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# Ten Hours Until Dawn: Unpacking the Heroism and Tragedy Aboard the F/V Can Do
The vast, unpredictable ocean has long been a stage for both extraordinary human endurance and profound tragedy. Few stories encapsulate this duality as powerfully as "Ten Hours Until Dawn," the harrowing true account of the fishing vessel *Can Do* and its crew during the infamous Halloween Nor'easter of 1980. This isn't just a tale of a boat lost at sea; it's a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who brave the elements, the desperate fight for survival, and the unwavering courage of rescuers facing impossible odds. Join us as we explore the ten critical aspects of this dramatic maritime event, revealing the heroism and heartbreak etched into its legacy.
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1. The F/V Can Do: A Vessel and Its Crew
The *Can Do* was a 73-foot steel-hulled dragger, a commercial fishing boat designed for the harsh realities of the Atlantic. Based out of Point Judith, Rhode Island, she was helmed by Captain Arnold Mantia, a seasoned fisherman with years of experience navigating the treacherous New England waters. Aboard with him were five crew members: Charles "Chas" Coe, David "Buzzy" Brown, Mark Hutchins, and twin brothers Michael and Paul Meara. These men, like countless others in their profession, were bound by a shared livelihood and the inherent risks of the sea, heading out to fish for scallops as the fateful storm began to brew.
2. The Setting: Halloween Nor'easter, 1980
While often overshadowed by the "Perfect Storm" of 1991, the Halloween Nor'easter of 1980 was a catastrophic weather event in its own right. A powerful low-pressure system stalled off the East Coast, generating hurricane-force winds and monstrous waves that battered the New England coastline. Fishermen, including the crew of the *Can Do*, found themselves caught in an unprecedented maelstrom. This wasn't just a bad storm; it was a rapidly intensifying tempest that would test the limits of human endurance and the resilience of any vessel.
3. The Initial Distress: Engine Failure and Drifting
The first sign of grave trouble for the *Can Do* came when her main engine failed. In the midst of such a violent storm, an engine breakdown meant losing the ability to steer and maintain position against the towering waves. The vessel became a toy in the grip of the ocean, tossed mercilessly, drifting towards the dangerous shoals and rocks of Block Island. The crew’s initial attempts to restart the engine or deploy a sea anchor were valiant but ultimately futile against the overwhelming force of nature.
4. The Call for Help: Mayday and Coast Guard Response
As conditions worsened and the *Can Do*'s situation became dire, Captain Mantia issued a desperate Mayday call. This distress signal, picked up by the U.S. Coast Guard, immediately triggered a massive search and rescue operation. Despite the extreme weather grounding most aircraft and making sea travel perilous, the Coast Guard launched an HH-3F Pelican helicopter and dispatched cutters, knowing that time was of the essence for the six men clinging to hope aboard the disabled fishing boat.
5. Heroism in the Air: The HH-3F Pelican Crew
The heart of the rescue effort lay with the crew of Coast Guard helicopter 1471. Piloted by Lieutenant Commander George Clark, with co-pilot Lieutenant J.B. Williams, flight mechanic Petty Officer 3rd Class Dave Forrest, and rescue swimmer Petty Officer 2nd Class Bob "Spider" Tobey, these four men embarked on a mission that defied belief. Flying into the teeth of the hurricane-force winds and blinding rain, they faced extreme turbulence, icing, and the constant threat of being overwhelmed by the storm themselves, driven only by the imperative to save lives.
6. The Perilous Rescue Attempts: Waves and Wind
Reaching the *Can Do* was one challenge; attempting a rescue was another entirely. The helicopter hovered precariously above the pitching vessel, battling wind gusts over 80 knots and waves estimated to be 50 to 60 feet high. Rescue swimmer Spider Tobey was repeatedly lowered towards the deck, only to be violently swung away by the wind or drenched by monstrous waves crashing over the boat. The sheer force of the storm made the precise maneuvers required for a hoist operation almost impossible, pushing both the helicopter and its crew to their absolute limits.
7. The Tragic Loss: The Boat Overturns
After hours of battling the storm and repeated, agonizingly close rescue attempts, the inevitable happened. A colossal wave, or a series of them, finally overwhelmed the *Can Do*. The vessel rolled violently, capsizing and disappearing beneath the churning surface of the Atlantic. This moment marked a devastating turn, transforming a rescue mission into a recovery effort, though the hope for survivors still fueled the Coast Guard's relentless efforts.
8. The Lone Survivor: A Glimmer of Hope
Miraculously, one crew member, Ernest "Ernie" Hazard Jr., managed to escape the sinking vessel. Clinging to debris in the frigid, tempestuous water, he endured an unimaginable ordeal. Spotting him amidst the chaos, the Coast Guard helicopter crew executed a final, desperate hoist, pulling Hazard from the clutches of the sea. His survival was a testament to his incredible will to live and the unwavering determination of his rescuers, a sole beacon of light in the profound darkness of the tragedy.
9. The Aftermath and Search Efforts
In the days following the *Can Do*'s sinking, the Coast Guard continued an extensive search for the five missing crewmen: Captain Mantia, Chas Coe, David Brown, Mark Hutchins, and Michael Meara. Communities along the New England coast held vigils, hoping against hope for another miracle. However, despite the exhaustive efforts, the ocean held its secrets, and the bodies of the remaining crew were never recovered, leaving families and friends to grapple with immeasurable grief and unanswered questions.
10. Lessons Learned and Lasting Legacy
The *Can Do* tragedy, and the extraordinary efforts of the Coast Guard 1471 crew, became a pivotal moment in maritime rescue history. It highlighted the extreme dangers faced by both those at sea and those who risk their lives to save them. The event led to a deeper understanding of helicopter limitations in severe weather, the importance of survival gear, and the psychological toll of such missions. The heroism displayed, particularly by the crew of 1471 who received numerous commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, remains an enduring legacy, reminding us of the ultimate sacrifices made in the face of nature's fury.
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Conclusion
The story of the F/V *Can Do* and the Halloween Nor'easter of 1980 is far more than a historical footnote; it's a powerful narrative of humanity's struggle against overwhelming odds. It showcases the brutal indifference of the sea, the devastating impact of tragedy, and, most importantly, the profound courage and selflessness of individuals. From the resilient fishermen fighting for their lives to the heroic Coast Guard crews defying the storm, "Ten Hours Until Dawn" is a poignant reminder of the bonds forged in crisis and the enduring spirit of those who answer the call, even when faced with the impossible. The legacy of the *Can Do* crew and their rescuers continues to resonate, a testament to the heroism and tragedy forever etched into the annals of maritime history.
