Lifeboat Sailors: Disasters, rescues, and the Perilous Future of the Coast Guard's Small Boat Stations (Hardcover)

~ Dennis L. Noble (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Noble's research [proves] that...[i]f you wish to see heroes, find the nearest U.S. Coast Guard small boat rescue station." -- Proceedings, June 2000

I have read many thrilling accounts of lifeboat rescues by services the world over, and Lifeboat Sailors has several that are truly spine-tingling. But perhaps more importantly, it gives the reader the most intimate view of the lives of the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard who man the small boat stations that I have ever seen. Despite all the frustrations of performing great acts of individual heroism within the strictures of a necessarily large government bureaucracy, the men and women of the Coast Guard today share with their forebears one overwhelming characteristic: they are driven to do what they do that others might live. Lifeboat Sailors is for the lifesaving community what The Perfect Storm is for the fishing community: a well-written, intimate look inside a fascinating world. -- D.D. Chomeau, President, Association for Rescue at Sea, Inc.

Lifeboat Sailors is an excellent tribute to the crews of the U.S. Coast Guards small boat stations and their selfless efforts to save the lives of those in peril in dangerous waters. It also offers a perceptive insight into the Coast Guards management of its small boat stations and raises concern for the future. For those interested in that future, it is a must read. -- William D. Wilkinson, Director Emeritus of the Mariners Museum

Product Description

This the first book on the distinguished past, hazardous present, and uncertain future of an organization whose roots extend back nearly 200 years. Each year, the Coast Guard's powerful motorized lifeboats and other small water craft respond to over 37,000 calls for assistance and help in saving more than 4,000 people in imminent danger. Despite the fact that the small boat stations are the very symbol of rescue upon the water, the public knows little about what takes place in them and about the professionals who put their own lives at risk in this way every day.

A retired member of the Coast Guard, Dennis Noble traveled from unit to unit capturing the stories of their brave crews, riding the waves with the lifeboat sailors who accepted him as one of their own. Movingly he tells of witnessing the tragic deaths of three Coast Guardsmen on a rescue mission - deaths he believes did not have to occur. Lifeboat Sailors bears witness to the courage of a unique breed of seaman and sounds an alarm for the rescue of a cherished American institution.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 234 pages
• Publisher: Brassey's Inc (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574882007
• ISBN-13: 978-1574882001
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,084,659 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You won't put it down!, March 24, 2000

By	Chris Sparkman (Fort Bragg, CA.) - See all my reviews

I am not much of a reader of books. This is one that I could not put down though. The stories will put you right in the drivers seat with these brave men and women. You will be crashing through 15 to 20 foot breaking surf right along with them. Those of you who have been to a small boat unit, will smile and say "I have been there, done that". For those of you who may never have new that small boat stations do exist. This book will give you a new apprieciation for what these young men and women do at a small boat station. Risking their lives everyday to help others. I know because I live it everyday, and would give it up for nothing! Thanks again Dennis. Chris Sparkman, Surfman United States Coast Guard.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unsung heroes, May 31, 2000

By	Greg B Banks (Portland, Oregon) - See all my reviews

Dennis Noble has really opened up the door to the little known life behind the U.S. Coast Guards small boat units. Being a civilian and having been raised around the Great Lakes, I have always held a great appreciation for the Coast Guard small boat units. After reading Mr. Noble's work, my appreciation has heightened. If only the public was only more aware of the sacrafices these young men and women give to protect our nations waterways that go unnoticed on a daily basis. Lifeboat Sailors is definitely a great read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy-reading, but very eye-opening and inspiring, March 12, 2002

By	J. Pfaehler (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Although the book was a nice, easy read, I was involved to the point where I couldn't put it down and wanted to know more about the Coast Guard. These men and women of the small lifeboat stations are true heroes. Thanks to Dennis Noble for telling their history and story. I was inspired so much by the desire to become a part of such an amazing tradition and responsibility that I visited my Coast Guard recruiter to join.