[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 96 (Thursday, July 21, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: July 21, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       HEROISM IN THE SOUTH SEAS

  Mr. COHEN. Madam President, each year hundreds of United States 
citizens visit the waters of New Zealand by yacht to escape the cyclone 
season in the South Pacific region. In return, the people of New 
Zealand generously extend their protection and watchful eye to voyagers 
of all nations. This was evident when two constituents from Maine were 
caught in a violent and deadly South Pacific storm.
  During the first week of June 1994, Barbara Parks and Greg Forbes of 
South Harpswell, were voyaging across the South Pacific Ocean from New 
Zealand to the island of Tonga. Though initial weather reports 
indicated good sailing conditions, two days into the trip their yacht 
suddenly sailed into a tropical depression with winds exceeding 103 
mph. Although Greg and Barbara were qualified sailors who could handle 
adverse weather conditions, there was little that could be done against 
this treacherous storm.
  As time progressed and the storm strengthened, Barbara and Greg's 
yacht was slowly being decimated. Greg at this time was in the early 
stages of hypothermia and was losing strength. Fortunately, the Royal 
New Zealand Air Force had by this time been on a search and rescue 
mission.
  As the storm began to dwindle somewhat, Barbara was able to notice an 
F-3 Orion plane that was passing by overhead. She sent two parachute 
flares into the sky but the Orion crew did not notice them. Barbara 
proceeded to put on a search light which the plane was able to locate. 
Members of the plane crew proceeded to contact the Royal New Zealand 
Navy and notify them of the whereabouts of the destroyed yacht. While 
the Navy was on their way to rescue Barbara and Greg, the Orion plane 
flew above making sure that they did not lose sight of the boat. 
Eventually the Naval ship located the yacht and escorted Barbara and 
Greg aboard where they received food and medical attention.
  Madam President, both Greg and Barbara are extremely grateful to the 
New Zealand Royal Air Force and Navy for rescuing them from a near 
fatal boating trip. I would like to pay tribute to these heroic men and 
women who saved these lives and offer my deepest appreciation for their 
commitment to others.

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