In 1975 - Operators of the Meteorological Station on the Swan Islands (Islas del Cisne) received the Gold Medal Award as recognition for their part in the saving of many lives. They are now honored permanently in the historical section of the official NOAA website
.Spencer Bennett and Randolph Moore, Islas del Cisne Meteorological Station, Honduras -- Messrs. Bennett and Moore are recognized for heroic action during a storm, December 10, 1974, on Islas del Cisne (Swan Island), a tiny weather observing outpost in the Caribbean. During this storm they rescued 19 shipwrecked fishermen at a great risk to their own lives.
The Honduran fishing vessel LUCKY GIRL encountered heavy seas about 20 miles northwest of Islas del Cisne. The hull ruptured and the ship began to sink rapidly. The Captain sent an SOS and then ordered all hands to abandon ship. The SOS was picked up by the Swan Island Meteorological Station, and personnel there responded immediately.
The Swan Islanders launched two small motorboats into the rough seas to seek survivors of the LUCKY GIRL. Demonstrating superb seamanship in heavy seas in outboard motorboats, they successfully searched out and towed to Swan Island eight dugout canoes, containing nineteen men. Because of their courage, not a single life was lost.
This page is dedicated to Spencer Bennett and Randolph Moore in gratitude.
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