A group of Texas A&M students on the Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s training ship recently carried out a successful rescue mission in the Gulf of Mexico, saving the lives of three people who had been stranded for 15 days. Cadets William Flores and Kai Ethridge spotted the vessel while traveling from Texas to Florida – the cadets alerted Captain Wade Howell, who initiated the rescue protocols in conjunction with the US Coast Guard.
The ship, TS Kennedy, was on its annual summer sea semester voyage with 171 student cadets onboard. Capt. Howell, who has over 20 years of experience at sea, described this rare event as something he had only encountered once before. The three individuals rescued received medical treatment onboard the ship before being transferred to the Coast Guard for reunification with their families.
The cadets were thrilled to have been part of the rescue mission, with Flores expressing pride in the actions of the captain and crew that ultimately saved lives. He mentioned that the experience had prepared them for any future emergencies they may encounter while at sea. The group of nearly 300 Texas A&M student cadets, faculty, and crew aboard the TS Kennedy have since resumed their voyage to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for the first port stop of the semester.
The rescue mission was successful due to the quick thinking and actions of the cadets and crew onboard the TS Kennedy, emphasizing the importance of proper training for maritime emergencies. The incident highlighted the importance of practicing proper safety protocols at sea and being prepared for unexpected situations like the one encountered in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Texas A&M Maritime Academy’s training ship had a successful outcome in rescuing the three individuals, showcasing the practical application of the students’ training and the professionalism of the crew. Capt. Howell’s leadership and the coordination with the US Coast Guard ensured that the stranded individuals received the necessary medical attention and reunification with their families. The incident served as a valuable learning experience for the cadets, reinforcing the importance of being prepared for emergencies while on the sea.
Overall, the successful rescue mission carried out by the Texas A&M students on the TS Kennedy demonstrated the importance of maritime training and readiness for emergency situations. The actions of the captain, crew, and cadets saved lives and showcased the effectiveness of their training. The experience will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the students, preparing them for any future challenges they may face while pursuing careers in the maritime industry.
