On
August 20, 2006, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club was sponsoring the C. Thomas Clagett,
Jr. Memorial Regatta in the waters of Narragansett
Bay off Newport, Rhode Island. The air and water temperatures were in the low
70’s and the wind was blowing at approximately 10 knots, with gusts to 17.
During a quick tack in response to a gust, Joseph A. Del
Vecchio, a crewmember on one of the
Sonar Class sailboats, was knocked overboard.
From
a distance of about 100 yards, SGT Orozco noticed Mr. Del
Vecchio was struggling in the water
and appeared disoriented. Directing the spectator craft he was on to the scene,
he determined that in-the-water assistance was required and entered the water.
Reaching Mr. Del
Vecchio, he stabilized him,
reoriented him to the situation and assisted with his recovery from the water.
The effective lookout and quick actions of SGT Orozco, combined with the successfully executed man overboard recovery effort resulted in the rescue of a person in need and reflected great credit upon himself, while upholding the best traditions of seamanship.
US
SAILING is proud to present the Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal in recognition of
his accomplishment.
Alan
McMillan
Safety
at Sea Chairman
by direction
| On May 25, 2007 US SAILING Board of Director Member Chip Johns presented the Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medal To Sgt. Orozco at the Naval War College graduation ceremony for those enlisted marines going on to officer candidate programs. |
Date
of Incident: August 20, 2006
Event Name: C. Thomas Clagett Jr.
Memorial Regatta
Sponsoring
Yacht Club: Race Committee: Ida Lewis
Yacht Club
Event City: Newport
Event State: R. I.
Body of Water: Narragansett Bay west of
Goat Island
Was this day or night: Day
Air temperature: 70 approx.
Water temperature: 72 approx.
Wind speed: 10 knots approx.
Wave height: 1' chop
First Victims Name: Joseph A. Del Vecchio
First Boat Length: 23'
First Boat Make Model: Sonar
Was a PFD worn: Y
What type: Standard
What type: NA
Rescuing Skipper: Dr. Ann ?, MD
Rescuing Boat Make Model: rigid
inflatable boat
What was the nature of this incident: rescue
What recovery method was used: unknown
Did the victims boat lose site of the victim: no
What search pattern was used: unknown
Was electronic MOB function used to locate the victim: no
Was a rescue swimmer put in the water: yes
Did the victim have a strobe light or whistle: no
What color clothes were visible above the water:
red
Was the victim able to help in the recovery: yes
Was any injury sustained by the victim: N
Was a Lifesling aboard: N
How much time did the victim spend in the water:
approx. 10 min.
Did a Mayday call go out: No
Was the race sailed under ISAF regulations: unknown
Nominators Name: Joseph A. Del Vecchio
Can your story be published:
yes
what position: Bowman
Rescuing Crews Names: Roberto Orozco, USMC (officer candidate?)
What happened: after a quick tack we rounded up due to a sudden gust which
toppled me into the water. I was
unaware for a short while what had happened, I was disoriented.
It is my understanding that the rescuer unselfishly and spontaneously
jumped into the water after me recognizing my predicament.
He was very helpful with me regaining my awareness, and extracting me
from the water.
How did victim help himself back onboard: once I got myself oriented, the
rescuer help with adaptations so that I may be extracted from the water and
comfortably secured for physical analysis
How did the victim get hoisted onto the deck: assisted by rescuer in the water
and two individuals on the rigid inflatable boat.