captain and one rescue diver are left on the ship for over three hours in the frigid conditions before the HH-65 helicopter can return to the scene and carry them to safety. During the wait, the ship literally breaks in half in the tossing seas while the crew onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley helplessly monitors the situation. Ultimately, the ships captain is rescued, but held accountable for the tragedy. The pilots and crew are awarded Distinguished Flying Crosses for their actions. Ten Selendang Aye crew members perished in the helicopter crash. Roots author Alex Haley was the first chief journalist of the CG and the first African-American to reach the rank of Chief Petty Officer while serving 20 yrs in the US Coast Guard) less

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