The Ghost Cruise

8 • The Rescue Team

Inside the RNLI Plymouth base, the atmosphere buzzed with a controlled urgency. The interior was a mix of modern functionality and maritime tradition, with charts and navigation equipment adorning the walls alongside state-of-the-art communication systems. The scent of saltwater lingered in the air, a constant reminder of the team's mission to safeguard those at sea.

At his desk near the centre of the room, Terrence Richards, the seasoned leader of the rescue team, sat with focused determination. His weathered face bore the marks of years spent battling the elements. Leaning over a map spread across his desk, he meticulously plotted the coordinates that were known from the data.

As the team gathered, each member brought their unique skills and experiences to the table.

Katie Mulligan, the youngest team member, exuded an eager enthusiasm for her job. With a background in Meteorology and Geology and a passion for the ocean, she approached each mission with scientific curiosity and unwavering dedication.

Dylan Parks, a seasoned navigator with a knack for precision, was known for his calm demeanour and steady hand under pressure. His expertise in charting courses and navigating treacherous waters made him an invaluable asset to the team.

Helen McKinley, the team's communications specialist, possessed a keen intellect and a knack for decoding even the most cryptic distress signals. Her sharp wit and unwavering focus made her the go-to person for coordinating rescue efforts and relaying vital information to the crew.

Nate Willock, the team's mechanic and engineer, brought a wealth of technical expertise and a hands-on approach to every mission. With a background as an Engineer in the Marines, he was responsible for ensuring that the team's vessels were always in top condition and ready for any challenge that lay ahead.

Together, they formed a formidable team, each member complementing the others' strengths and contributing to the collective effort to save lives at sea. As they prepared for their next mission, camaraderie and shared purpose filled the room, driving them forward with determination.

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Richards cleared his throat as he prepared to speak.
"Alright, team, let's get started. Talking objectives, we need to chart the estimated trajectory of the ship that the St. Argyle's crew were sent to investigate, based on the data we've gathered from their boat."

Katie Mulligan thumbed through the paper charts on her lap as she spoke of her findings. "I've compiled a chart of the weather reports and ocean currents data from when they arrived at the ship. It looks like there was a strong southwesterly current in the area, which could have sent the ship drifting south."

Terry nodded, impressed with her work. "Excellent work, Mulligan. Parks, what have you found?"

"Well, Katie, that's consistent with the ship's last known location. According to the Coast Guard at St. Argyle's base, Julian Parker, the crew were sent to these coordinates." Dylan Parks pointed to his computer screen beside him, showing the coordinates, before continuing.
"I've analysed the boat's data, and it shows that they moved roughly 2 kilometres from the coordinates before the engine stopped on the afternoon of the 8th, suggesting that that was where they found the ship."

Helen then spoke, her voice confident and determined.
"I've been monitoring distress signals and satellite imagery. There's been no sign of the ship or a distress call, but we can use historical data to predict its potential drift pattern."

"What about the vessel's last known speed and direction before it went off the radar? We'll need that information to calculate its possible path," Nate added.

Richards turned to look at Nate to his right, "Good point, Nate. We need to cross-reference the ship's speed and direction with the current weather conditions to determine its likely trajectory. Katie?"

"Based on the data we have, I'd estimate the ship would have drifted roughly 1,200 nautical miles south of its last known position by now, as they reached the ship a week ago, meaning its approximate location is likely to be somewhere between the Pico Fracture Zone and the Corner Seamount cluster... here..." She pointed to the location on the map on Richards' desk.

Helen nodded and stood from her chair, "I'll continue monitoring satellite imagery in that vicinity. If we spot anything, we'll better understand where to direct our search efforts."

"Yeah. In the meantime, I'll double-check the equipment on the rescue boat and make sure everything's in working order. We'll need to be prepared for any scenario once we're out at sea," said Nate.

Richards clapped and congratulated his team for their hard work - the rescue mission was already looking successful.
"Excellent work, team. Let's finalise our search plan and prepare to deploy soon. Lives are at stake; we need to act swiftly if we're to find them alive."

The team nodded in agreement, and their focus sharpened as they collaborated to devise a precise and strategic plan to locate the ship and the stranded St. Argyle's crew. With their combined expertise and unwavering perseverance, they were determined to bring the mission to a successful conclusion.

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Later, on the deck of the rescue boat, Nate moved with purpose as he prepared for the upcoming mission. He precisely checked and double-checked the navigation and communication controls, ensuring each device was in perfect working order.

As he completed the final checks, he focused on stocking up on supplies. He meticulously organised life-saving equipment, including life jackets, rafts, and provisions, making sure that everything was easily accessible in case of an emergency. He then loaded the boat with packaged food and water for the stranded crew, knowing they would be starving and likely malnourished after over a week at sea.

With the rescue boat fully equipped and ready to go, Nate felt satisfied, knowing he had done everything possible to prepare for the mission. He sighed deeply and stared out at the horizon, ready to join his team in the search for the stranded St. Argyle's crew.

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