Even if
you’ve already seen the heartwarming viral video of the deer rescue in
Minnesota, this raw footage is definitely worth watching. HTC grad James Kenison
and his father Doug of MedCity Hovercraft use
their Neoteric hovercraft – and their piloting expertise – to save the lives of
three deer stranded for days on the ice of Albert Lea Lake. As one reporter wrote,
“It’s a father/son rescue mission unlike
anything you’ve ever seen” …
Sometimes
hovercraft are the only lifesaving tool that works – especially in climates
like that of Minnesota – ‘The Land of 10,000 Lakes.’ The Minnesota DNA reports
that since 1977 there have been 225 human ice fatalities in the state - and 57%
of them resulted from taking a snowmobile, ATV or vehicle other than a
hovercraft onto ice. Another journalist summed it up, “Boats and jet skis are pretty useless on ice and snowmobiles fall
through ice if it won’t hold their weight … If you fall through ice, or get
sucked into mud or quicksand, better hope someone locally has a hovercraft
handy.”
The
Kenisons credit Hovercraft Training Centers and
Neoteric Hovercraft for the success of their
rescue. “The training I received has been
such a huge benefit," wrote James, “Each time I operate the craft some of my training comes into play to
some degree and I continue to build on my skills as a Neoteric hovercraft
pilot.” He added, “Our Neoteric craft
performed really well. Its reverse thrusters gave us the ability to quickly
maneuver on the slippery ice; without them, the rescue would have taken longer
just to get the craft in the right position.”
Getting to
the heart of the matter, Doug told us, “It
looked like one of the deer actually came closer to us. It just seemed like she
knew we were there to help. It was our honor and privilege to help these
wonderful animals.”
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James
Kenison (center) and his father Doug (right) earned their pilot certification
from
instructor Steve Stafford (left)
at Hovercraft Training Centers.
|
Tell
us in a comment: Have you ever witnessed an ice rescue?
How does this compare?
Thanks HTC the training and the Neoteric Hovercraft (reverse thruster system) on ice made this a safe an successful rescue. Having the right training and equipment is the most important thing.
ReplyDeleteWe at HTC and Neoteric absolutely concur ... and thank you, James, for giving us the opportunity to provide what you needed to save the lives of these deer.
ReplyDelete