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Regular Session, 2010 ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 142
BY SENATOR MORRISH
A RESOLUTION
To commend Carson Fasske for his brave efforts in a rescue at sea of an injured crewman
thrown overboard in heavy seas in the Gulf of Mexico.
WHEREAS, on May 20, 2010, the M/V Ms Mia issued a Mayday distress call when
a crewman was injured and thrown from the pitching deck into heavy seas off the shore of
Cameron Parish; and
WHEREAS, at approximately 6:20 a.m., the crew of the Calcasieu Pass Pilot Boat
received the distressed ship's radio call by way of a relay set up with Lake Charles Pilot, Unit
11; and
WHEREAS, the Lake Charles Pilot Boat immediately began calls for assistance from
the United States Coast Guard operating in the area and began coordinating actions between
the Ms Mia, the pilot boat, and the coast guard; and
WHEREAS, the Lake Charles Pilot Boat informed the two other vessels that there
was a man overboard extraction unit on board and that the pilot boat, operating under the
orders of Captain John "Buck" Stephenson, began making way at top speed to the scene of
the accident; and
WHEREAS, upon reaching the location of the Ms. Mia, Captain Stephenson lowered
Mate Carson Fasske in the extraction device into the open seas where Fasske pulled the
severely injured crewman into the device and both men were raised on to the swim platform
of the pilot boat; and
WHEREAS, Captain Stephenson left the helm and with Mate Fasske, carried the
injured crewman who had severe gashes to both sides of his neck, up the stairs to the main
deck where first aid treatment was rendered; and
WHEREAS, Captain Stephenson returned to the helm and Mate Fasske worked on
stopping the injured crewman's profuse bleeding and began efforts to combat the shock the
crewman was suffering; and
WHEREAS, Mate Fasske stabilized the injured crewman, wrapped him in blankets,
treated his shock and began to apply pressure to stop the heavy bleeding from the neck SR NO. 142 ENROLLED
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wounds; and
WHEREAS, Captain Stephenson set a heading for Cameron, Louisiana, at top speed,
while in constant radio contact with Coast Guard Houston and relaying conditions of the
crewman and their location; and
WHEREAS, with Captain Stephenson at the wheel and a coast guard diver and Mate
Fasske treating the injured crewman, a coast guard helicopter arrived on site, lowered a
rescue basket and flew the crewman to St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont, Texas, where
he made a full recovery.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby extend its highest commendations to Mate Carson Fasske for his quick actions,
brave efforts, and great dedication during the rescue of an injured fellow seaman on the
stormy seas of the Gulf of Mexico.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to Mate
Carson Fasske.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE