The Ghost Cruise

11 • Deployment

Inside the bustling headquarters of RNLI Plymouth, the atmosphere held a sense of urgency. The control room hummed with activity as team members scurried between computer terminals and communication consoles, their voices blending into a symphony of coordinated action.

Amidst the organised chaos, Terrence Richards stood at the helm, his steady presence anchoring the team amidst the flurry of activity. With a determined expression, he surveyed the scene before him.

"Alright, everyone, listen up," he called out, his voice commanding attention amidst the bustling activity. "We're deploying today. I'm going to need full team cooperation to make this work."

Katie Mulligan glanced up from her computer screen; her expression focused as she awaited instructions. "What's the plan, Terry?"

"I need Parks and McKinley to finalise the navigation and comms. Katie, I want you to double-check the weather data for the next four days. Nate, ensure the boat riggs are secured and double-check that the engine works properly."

Dylan and Nate nodded in acknowledgement, both already moving to their designated stations.

Helen McKinley flashed a quick thumbs-up before diving back into her work. "I'll make sure the comms are clear."

Outside, waiting patiently to be deployed, the rescue boat stood proud and glistening in the morning haze as the crew members hurried to and fro. The air was alive with anticipation, each team member acutely aware of the importance of their role in the impending rescue mission.

As the final preparations were made, Richards signalled the deployment was all clear to go ahead, setting into motion a chain of events that would see them embarking on a perilous journey into the unknown territory of the North Atlantic.

Nate Willock assumed his role as coxswain, while Terry's steady hands would steer the vessel. Parks served as the Skipper stood at the helm, his gaze fixed on the horizon for signs of trouble as he navigated the vast expanse ahead. Meanwhile, Helen McKinley remained at the base, diligently operating the communications to ensure seamless coordination with the rescue team.

Katie Mulligan's role as crewman had her assisting with various tasks on board the rescue boat. As they set sail from Plymouth harbour, the urgency of their mission drove them forward with purpose and determination.

With the ship's estimated coordinates set as their target, the team calculated it would take approximately four and a half days to reach the location. Each crew member braced themselves for the challenging journey ahead, knowing that every moment counted in their race to save the stranded crew of St. Argyle's.

Amidst the relentless rhythm of the waves, the crew found brief respites from their duties. Below deck, in the cramped confines of the cabin, they took turns taking much-needed rest.

Nate Willock remained vigilant at the helm, eyes scanning the horizon with unwavering focus. When Richards needed to rest from Captain's duties, Nate assumed control, taking over to steer the boat.

In his 25+ years of service in the RNLI, Terrence Richards had faced his fair share of challenges on the open sea. From treacherous storms to daring rescues and even some unfortunate losses, he had seen it all. But now, as he guided the rescue boat through the turbulent waters of the North Atlantic, he knew that this mission was unlike any he had faced before.

The enormity of the task weighed heavily on his shoulders, the lives of an entire crew hanging in the balance as they drifted aimlessly amidst the vast expanse of the ocean, likely starving to death, dehydrated and exhausted. With each passing moment, the stakes grew higher, and the thought of bringing back even just one dead body was enough to drive him forward with a sense of urgency that bordered on pure desperation.

But still, Richards remained steadfast in his resolve, drawing upon the years of experience that had honed his skills as a seafarer and a leader. With every decision he made, he was acutely aware of the responsibility on his shoulders; the lives of his own crew and the stranded crew of St. Argyle's depended on him.

Two days into the journey, Nate was stood on the deck scanning the horizon. The sea was unusually calm, and the sky was bright and clear, allowing him to see far out. As he peered behind them, he suddenly shouted for Richards to stop the boat. Richards was startled and rushed out of the cabin to see what Nate was shouting about.

On the horizon behind their boat, another boat was slowly approaching them. The humming sound of its engine grew closer until Nate could make out what the vessel was in his telescope.
"Oh!" he exclaimed, "It's another RNLI!"

As RNLI Penzance slowed down and approached their boat, the captain shouted over.
"Plymouth! We've come to help with the rescue!"
Richards' wide grin said it all; he was relieved to see them.

Captain Francis Parry boarded the Plymouth and spoke with Richards about the details of the mission: the weather reports, the estimated coordinates of the abandoned cruise ship, the sea currents data, the profiles of the St. Argyle's crew, etc.

Once all the information had been shared, Parry returned to his own boat, and the two fired up the engines to continue their journey across the North Atlantic Ocean.

As the two rescue boats ventured together, the Penzance closely following behind the Plymouth, a feeling of solidarity washed over them, with a shared determination to succeed in the mission.

As night fell once again, Katie Mulligan notified Richards of a storm brewing on the horizon, as grey clouds seemed to be accumulating ahead of them. With each night that passed, navigating the treacherous waters was becoming increasingly challenging. The relentless gusts of wind and towering waves threatened to engulf them, testing the skills and resilience of both crews.

Despite the storm and the high waves, the combined efforts of both rescue teams fortunately kept the vessels on course.

As they forged ahead into the heart of the storm, their determination to succeed burned brighter than ever, driving them forward through the darkness as they raced against time.

-