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Goddard TV Video Tape: G2010-030 -- GOES Search And Rescue

Movie

Title
This animation depicts how the current Search and Rescue system works. When an emergency beacon is activated, it transmits a distress signal that is received by NOAA weather satellites (GOES and POES) equipped with Search and Rescue repeaters. That signal is then relayed to Search and Rescue authorities. This technology was originally developed by NASA in the 1970's. NASA Develops Enhanced Search and Rescue Technologies
This is a story about an incredibly challenging rescue that took place on January 2nd, 2010, 250 miles off the shore of North Carolina.Dennis Clements was on his way to the Caribbean when severe weather struck and damaged his boat leaving him alone in the middle of the frigid Atlantic Ocean. Miraculously, after an hour floating in the cold water, he bumped into a life raft thrown by the US Coast Guard and shortly after that he was pulled out by a Navy rescue diver. The USS Eisenhower was on its way to Afghanistan when they heard the Coast Guard's call for help. Dennis was saved thanks to a distress signal sent from his emergency beacon (EPIRB) to the GOES satellite shortly before he was dragged under water. For complete transcript, click here . Saved By A Weather Satellite