THREAD: two navy aviators killed ferry tragedy

MIRACLE at SEA: Russian Survivor Rescued After Two Months Adrift

16 October 2024 — Emergency crews in Russia have saved Mikhail Pichugin, who drifted at sea for over two months in an inflatable boat. His brother and nephew tragically died during the ordeal, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The rescue happened after a fishing vessel spotted him near the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Sea of Okhotsk.

Pichugin, 46, went on a whale-watching trip with his 49-year-old brother and 15-year-old nephew in early August. They traveled to the Shantar Islands but disappeared after leaving for Sakhalin Island from Cape Perovsky on August 9. Despite initial rescue efforts, they stayed lost until Pichugin’s recent discovery by the Angel fishing vessel.

Reports say their boat’s engine failed, leaving them adrift with minimal supplies — only a small food ration and about 5 gallons of water. The fishing crew first mistook their radar blip for debris or a buoy before finding Pichugin using their spotlight. Shocked to find a starving man instead of junk, they quickly rescued him from his dire situation.

TRAGIC Migrant DEATHS in English Channel Demand Urgent Action

05 September 2024 — A day after 12 migrants died in the English Channel, dozens more tried the dangerous crossing from France to Britain. French patrol boats watched as a crowded vessel struggled through the seas. This incident shows the big problem facing both French and U.K. governments.

The mayor of Wimereux, Jean-Luc Dubaële, called for urgent action from French and British officials to stop more tragedies. “Smugglers keep sending people to their deaths,” he said. "It’s high time that a lasting solution is found with Britain.

Cross-Channel migration was a key issue in the recent U.K. general election, which saw Keir Starmer become prime minister. A French prosecutor revealed that 10 of the 12 dead were women and six were minors, many appearing to be Eritrean. The boat sank about three miles off the French coast with many aboard lacking life vests.

TRAGIC Migrant DEATHS in English Channel: 12 Lives Lost

04 September 2024 — At least 12 migrants died when a smuggler’s boat broke up in the English Channel on Tuesday. Most of the victims were women and children, including one pregnant woman. The migrants were primarily from Eritrea, attempting to reach Britain.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin reported 12 dead, two missing, and several injured. This incident raises the death toll in the Channel to at least 31 this year. Over 21,000 people have crossed the Channel so far in 2023, surpassing last year’s rate.

Darmanin called for a migration treaty between the UK and EU to address illegal crossings and employment of migrants in poor conditions. He criticized Britain for not tackling its shadow economy that employs illegal migrants.

Former Conservative Home Secretary James Cleverly criticized Labour’s lack of action despite their promises to “smash the gangs.” New Home Secretary Yvette Cooper blamed traffickers for using unseaworthy boats and risking lives even in poor weather conditions.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH of British Tech Entrepreneur’s Co-Defendant Before Yacht Sinks

21 August 2024 — Stephen Chamberlain, a former Autonomy Corp. executive, was fatally struck by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday. His death happened just days before his co-defendant Mike Lynch and five others went missing after their yacht sank off the coast of Italy.

Authorities confirmed that divers recovered a body from the sunken yacht near Palermo, Italy. The identity of the body has not been announced yet. NBC and Reuters reported another body was found inside the vessel.

Chamberlain had recently been acquitted alongside Lynch in a multibillion-dollar fraud case involving Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of Autonomy Corp. His lawyer praised him as "a courageous man with unparalleled integrity.

BRITISH Tech Magnate MISSING After Superyacht Tragedy

19 August 2024 — British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five others are missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily. Lynch’s wife and 14 others survived the incident. Authorities confirmed that one body has been recovered, and police divers are attempting to reach the hull of the ship at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet).

The yacht, named Bayesian, was anchored near Porticello when a waterspout struck overnight. The sudden storm battered the area precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged vessel was moored. Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency stated, “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The Bayesian had a crew of 10 and 12 passengers on board. Another nearby superyacht assisted in rescuing some of the survivors, including Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares. The yacht was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast made of aluminum, which was lit up just hours before it sank.

TRAGIC Migrant RESCUE in English Channel Exposes Border Crisis

13 July 2024 — Around 60 migrants were rescued by the French navy and coastguard from a capsized inflatable boat near Boulogne-sur-Mer. Four migrants were found unresponsive and could not be revived. The rescue operation is ongoing, with concerns that more victims may still be in the water.

The migrant crisis on Britain’s southern shore remains unresolved, contributing to the downfall of the previous British government. The new Labour government has promised action but has yet to deliver any meaningful results.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, criticized the new government for its inaction following the recent deaths in the Channel. He warned that he would hold them accountable just as he did with their predecessors.

People smugglers continue to exploit desperate migrants, leading to overcrowded and dangerous crossings. This year alone, 19 people have died attempting to cross the English Channel, while 14,000 have successfully made it across — a nearly 20% increase from last year.

IRANIAN-BACKED Houthis Attack Ship in Gulf of Aden, Injure Mariner

17 June 2024 — The Iranian-backed Houthis launched two anti-ship cruise missiles, striking the M/V Verbena in the Gulf of Aden off Yemen. The attack set the ship on fire and severely injured one civilian mariner. U.S. Central Command reported that the mariner was flown to another ship for medical treatment by a U.S. helicopter based on the USS Philippine Sea.

The M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged, Ukrainian-owned, and Polish-operated bulk cargo carrier, was en route from Malaysia to Italy carrying wood when it was attacked. Central Command confirmed that the crew is still fighting fires on board. This incident marks another escalation in the Houthis’ campaign amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Earlier reports from British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center and private security firm Ambrey indicated that a vessel had been attacked and caught fire after making a distress call about being struck by a missile. The Houthis typically delay claiming responsibility for such attacks by hours or even days.

This attack follows another incident where Houthis launched a boat-borne bomb against a commercial ship in the Red Sea on Wednesday. The rebels have been targeting shipping throughout this strategic corridor as part of their ongoing conflict with a Saudi-led coalition since seizing Yemen’s capital nearly ten years ago.

HEARTBREAKING Gang Attack in Haiti Claims Lives of AMERICAN Missionaries

24 May 2024 — Two American Christian missionaries, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, were killed by gang violence in Haiti on Thursday. Missouri State Rep. Ben Baker confirmed the tragic news, revealing that his daughter Natalie was among the victims. “My heart is broken in a thousand pieces,” Baker wrote on Facebook.

The couple had been serving with Missions In Haiti, Inc., a nonprofit founded by Davy’s parents, David and Alicia Lloyd. The organization has been active in Haiti since 2000. Davy and Natalie joined the mission after their marriage in June 2022.

According to Missions In Haiti, the attack occurred during a youth group gathering at church. The gang ambushed them with three trucks full of men. “Davy was taken to the house tied up and beat,” stated the nonprofit.

Rep. Baker urged for prayers for both his family and the Lloyd family during this devastating time. He expressed an overwhelming sense of loss and pain over social media, asking for strength from their community of supporters.

HEARTBREAKING LOSS on Mount Whitney

10 May 2024 — The bodies of Andrew Niziol and Patty Bolan, who vanished while hiking California’s tallest peak, have been identified. The pair set out on a journey across California and were reported overdue during their descent from Mount Whitney.

Search efforts escalated when they didn’t return to their campsite at Upper Boy Scout Lake. Rescue teams utilized helicopters and ground units in an extensive search operation.

Five days later, rescuers discovered the bodies on the mountain’s north face at 13,200 feet. It seems they fell while trying to ski or snowboard back to their campsite.

This tragic event highlights the dangers of high-altitude hiking and emphasizes the necessity for thorough preparation in such demanding conditions.

MOUNT WHITNEY Tragedy: Adventurous Couple’s Fatal Fall Revealed

10 May 2024 — The search for Andrew Niziol and Patty Bolan, who vanished while hiking on California’s Mount Whitney, has ended in heartbreak. The pair had planned an ambitious descent by ski and snowboard back to their campsite but never returned. A massive search effort involving helicopters and ground teams was launched following their disappearance.

Rescuers found the bodies of Niziol and Bolan at an elevation of 13,200 feet on the mountain’s rugged north face after five days of intense searching. It was determined that they had tragically fallen, underscoring the perilous nature of high-altitude hiking combined with winter sports.

The recovery mission took over a day to complete, bringing a somber closure to the extensive search for the young couple. Their trip across California’s trails was meant to be an adventure celebrating their spirited pursuit of life, yet it ended prematurely.

Local authorities are using this incident as a stark reminder for hikers to fully prepare for treks and maintain constant communication with rescue services. The community is mourning the untimely loss of two vibrant lives dedicated to exploring and enjoying nature’s challenges.

HEROIC Navy Seals SACRIFICED in Iranian Weapons Seizure: Four Arrested

23 February 2024 — Four individuals of foreign nationality have been charged after a vessel was intercepted in the Arabian Sea. The U.S. Navy seized the ship, which was allegedly carrying Iranian-made weapons.

In a devastating turn of events, two brave Navy SEALs lost their lives during this operation. The fallen warriors were identified as Navy Special Warfare Operator 1st Class Christopher J. Chambers and Navy Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram.

David Sundberg, Assistant Director of the FBI Washington Field Office, stated that these charges serve as a stern warning to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). He stressed that any hostile actions from foreign governments will not go unchecked by the U.S..

The FBI and other U.S Government agencies pledge to persistently disrupt attempts by hostile foreign entities aiming to instill fear and inflict harm through violent means.

ASYLUM-SEEKER Convicted: The Tragic Consequence of a Dangerous English Channel Crossing

19 February 2024 — On Monday, Ibrahima Bah, an asylum-seeker from Senegal, was convicted of manslaughter. He was at the helm of an inflatable dinghy that carried more than 40 migrants from France to the U.K. The vessel capsized tragically resulting in four fatalities.

The prosecutors maintained that the dinghy was unfit for such a journey due to severe overcrowding and lack of safety equipment. Despite the glaring risks and its deteriorating condition as it began taking on water, Bah persisted towards U.K. waters.

Bah did not pay for his passage because he piloted the boat himself. The jury found him guilty on four counts of manslaughter and aiding illegal entry into the U.K.

This incident has added more controversy to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s contentious plan to deport migrants to Rwanda amidst ongoing criticism.

BRAVE ESCAPE: Coast Guard Rescues 20 from Lake Erie Ice Floe Trap

23 January 2024 — The U.S. Coast Guard executed a daring rescue mission on Monday, saving 20 people stuck on an ice floe in Lake Erie. The group found themselves stranded approximately half a mile away from Catawba Island State Park near Port Clinton, Ohio.

The rescue operation began around 10:20 a.m., involving two Coast Guard airboats and a helicopter, as reported by Petty Officer Jessica Fontenette. The Coast Guard successfully rescued nine individuals from the perilous situation.

In addition to the efforts of the Coast Guard, the Put-in-Bay Fire Department also played a critical role in rescuing four more people.

The final seven stranded individuals managed to reach shore using their own airboat. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in this incident that showcases the courage and effectiveness of our nation’s first responders.

REVISITING the ‘MIRACLE On The Hudson’: How Sully’s Bravery Saved 155 Lives

16 January 2024 — It’s been over a decade since Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger heroically landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in an event now known as the “Miracle on the Hudson”. This unprecedented feat, which saved all 155 passengers and crew members, wasn’t part of any specific training program.

Sullenberger’s vast knowledge, extensive training, and years of experience allowed him to make this crucial decision when it was needed most.

In a recent interview with American Veterans Center provided to Fox News Digital, Sullenberger revealed that their only preparation for such an emergency was a classroom discussion. Yet despite this minimal training, he skillfully guided the plane onto the river after both engines failed due to a bird strike shortly after departing from LaGuardia Airport.

As their plane rapidly descended at two floors per second, Sullenberger and co-pilot Jeff Skiles swiftly issued a mayday call. The successful water landing of Flight 1549 remains one of New York City’s most unforgettable events and continues to captivate attention even after all these years.

HANEDA HORROR: Five Perish in Explosive Runway Collision Between Passenger Plane and Coast Guard Aircraft

02 January 2024 — A devastating collision at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport on Tuesday has left five dead. A passenger plane and a Japanese coast guard aircraft clashed on the runway, resulting in a fiery explosion that claimed the lives of the smaller aircraft’s crew.

All 379 passengers aboard Japan Airlines flight JAL-516 were able to escape unscathed before fire consumed the plane. The Airbus A350 involved, one of the industry’s most recent large passenger planes, suffered its first serious damage since entering commercial service in 2015.

The coast guard’s Bombardier Dash-8 aircraft was en route to deliver relief goods to earthquake victims in Niigata when it met with this fatal accident.

The disaster unfolded as the JAL plane touched down on one of Haneda’s four runways where the coast guard aircraft was preparing for takeoff. Investigations are underway to uncover what communication failures between aviation control officials and both planes led to this catastrophic event.

ROCHESTER’S Horrific Start: Tragic Car Explosion Claims Three Lives on New Year’s Day

02 January 2024 — The dawn of 2024 was tainted with a grisly incident in Rochester, New York. A Ford Expedition, laden with gas canisters, collided with a Mitsubishi Outlander, resulting in the death of three individuals and injuring several others.

The fatal accident occurred at 12:50 a.m. on January 1st near the iconic Kodak Theater. The driver of the Ford was identified as Michael Avery, a Syracuse resident aged 35 years. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Avery’s family revealed to investigators that he might have been grappling with undiagnosed mental health issues. The collision ignited an intense fire that took firefighters an hour to subdue.

The Outlander’s two occupants met their untimely end at the scene while Avery breathed his last later in hospital care.

NAVY’S Mightiest Warship USS Gerald R Ford Heads Home: Leaving Middle East Amid Rising Houthi Threats

02 January 2024 — America’s largest naval vessel, the USS Gerald R. Ford, is preparing to sail back home from the eastern Mediterranean Sea. This move comes in the wake of an attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th and forms part of a broader assessment of global force positioning by defense authorities.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower will stand as the only U.S. aircraft carrier in the region, given escalating attacks by Yemen-based Houthis on commercial ships navigating Middle Eastern waters. The Houthis justify these assaults as retaliation to Israel’s military actions against Hamas in Gaza.

Over the past weekend, U.S Navy helicopters from both USS Eisenhower and USS Gravely thwarted a Houthi hijacking attempt in Southern Red Sea, sinking three out of four boats involved after responding to a distress signal from Maersk Hangzhou.

In light of intensifying threats from Houthis, an international task force has been established by U.S military to protect commercial vessels navigating these volatile waters. The Biden administration continues to assert that Iran is providing intelligence support to Houthis for these attacks.

NEPAL PLANE Tragedy: Pilot Error Causes Deadliest Crash in 30 Years, Killing 72 Innocents

30 December 2023 — A devastating plane crash occurred in Nepal earlier this year, taking the lives of 72 people. Among the victims were two American citizens and two U.S. permanent residents. The fatal accident was likely a result of pilot error, according to a report released by government investigators last Thursday.

The ill-fated Yeti Airlines flight was en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara when it plunged into a gorge nestled in the Himalayan foothills. This incident has been marked as the most catastrophic airline disaster Nepal has witnessed in over three decades.

All passengers on board the twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft met with an untimely death — including two infants, four crew members, and fifteen foreign nationals.

The investigation report suggests that both condition levers were mistakenly shifted to the feathered position during flight. This led to both propellers feathering and subsequent loss of thrust which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and collision with terrain. It appears that due to lack of awareness and standard operating procedures, pilots accidentally selected power-controlling condition levers instead of flap lever.

PEARL HARBOR Hero Returns at 103: An Unforgettable Tribute to Fallen Comrades

07 December 2023 — World War II veteran Ira “Ike” Schab, a Pearl Harbor survivor, recently journeyed back to Hawaii for the 82nd anniversary of the infamous attack. At an impressive age of 103, Schab received a warm welcome and applause upon his arrival in Honolulu from Portland.

Schab was just a young man of 21 when Japanese pilots launched their devastating attack on the naval base on Dec. 7, 1941. Now, more than eight decades later, he vividly remembers that fateful day — some memories are painful yet indelible.

During the attack, Schab wasn’t just playing his saxophone in the band aboard the USS Dobbin; he also assisted in loading his ship’s anti-aircraft guns. Despite harboring painful memories from that day, he remains committed to honoring and remembering those who tragically lost their lives.

RED SEA Chaos: Iranian-Backed Houthis Unleash Missile Attacks on Commercial Ships, US Destroyer Strikes Back

04 December 2023 — Central Command has verified four missile attacks on three commercial ships in the Red Sea. One of these was an Israeli-owned vessel. The Houthis in Yemen initiated the attacks, but they were “fully backed by Iran,” according to a statement released Sunday. The USS Carney, a U.S. destroyer, retaliated by shooting down two drones.

The assaults started at 9:15 a.m. local time when the Carney detected an anti-ship missile launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen at the M/V Unity Explorer. This ship is flagged by Bahamas and U.K owned with crew members from two nations. However, USNI News and Balticshipping.com report that Tel Aviv-based Ray Shipping owns it.

Around noon, Carney responded to and shot down a drone also launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen. Central Command stated that it was uncertain whether the drone specifically targeted CARNEY or not but confirmed no damage to the U.S vessel or injuries to personnel.

These attacks pose a direct threat to international commerce and maritime security,“ Central Command said in its statement. It added that it would consider appropriate responses ”in full coordination with its international allies and partners.