Alaska prepares for vessel disasters

A helicopter practices dropping an Emergency Towing System on the Coast Guard cutter Morgenthau. (Zoe Sobel/KUCB)
On one of the nicest days of the summer, the Coast Guard cutter Morgenthau needs help. The boat is playing the role of distressed vessel. A local tug slowly approaches its bow while crew members ready the Emergency Tow System. Horns blare and bang. One end of the rope is on the tug and the other on the Morgenthau. On both sides, people scramble to secure the lines for towing.
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