Concerning reporter Julian Mendoza’s report from Gill, (‘More than a normal rescue’: First responders come to aid of man stranded on Connecticut River boat barrier,” Recorder, July 14), I’m concerned about the hazards created by the limitations of the equipment and procedures available as options.
A river rescue boat should be outfitted with two important pieces of equipment: a jet drive (better still twin jet drives), and a large anchor with oversized rode, windlass and bow roller.
Water jets are less vulnerable to damage from grounding or debris than a propeller outboard, and are safer for a person in the water. Because forward & reverse thrust are controlled by a “gate” rather than a transmission, they are better for low speed maneuvers and holding station.
A rescue boat operator who can set an anchor wherever she or he judges best could then “lower” the boat to the boat barrier stern-first, affect a rescue, then reel the boat back upriver even in the event of an engine failure. The tension on the anchor rode would keep the bow of the boat pointed upriver throughout the operation.
Another possible safety measure could be based on the cable ferry concept. A cable could be allowed to lie slack across the bottom of the Connecticut River from Turners Falls to Gill, upstream of the boat barrier, and tensioned only when a rescue or barrier maintenance is underway. There are several possibilities how such a system could be operated were a dedicated boat or raft attached to the cable kept on standby.
Finally, to prevent anything large from passing under the boat barrier, a net could be considered.
Most people on the river are familiar enough with it to understand the dangers, and know what to do. Most, but not all, and accidents happen. A major rescue effort is costly. As rescuers and others debrief concerning the events of the past week, let’s utilize this opportunity for FirstLight, Franklin County, municipal and state authorities to work together to improve safety and preparedness on the Connecticut River.
Stephen Ditmore
South Deerfield