It's rare that a photo excursion ever goes as planned. Things can and usually do go wrong to some extent. But I have never captured a potentially life-threatening moment through my lens until today. music:epidemicsound.com
A female friend of mine and a family member are deckhands on the Gaynor. They were on board for this launch. Both said that it was a terrifying experience and that there was a miscommunication with the shore crew…that they released the ship prematurely which created an extremely dangerous situation for the crew on the tug. I’m glad everyone was ok.
Although they didn't appear ready on deck the tig was pulling hard. Being placed directly in the path of the ship I don't understand what else could have happened. I'm very curious to find out why it wasn't placed farther off the bow. Like the tig at the stern is off the stern not the side.
@@bobbysenterprises3220 I always thought they kind of pulled the line taught, then moved forward off the bow, to pull @ and angle down the slide.. But I think the release was done before they could move into position
@@rcpmac they only released 1500 or so vessels in about 70 years. They have no idea what they‘re doing. You should expect human error to appear everywhere.
Another great job on your part, Kevin. Thank God no one was injured or worse. I would think the shipyard and the navy would like to review your footage.. Once again great job, thanks Kevin.
Thank you so much for the video and the narration and I’m thankful everyone seems to be ok as I’m seeing this some six days after the ship was launched.🇺🇸
Fantastic video, those tugs are so tough and I think that fact is partially responsible for the tragedy being avoided. WOW! Absolutely terrifying Thank you for the emotions you share, true respect as a gift to your viewers and to the crew. Give Nuala a big hug
no, what avoided major tragedy was the placement of the tug. had it been even just 5 or 10 feet closer it would have been a whole different story crushing and flattening the tug easily killing people
11:05 ...the damage is clearly visible, exactly behind the banner, where the free board meets the deck there are two large dents or possible punctures of the hull. You know, where the deck smacked the rear of the tugboat. Someone will be shitcanned and it won't be Admiral Schitcannon.
Geeze…..what a roller coaster of emotion here Kevin! The good news is your soothing voice helped calm the explosion (no pun intended) I felt in the pit of my stomach…..I am not a roller coaster fan, but I am a big fan of your photography and your videos! 🥹
Wow!! The visual of the deckhand running towards the bow on the port side and grabbing ahold of whatever he could just before the wave swamped the tug is really heart-stopping. That outcome could have been so much worse. Incredible footage and photos Kevin. ✌️🇨🇦 edit: I typed my comment before I watched the end where you describe the exact same thing! 😂
Daniel Morris - This retired Navy "brown water" sailor also noted that said deckhand on the port side had an opportunity to enter into the tugboat, but they wisely decided not to and just stayed on deck next to the superstructure an literally held on for dear life. His/her SA was acute because it would be far better to be thrown into the water from the huge wake, then become trapped; or crushed, inside of the tugboat's cabin. That said... if this tugboat was just 25' to aft at the moment of impact, it would have been a very bad day.
What a very powerful story of life and almost death. When you capture that moment in time, whether it is your time or as we saw, some one elses, the message is the same, how prescious life is and how quick it can end. I turn 65 this Tuesday the 25th. On Saturday, I had what is called being called a ministroke. I am not out of the woods just yet, I go for more testing and scan starting tomorrow Friday April, 21st. Reaching this milestone, it is a gift, things can go south faster than you ever want them to do. Be Safe yourself and thank you for sharing your moment(s) with everyone. I took out my time measurment of the scuff as I stopped the video not seeing you did make mention of it. I deleted it and changed my comments to above. Thank you...
Thank you, Arrow206 Project206 for your comment. I had a similar experience to yours 4 years ago-not a stroke but a viral brain infection called vestibular neuritis. I'm 68. It left me with severe balance issues, lots of PT, and memory loss. Events like that make you stop and reflect on life don't they? I've seen lots of snarky comments by those not as empathetic as you or do not understand where I'm coming from and have deleted them. I wish you well and a quick and full recovery. And happy birthday!
Happy birthday my friend. Enjoy your day . Hope all goes well. Just a month ago I turned 70 and still trying to escape reality. Health is always a thought at our ages but no reason to be overwhelmed. Enjoy!
The terror of these men seeing what you saw and the utter helplessness as you so stated, it is a miracle everybody on thar boat were not outright killed. Thank you for your dedication to these awesome lake travelers.
They have one female deckhand on the gaynor…a friend of mine. She was onboard when this happened and said it was terrifying and was surprised that she and no one else was washed overboard by the wall of water that hit them.
Wow, I thought my heart was gonna stop there a minute as I watched what clearly a ship coming down on the Gaynor. I think thats the most frightening thing Ive ever watched but somehow, you made it hopeful and beautiful. Thank you for this video.
What an unforgettable video. Thank you for the time and work you put into it. And for the heart and soul that comes through in the storytelling accompanying it. The launch was simultaneously a failure and a success; hopefully lessons learned for many that will help to avoid similar mistakes in the future. Not the least of which: Don't name ships after the "mistake on the lake!" 😀
Kevin, remarkable event captured with stunning detail. Thank you for sharing and thankful no one was harmed. Your commentary is well taken. Hopefully everything will "buff out" JR
Inexperience....lack of communication, and obvious damage to the ship and tug. Luckily, no one was killed...only through pure luck. Great video. Thank You.
I am a navy vet who lived in the shipyard in Pascagoula MS and worked my butt off to help build & commission an Arleigh Burke destroyer. I laughed when you first said you were there for it to occur at 10; but it didn’t launch till much later. “Hurry up and wait” is such a military thing. But watching that near death Wow that’s why I’m glad that every other shipyard uses floating dry docks. It’s not as big a deal but no one almost dies. The old launching ramp at the shipyard was still there back in 2002 when I was there. It was huge and I remember feeling relief not having to watch a stressful launching. I’m very glad the crew on the tug is ok.
Great video I thought your footage would be good. Enjoyed watching the launch with you on the deck. We too were a little in shock thinking about how bad that really could have gone. We went and look at the ship on Sunday and that looked more like a dent then a scratch.
You captured a fantastic photo and made a great video. YOu should be very proud of your work. Timing and preparation put you in the right place at the right time. GOOD JOB. Excellent Job!
From the author / creator: I'd just like to step in here for a moment to thank all who have viewed my video and remind everyone that I welcome your comments. However, those trolling, airing personal grievances, or leaving disparaging remarks, political commentary, and/or crude and inappropriate language, will immediately be removed and permanently blocked from posting comments in the future. Be respectful. The four tugs there that day- and their crews are all from my hometown of Sturgeon Bay. We are a small and close-knit community proud of our maritime tradition. The heroic men and women of our tug crews performing such dangerous work on a daily basis are highly regarded professionals and several of them I know personally and are among my friends. To diminish or dismiss the dangers or seriousness they encountered is insulting to them, and to our community. So yeah, maybe my commentary may seem a little over the top. I make no apologies for my empathy. And in the spirit of constructive kindness, I would suggest to those fighting the urge to expound upon their ignorance in the comments section; resist, and go work on your adulting skills instead.
Great footage and narration Kevin... am a retired US Navy combat duty sailor and also am a retired commercial videographer. I know it is an age-old maritime superstition but... I wonder if the champagne bottle broke at the first swing... or maybe not -🤔... 😁
Great job filming and explaining the observations. Pride in achieving success encourages us to do better. Better requires teamwork and careful review so mistakes aren't made again. Good job.
Thanks 👍 It's a 2010 Super Ocean chronometer. A gift to myself from when I had my consulting business and spent a great deal of time with a client in Switzerland.
Wow what a voice this guy has, I could listen to him all day and a great photographer to Boot mmmm I've just subscribed on the back of watching this vlog so looking forward to more great vids and commentary
What an amazing video, WOW!!! That crew is so lucky no injuries or deaths happen. Looks like the Department of Navy will be spending some more of our hard earned tax dollars repairing the transom or more on the tug. Your commentary was great, good job, worth the drive and you will most likely become more famous than you already are. Ron
'Superstitions of the Sea' a wonderful book. If ANYTHING goes wrong with the construction or launch of a ship is a omen. If any deaths during construction, Titanic- two deaths. Christenings-Tiranic wasn't christened. When the ship causes ANY damage during its launch or if anything goes wrong, Titanic almost runs into a nearby vessel. That vessel is cursed. If the ship does not sit level in the water after launch. If the ships first turn is not to starboard, (following the Sun from East to West) it is a omen. N.v ever start a trip on a Friday, Christ was crucified on a Friday. Get the book, Superstions of the Sea. It's amazing the new world was ever discovered.
Thanx for sharing and not hoarding the whole story. I saw the angle from other side where deck hands were on two levels. Guessing some phones got wet and some shorts stained. Having worked and lived on water I know how quickly stuff can change. Sure looked like the Main Tug should not have been in a position that wasn’t safe. Big steel ship on greased ramps about to slide …..and you’re tied to bow. Would like to see another launch and if any tug floats in what looks like a Danger zone.
That is a superb shot and video. Thanks for posting. Yep, someone is in a LOT of trouble for that close call. I am surprised that the line from the tug wasn't another ~20 feet longer, as that would preclude contact with the tug.
The ship does get damaged from hitting the tug. If you look at the video, you see a dark mark (Vents maybe? ) before the ship is launched just behind the red/white blue banner draped on the bow along the leading hull edge. After the ship rights itself, you will see a new dent and a black mark left by the tug's rubber tire transom now very close to the draped banner on the hull's leading edge.
You never know what's going to happen when a big ship is launched. I watched a Coast Guard cutter side launch on the North arm of the Fraser river in Vancouver BC. There were lots of spectators directly across from the launching, crowding the shoreline. When the wave came across the river, it engulfed most of the spectators.
The tug can now lay claim to fame. It put the first "ding" in a brand new ship. I remember the first "ding" in our new ship. CGC Acacia hit our stern while we were breaking it out of a big ice flow (they lost an engine so didn't have the power). Last time I seen that dent was in 2009. Not sure if they fixed it during her (Mobile Bay) last yard period but being in the rub rail, it doesn't hurt anything. Was on the MB in 80-81.
Wow! That could have been a disaster. The pictures are dramatic, but I can see why you would have conflicting feelings about the whole experience. As a truck driver I used to occasionally pick up or deliver at that nearby paper warehouse. It looks like one of the warehouse buildings has since burned down.
Wow amazing footage and photo, that is quite obvious. But holy cow you are an incredibly talented narrator! Both your voice itself and your way with words, A+++
I have done photography inside this shipyard for the shipyard, numerous years. William C Gaynor was not in its usual spot. If you look up river; which would be towards the bow of LCS-31, there are steel piling in the river for the yards new ship lift. Gaynor is forced to move towards the middle of the river. It is NOT unusual for the crew of the Gaynor to be on deck for the launch as it’s a beautiful site. The “All clear” horn goes off every launch at the time of the bottle being broken over the bow. I was in the yard, the horn did in fact go off. Your video is a little blown out of proportion. Gaynor was in a different position, rope was not long enough for the position it had to go in to avoid the piling in the river.
How is the video blown out of proportion? The launch was near fatal or a near miss with damage done to both vessels. Whatever the reason was for this going wrong, it was almost a disaster.
blown out of proportion what the actual f are you on?? a freaking ?US Navy combat shit literally crushed a tug boat! had it even been like 5 or 10 feet closer it would have ripped it in half or flattened it easily killing people on board. blown out of proportion my freaking as$
God was watching out for everyone. I don't think every ship built in the past all went smooth and situations like this I assume can happen. Seeing as no one was hurt speaks volumes to the safety precautions that are in place. Like distance from the ship being launched etc.. Still feel proud, this is American built and your photography is amazing. Only one question, why does the tug have to be attached before it's launched? And maybe in the future if it has to be, it should be longer and then reeled in, maybe they didn't have the correct size of line or something.. idk Thank you for your content and you should still feel proud. No one was injured which means God bless America
You can see the Gaynor made a last-second push to their throttle which probably bought them a few extra feet before the collision. That might have been the difference between life and death for the crew members trying to hang on. Fortunately the outcome was good, but launching without sounding the all-clear was a major mistake regardless.
Kevin can you find out how much restoring the Spartan Might cost? You’re on the ground in the Great Lakes Region and I can’t think of anyone better that could find out. You’re an expert in Great Lakes Ship Building and it would be great to save her! Please do a video on it!
Watching that you could see the tug was in precarious position from the outset, why would you stop the tug right under a ship about to be launched? It just seemed crazy to me. Very interesting video. Thanks.
The tug should have been off the bow not along side. The way it was clearly under load before the sled let go they were expecting the release. Looks to be it was in the wrong place. I'm not sure what the tug and crew having more notice would help. Other than crew being off the stern. The tug was pulling quite hard before release. I'm not sure what the plan was. Pulling the ship right into itself.
I’m from the 80’s… is it just me, or we are running out of competent people? idk if back then information didn’t get out much, but I feel that in the past 10 years people that should be professionals are screwing xxxx up on things they should not.
The Military's change in priorities has degraded the forces to the point where they are no longer focused on the critical items, leading to dangerous situations like this.
Hello Kevin O'Donnell, would it be possible to contact you regarding the ship launch clip in this video? We would be interested to obtain a license to use the clip if this is generally possible to discuss? (i.e. via email) Greetings, Felix🙂
The randomness of this video popping up while I'm down here in Alabama while my great uncle spent most of his career as V.P. of Marinette Marine. He oversaw the recovery of the Mystery ship.
this was a great video on a poorly organised launch. those guys were lucky on the tug. well done on capturing this event. also some great information all the way through.
