Chapter 40 Quinn
Our data showed the waves had reached a height of eight meters while we were out there.
Grant and I had managed to throw the fishing boat a line.
The plan was to tow them into safer waters and then have them board the lifeboat.
We were only doing around two and a half knots with the fishing boat attached to us.
Then Forde had appeared at the stairs from the engine room, sweaty and frantic. “We just suddenly hit five knots.”
Fuck.
It could only mean one thing.
Grant and I rushed out onto the wet deck, our hearts sinking when we realized the tow line had snapped with the violent pull of the waves. Battered by sea spray and winds, we somehow managed to throw a second tow before we made it safely back inside.
Bryan called to us. “Wind speed is starting to drop!”
“Then call the coast guard! We need urgent helicopter assistance! There’s no way we can keep this up. We need that crew off that boat—now!”
Bryan nodded and picked up his radio.
I took a few steps down below deck to where our medical bay was. “How is she?”
Isla sat with Shona who lay on the single bed, eyes closed.
“Extremely disoriented. We need to get her on land, Quinn.”
“We’re calling for helicopter assistance for the fishing crew. We should be able to move a bit faster once they rescue them.”
It felt like hours passed before the helicopter arrived.
Our visibility was still poor, but we stayed in communication with the coast guard as the pilot hovered above us with tremendous skill, and their team winched all three crew members to safety.
It was an unbelievable rescue. One I’d never forget.
Our relief was palpable as the helicopter took off with the crew.
It didn’t last long. I returned to the med bay to check on Shona again. We still had to get our crew and the fishing boat back home in this gale.
With that thought, the world around me spun, my feet leaving me as the lifeboat capsized.