Rescue.

H. Caine, Third Mate of the British cargo ship 'Rossetti' on route from Panama to Inchon, Korea was troubled. He drummed his fingers on the bridge rail oblivious to the Sun-lit sea gliding by. Should he disturb the Old Man at his breakfast? On the one hand the Ordinary Seaman's story was preposterous but on the other what if were true? With a sigh he picked up the phone - a junior officer's life was full of pitfalls.

When the Captain appeared he was as the Third Mate had feared, not in the best of moods. "What ", he growled "is so important in mid-ocean that it could not wait until I had finished my breakfast?"

Before the Third Mate could formulate a reply, Ordinary Seaman Roman Procyk blurted "You've got to turn the ship round Sir, there is a man in the water and we are getting further away all the time!"

The Third Mate said "I've tried to explain, Sir, this is way out in the China Sea, people just don't float about out here but Roman won't listen, I thought it best to call you.

Upon close questioning it turned out that Peanuts (for such was Roman's nick name) had been sent at 0800 hours to do some painting up on the focsul. He confessed that he had not started because he had been leaning over the port side fascinated by some dolphins playing around the bow. That was when he heard a man's voice shouting "HELP". No he had not seen anybody, but he had heard shouting and would we please stop wasting time and turn the ship around?

The Captain asked Caine if he had heard anything. He said not but there had been a couple of hands larking about on the poop, perhaps Peanuts has heard them?

The Captain then questioned Radio Operator Mike Jackson but there was no radio traffic concerning any man overboard nor any reports of missing fishing or yachts.

Peanuts was becoming more and more agitated in his desperate attempts to persuade somebody to do something. No, he was certain he had not heard anyone on the ship, the voice had come from the sea and we are getting further and further away. PLEASE PLEASE DO SOMETHING!

The Captain looked hard at Peanuts and said "it is most unlikely that anybody is out there, especially as there is no radio traffic, but if you insist, I will turn the ship around. Please think on, turning the ship will cost the Owners about £1000 for each hour we expend on a search. Well Roman what do you say?"

Peanuts blinked, paused and then drew a deep breath "I heard him Sir. Please turn the ship round." The Captain considered for a moment longer and then said "Very well, put the ship about Third Mate.

A Williamson Turn was then executed (a method for putting a ship back on a reciprocal course) and orders flew thick and fast. Peanuts was put on the wheel which was then switched from auto to manual mode. The Engine Room was placed on standby. Chief Mate Madge, in his turn, had his breakfast interrupted with orders to pick a crew and prepare the starboard boat for launching. Second Mate Avenin had his sleep interrupted (even worse) in order to con the ship back on its tracks. The Radio Operator was instructed to broadcast ship's intentions and then to scan the airways for any responses. Finally, Purser Kawinski was told to prepare the ship's Hospital for reception of one (or more?) patients.

Leaving the bridge in the capable hands of the Second Mate, the Captain slipped away for a quiet word with Chief Engineer Wakinshaw, not only a valued colleague but a friend of long standing. PTO.