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| News > Misawa Air Base kayakers rescued at sea, restrictions placed on water activity |
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Members of the Japanese Coast Guard rescue kayakers from the Pacific Ocean in northern Japan May 23. Four people attached to Misawa Air Base went missing when they failed to return from an afternoon kayak trip the day before. A combined search operation with the U.S. military and Government of Japan found and rescued the kayakers approximately 10 miles off shore. (Photo courtesy of the Japanese Coast Guard)
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Misawa Air Base kayakers rescued at sea, restrictions placed on water activity
Posted 5/25/2011 Updated 5/26/2011
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by Staff Sgt. Rachel Martinez
35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
5/25/2011 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- A combined search for four missing kayakers from Misawa Air Base ended successfully with their rescue Monday afternoon.
The four kayakers - Master Sgt. Gerald White, Mrs. Yvonne White, Tech. Sgt. James Cummings, and Senior Airman Kinga Nowicka - had rented three kayaks, wetsuits and life preservers for an afternoon outing. When they did not return as expected at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, they were reported missing.
An informal search for the missing kayakers began Sunday evening. When the four individuals had yet to return in the morning, the base initiated a formal search and rescue operation. Information on the four kayakers was posted to command information channels as officials tried to gather any information on their whereabouts.
"Our focus was on finding these people as soon as possible, and that meant using all available resources," said Col. Michael Rothstein, 35th Fighter Wing commander.
A command center was established with 35th Fighter Wing leadership, office of special investigations, security forces, intelligence, safety and survival specialists, as well as representatives from other base agencies, gathering data and organizing approximately 75 volunteers into search parties. The search became a joint effort as soldiers from the Joint Tactical Ground Station here joined Airmen in the ground search.
Search parties on the ground found the two vehicles belonging to the missing kayakers at approximately 12:30 p.m. Monday along the coast, just north of Rokkasho Town in Aomori Prefecture. The location of the vehicles provided officials an area in which to focus their search and rescue efforts.
To assist with search efforts in the air, the U.S. Navy was called upon to contribute to the air search with their assets. Aircrews from Naval Air Facility Misawa flew search missions with the C-12 Huron.
"We were flying lower than we typically fly in the C-12 to give ourselves a better chance of spotting them," said Lt. Cmdr. Frank Lee, NAFM Operations Department officer.
Even with the joint support, search operations would not have been successful without the support and assistance of the Government of Japan, according to Colonel Rothstein. Japan Coast Guard officials in Hachinohe issued a disaster relief operation order allowing Japan Air Self-Defense Forces and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces to assist with rescue operations. JASDF flew UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters and T-4 Training aircraft to conduct air searches. The JMSDF flew search missions with its P-3C Orion.
The U.S. Navy C-12 was one of the first units to spot the missing kayakers at 2:35 p.m., floating approximately 10 miles off the coast. TheJCG then dispatched helicopters and vessels to conduct the rescue operation.
The four individuals were found clinging to two kayaks. JCG crews rescued the kayakers from the water and transported them to shore where 35th Fighter Wing medical personnel were standing by.
After nearly 24 hours in the frigid Pacific Ocean waters, the kayakers were found suffering from hypothermia, but had no other serious injuries.
"We are overjoyed that our family members were found" said Colonel Rothstein. "The successful rescue of these kayakers is a testament to the strong partnership we have with our sister services and Japanese counterparts. We certainly could not have accomplished this daunting task without the selfless service and determination of all involved."
The search and rescue brought to light additional Japanese restrictions along the east coast of Japan, put in place since the tsunami in early March. While the base works to clarify restrictions with Japanese authorities, the 35th FW commander has ordered interim Pacific Ocean restrictions for Misawa Airmen.
"In the interim, recreational water activities along the east coast of Japan from the Shimokita Peninsula down to Tokyo are not authorized for Misawa Airmen," Colonel Rothstein stated in a message to Airmen. "This suspension is in place to ensure we are fully compliant with our host nation's current safety restrictions - it is not a knee-jerk response to a single incident."
The interim restrictions do not include the Mutsu Bay area or public beaches actively manned by Japanese lifeguards and frequented by the Japanese public.
The search and rescue for the missing kayakers also serves as a critically important safety reminder, especially as the Critical Days of Summer begin, according to wing safety officials.
"Anyone participating in high-risk outdoor activities should follow a few basic steps that can save their lives," said Lt. Col. Anthony Simpson, 35th FW Chief of Safety. "When engaging in any outdoor activity, be sure you have all the proper protective equipment and are trained or experienced in the activity, or be with someone who is. Most importantly, leave a detailed trip plan with a responsible adult - doing so can speed up any necessary recovery efforts." |
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