Agencies Simulate Burning Ferry in Middle of Bay

CAPE MAY– Imagine a Cape May-Lewes Ferry with an out-of-control fire in the middle of Delaware Bay and the captain orders all to abandon ship.
That was the scenario of a mass rescue operation exercise here Wed., Sept. 21. It included more than 100 Coast Guard recruits wearing makeup to simulate burns, cuts, broken bones and even eye injuries.
The exercise called for 200 injured ferry passengers with 17 crew members. In lieu of an actual ferry, Coast Guard Cutter William Tate, a buoy tender, stood in for the real thing.
The Coast Guard, federal, state and local agencies took part in a full-scale exercise to test processes and procedures. The exercise took place at Coast Guard Training Center Cape May and the ferry terminals in North Cape May and Lewes, Del. where triage centers were established.
At Coast Guard Station Cape May, recruits waited in a tent to receive their injury assignment and make up. At two days from graduation, the recruits seemed to enjoy the diversion.
They munched potato chips, hot dogs and Oreos while waiting to be called to a dock to play an injured ferry passenger. Some were better actors than others, groaning or feigning unconsciousness.
Rescue crews handled the “ferry passengers” as if it was the real thing. Some were carried off on backboards to waiting ambulances. The patients received a ride around the block on base.
The 87-foot Cutter Mako was dispatched to the scene of the “burning ferry” as well as smaller boats. New Jersey State Police and a Delaware Bay Pilot’s Association boat also “delivered” the injured to Cape May.. Recruits were stretched out on the dock, some sitting, some clutching burned arms or broken legs.
Cape May Fire Department transported the first “injured” ferry passenger. Fire Chief Jerry Inderwies Jr. was manning a mobile command center.
Other participating agencies included the New Jersey Emergency Medical Task Force, Sussex County Emergency Medical Services, Town Bank Fire Department, Lower Township Police, the Salvation Army and Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City.