HMS Bounty Remembered

HMS Bounty, 29th October, 2012

Originally published 30th October, 2012

I can't help but think about this tragedy in terms of what it might have been like had it occurred in the early 19th Century and the era surrounding the War of 1812. 

No radios or GPS tracking, no Coast Guard scrambled and ready to the rescue. Just a crew that knew their ship was in dire trouble and working as hard as they could to keep her afloat in a terrifyingly difficult sea. They knew it was that, or brave the tiny, open longboats over miles of rough, freezing, stormy water. 

A shipwreck of this magnitude wouldn't be all over the news outlets in a matter of hours as it was [in October of 2012], instead, it would have just been overdue at its next port of call, likely never heard from again. Family and friends would be left to wonder about the true fate of the ship and their loved ones. 

And so, today, while I think on how tragic this entire story is for everyone involved, from ship owners, to Captain, to crew and their family and friends... I'll also be thinking about the haunting image above, and the tragedy that might have been had this happened 200 years ago. 

Mutiny on the Bounty 1789

Rule, Britannia!

Greetings Acasta Log Reader,

Above is an artistic piece designed specifically to promote the HMS Acasta group and website. It features (from Left to Right) Capt. Robt. Freymann, 1st Lt. J. Hamilton waited on by honorary Acasta D. McArdle, 2nd Lt. M. Ramsey, Midshipman D. Raley, Purser B. Cushing, Able Seaman Mr. Houston, Acasta Surgeon Doctor Roberts, Able Seaman Mr. Alexander.

You may feel free to make use of this piece so long as you do not remove the 'HMS Acasta' website address, or alter the images in any way. Also, having the picture LINK back to www.hmsacasta.com would be greatly appreciated.
 
A few additions to the Acasta log this past month include the addition of author James Vassermann.

The new buttons & new author credit.

I have also experimented with the addition of buttons at the bottom of each log entry to more easily allow you to share posts you like with friends via email, Blogger, Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus. 

On a sad note, I got the following message via Commander Schifferdecker on the Western Lakes Station: 

"Voluntary Mourning Mark 

During the coming 2013 re-enactment season, naval re-enactors are encouraged to consider the voluntary wearing of a black cloth armband on the left sleeve as a mark of respect for the loss of BOUNTY, and her people who perished. 

Victor Suthren 

Hon Capt(N) 

Commodore pro tem 

Naval Establishments 

Crown Forces North America" 

The Acasta crew will be honoring the Bounty in like fashion during this coming year at several of our official events. 

The Doctor with his black armband at the Muster on the Wabash,  Nov. 2012.

On a less somber note, if you enjoy reading the adventures of the HMS Acasta, be certain to become an honorary member of the crew. This is a simple way to show us that you're out there and paying attention. It is a simple matter really, there is a blue button along the right side of this very page that will allow you to join. 

And Second, I would ask that you comment from time to time on the posts that interest you the most. This is an excellent way to let the crew of the Acasta know what you, the reader, is the most interested in seeing. It is always most gratifying to know what the readers like. 

The Acasta log is generally updated every weekday at 8am CST, visit back often, and tell your History/Royal Navy friends to visit us.

Thanks for reading!

Shipwreck of HMS Bounty

The Bounty in its current position at Sea.

I can't help but think about this tragedy in terms of what it might have been like had it occurred in the early 19th Century and the era surrounding the War of 1812. 

No radios or GPS tracking, no Coast Guard scrambled and ready to the rescue. Just a crew that knew their ship was in dire trouble and working as hard as they could to keep her afloat in a terrifyingly difficult sea. They knew it was that, or brave the tiny, open longboats over miles of rough, freezing, stormy water. 

A shipwreck of this magnitude wouldn't be all over the news outlets in a matter of hours as it was yesterday, instead, it would have just been overdue at its next port of call, likely never heard from again. Family and friends would be left to wonder about the true fate of the ship and their loved ones. 

And so, today, while I think on how tragic this entire story is for everyone involved, from ship owners, to Captain, to crew and their family and friends... I'll also be thinking about the haunting image above, and the tragedy that might have been had this happened 200 years ago. 

Coast Guard footage of Bounty Crew Rescue

Bounty Captain R. Walbridge

The Coast Guard rescued 14 people from life rafts in the Atlantic Ocean approximately 90 miles southeast of Hatteras, N.C., Monday, Oct. 29, and two people remain missing. The first MH-60 Jayhawk crew arrived on scene at approximately 6:30 a.m. and hoisted five people into the aircraft, and a second helicopter arrived and rescued nine people and all were taken to Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., with no life-threatening conditions. U.S. Coast Guard video by Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C.

Vice Admiral Robert Parker of the United State Coast Guard confirmed in an interview with ABC News that 14 of the 16 crew members had been rescued, and that the Bounty HAD indeed sunk. 

Bounty Captain Robin Walbridge is said to be one of the missing. 

HMS Bounty Crew Abandons Ship at Sea

An image from the deck of the Bounty trying to get through the storm.

2:55 AM EDT: Coast Guard spokesman David Weydert tells ABC News, “The Coast Guard received notification that the sailing vessel HMS Bounty was in distress. We responded by sending out a C-130 aircraft and we’re currently monitoring the situation.”

And this from the Bounty's Facebook page: 

"The crew is safe and accounted for. They have abandoned ship. They are in their sea survival suits and in a life boat. A Coast Guard cutter is racing to pick them up. The coast guard plane has heat sensing ability and has scanned the Bounty for any people on it...There is no one one on the ship. Again...ALL the crew is safe and in a lifeboat."

Also from their Facebook page:
"We received a distress call for Bounty at 1830 Sunday evening that the Ship lost power and the pumps were unable to keep up with the dewatering. At that time we immediately contacted the USCG for assistance.

A C130 was sent to there position approximately 90 miles SE of Cape Hatteras. At 0430 today the Captain ordered all hands to abandon ship. There are 17 Crew on board and at this moment all crew are accounted for and are in Life rafts.

The first USCG helicopter has reached the ship and is in the process of rescuing them. Bounty is currently still floating upright and intact. We will keep everyone informed as info becomes available"

For the most recent news story from CBC news Nova Scotia, click HERE.

And find the latest update from the Coast Guard HERE.

God Speed to the Bounty and her crew, may they all return home safe and sound!