Hundreds of Penguins Rescued

Brazil

Nearly 400 Magellanic penguins are back on the right track this week, after getting lost during migration and wandering 1,550 miles from their destination. The International Fund for Animal Welfare saw that the wayward flock was relocated via a C-130 Hercules aircraft, an ironic mode of transportation for the flightless birds. After the long journey, the warm-weather penguins rested for 24 hours before waddling eagerly into the see off of Brazil's southern coast. It is believed that they first became confused due to shifting temperature patterns in the oceans which are contrary to the animals' hired-wired migration instincts. With luck, though, this wayward flock will go back to life - and migration - as usual.

To read more, visit http://www.cnn.com/2008/TECH/science/10/08/rescued.penguins/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

2 Year-Old Survives 30 Foot Drop, Caught By Strangers

Miami, FL, USA

Sherri Pinkerton found herself in a desperate situation at the central Florida Carnival today, when the "Crazy Bus" ride began to move before all the passengers were safely strapped in. With her 2 year-old daughter, Gracie, Pinkerton was lifted 30 feet into the air with nothing to stop her from falling. Holding to the carnival contraption with one hand, she held Grace in the other. As her strength stretched to the limit, in her own words, "There was nothing I could do. . . I couldn't hold both of us. I held onto her for as long as I could." As luck would happen, fair goers gathered beneath mother and child to catch Grace. ""I let go of her and she grabbed my shirt," Pinkerton explained. "So, I had to pry her hands off my shirt and let her fall." Amazingly, Grace was uninjured. Rescuers used a ladder to access Pinkerton and 6 more children inside the ride, all of whom were recovered safely.

An investigation has been launched to determine whether the ride malfunctioned or there was an operator error.

To read more, visit http://news.aol.com/article/toddler-caught-after-drop-from-fair-ride/201641

Act of Courage Saves Florida Woman's Life

Chris Mosely is being called a hero for saving a woman's life after she jumped off a bridge in Florida. Onlookers say the woman lay her cell phone down on the side of the road and jumped into the water below the Joe McCorquodale bridge on Highway 43. She fell at least 97 feet before hitting the water. Chris Mosely saw the woman fall and was able to follow a trail below the bridge and jumped in the water to save the woman. When asked what inspired his act of bravery, he responded that he was just doing what he "thought was right thing to do."

"You know I didn't think about it. Nothing like that every crossed my mind I just knew that I was at the time was the only one there she was going to get saved and it was going to be up to me," The woman is currently recovering in the hospital but suffered no critical injuries. We obviously all hope that she will also receive the emotional and mental health services to continue her recovery in all aspects.


http://www.wkrg.com/local/article/bridge_rescue_man_saves_womans_life/19614/

Assistance Dog Calls 911, Saves Man's Life

Phoenix, AZ, USA

The frantic sound of a dog whining and barking may not be what Chriss Trott is accustomed to hearing when he answers 911 calls, but it was enough to save the life of Joe Stalnaker on Wednesday when he suffered a seizure.

Stalnaker's home is flagged in the 911 database as having a trained assistance dog who may call for help in an emergency. Buddy, Stalnaker's faithful German shepherd, has been trained since puppyhood to recognize the symptoms of a seizure, get the telephone, and press specially programmed numbers that contact the 911 emergency hotline.

"It's pretty incredible," says Scottsdale police Sgt. Mark Clark "Even the veteran dispatchers — they haven't heard of anything like this."Clark further reports that Mr. Stalnaker spent a couple of days in the hospital, making a full recovery from his seizure thanks to Buddy. Man's best friend, indeed.

To read more, visit http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5jeDqeOQlgzwM4VjSCR1TETh6rM4AD936NST82

Thanks going out to Papa Goose for this story!

Cat Survives 16 Mile Journey Under the Hood of a Running Car

Irvine, CA

After driving 16 miles from Anaheim to Irvine, CA, an anonymous driver pulled her Honda over when she heard odd noises issuing from under the hood. When she got out of the car, she realized that the loud wailing sounded just like a cat. After popping her hood, the driver was stunned to find an adult black cat who had somehow wedged himself behind her right headlight, beneath the hood. The woman immediately called 911.

When rescue workers arrived, the car's engine was still so hot that they were unable to access the trapped kitty. Eventually, loosening the car's headlight gave way to a crack wide enough for rescuers to tranquilize and, eventually, extract cat.

Miraculously, "Miles," as the cat has now been named, survived the ordeal without a scratch or even a burn. Miles is micro chipped, however thus far his owners have not come forward. He is currently up for adoption in Irvine.

For the full story, visit: http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/09/11/dnt.ca.cat.wedged.in.engine.kcal

Swimmers Rescued After 12 Hours at Sea

Daytona Beach, FL, USA

A day at the beach for 12 year-old Chris Marino and his father Walter turned nightmarish when Chris was caught in an overpowering tide last Saturday night. Walter rushed to his son's rescue, only to be swept far offshore by the same treacherous current. Night fell, and father and son were separated as they struggled to stay afloat among three-foot swells. Rescue workers searched for the two until after 3:00 am to no avail.

However, both swimmers managed to stay afloat and relatively unharmed for the rest of the night. A fishing boat found Walter Marino, still swimming, at around 7:30 the next morning, while the coast guard rescued Chris two hours later, just a mile from where his father had been found. Both were listed as "in good condition" at a local hospital today.

To read more, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,418495,00.html

Man Rescued from Silo Recovering Well

Town of Oregon, Wisconsin

Wayne Ace noticed a big problem with the materials stored in one of his farm's silos. Silage, a mix of raw chopped materials like field corn, sorghum, grass, or clover, is put into silos to ferment and eventually be used as winter feed for livestock. Wayne noticed that his silage wasn't level, which would have meant wasted space inside the silo and less feed for his animals. Wanye, an experienced farmer, felt he could handle climbing into the 60 foot storage tower to fix the problem. Due to the tower's height and extremely limited access points, Wanye became stuck about halfway up the cylnder. The fumes and fibers from silage can prove toxic when inhaled over an extended period of time. Luckily, Wayne's family noticed what had happened almost immediately and called rescue workers to the scene. The rescue squad safely rappelled down the inside of the silo, and extracted Wanye through an opening no bigger than a foot and a half. He was taken by ambuleance to a local hospital where he has been recovering well. Wayne credits both the EMS and his family for his rescue, pointing out that it might have been much worse had he been stuck for much longer.

"It's my understanding that family members actually discovered the patient. Had they not been as alert and keeping track of what was going on with him, he could have been there for an extended period of time and could have expired," said Capt. Robin Powers of Oregon Fire and EMS.

Wisconsin Man Rescued After Treading Water for 12 Hours

Green Bay, WI, USA

Despite being an experienced sailor, 56 year-old James Nelson was caught in a nightmarish situation on Sunday when he was knocked from his 23-foot sailboat into Michigan's Green Bay. A sudden rush of wind knocked the vessel's boom into Nelson's head, sending him flying into the water without his life jacket, which he had laid in the seat next to him. The same wind blew his boat hopelessly out of reach as Nelson drifted far out into the Bay. That night, his wife reported him missing at about the same time the coast guard found his boat, adrift with its motor still running.

For 12 hours, Nelson had been swimming, treading water, and resting frequently in a dead man's float, hoping and praying for rescue. In an interview with Fox, Nelson said that he tried to focus on his family and how he wanted to get home. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard sent seven boats and two helicopters to join a group of recreational boaters in the search for the missing man. At around 3:00 in the morning, one of the helicopters' crew finally spotted Nelson, who was so exhausted that a diver had to be sent to help him hold on as he was lifted out of the water. "When we heard a survivor was spotted in the water, you'd have thought we won the Super Bowl from the cheers," said Chief Mike Weisenbaugh, officer in charge of Coast Guard Station Green Bay.

James Nelson was treated for dehydration at St. Vincent's Hospital, before finally getting home safely.

To read more, visit http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gvu8VYab2kZ8YljiHJcMo8BAX0DwD92LCL9G2

K-2 Update: Third Climber Survives Unaided Return to Base Camp

The third survivor of the K2 avalanche, Marco Confortola of Italy, was able to make his way down the rest of the mountain and to the relative safety of base camp. Marco, who was injured and severely frostbitten, accomplished the rest of his decent with neither staggered down help nor oxygen. Once he was down, a Pakistani military rescue helicopter was able to transport him to a hospital for treatment.


For the original story... http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/08/05/asia/k2.php

Two Dutch Climbers Rescued after K-2 Avalanche

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan

A helicopter pilot braved the dangergously thin airspace surrounding the K-2 mountain in Pakistan, and was able to successfully save the lives of two climbers presumed lost after an avalanche Monday. The two frostbitten Dutch climbers were attempting to descend the world’s second-highest mountain along with several other climbers, when the avalanche occurred.
Having spotted Wilco Van Rooijen and Cas Van de Gevel, the helicopter pilot rescued the two climbers and brought them first to K-2’s base camp and then to a military hospital in Skardu, the nearest town. The avalanche struck over 26,250 feet up the mountain, but choppers generally don't fly above 19,700 feet. This risky manueuver was well rewarded with three people safely down from K-2. The search continues for 11 other climbers who were on agruably the world's most dangerous mountain that day.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25995028/

Sailor Saved from Hurricane Cristobal

Canada

A Canadian helicopter team was able to airlift a 66 year old Connecticut man to safety about 250 kilometres southeast of Halifax. His boat had capsized in the rough seas caused by tropical storm Cristobal. After activating his emergency locator beacon, a Cormorant helicopter, a Hercules airplane, two coast guard vessels and a frigate were sent to rescue him. A search-and-rescue technician was lowered into the water from the Cormorant and was able to lift the the sailor into the chopper. Both the technician and the sailor are in good condition.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/07/23/cristobal-sailor.html

Daring Pilot Rescues Parachutist ith Risky Maneuver

A former British soldier who has asked not to be named as he was only "doing his job" became a hero this weekend when he left the controls of a small plane he was flying to disentangle a struggling parachutist.

The parachutist was last of a 6-man team of British soldiers to jump from the plane in a parachuting contest in Germany. His chute failed to deploy normally, and the lines became tangled around parts of the aircraft. According to observers, "We saw a body dangling helplessly from the plane as it was coming into land," and "We were watching the plane when I noticed there was a man dangling upside-down. He was completely caught up."

The anonymous pilot left the plane's controls for about 30 seconds to lean out and cut the parachutist free. Once liberated, the parachutist was able to land safely. The plane also landed without further incident.

To read more about this daring rescue, visit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1036449/Hero-pilot-leaves-plane-fly-cuts-free-parachutist-tangled-landing-gear.html

Alaska Fishing Boat Rescues 10 from Volcano

Anchorage, AK, US

After an unpredicted volcano eruption in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, the fishing vessel Tara Gaila was able to rescue 10 people, including three children. No injuries were reported as a result of the eruption.

The 10 people, residents of the Fort Glenn ranch (approximately 6 miles from the volcano) were able to make a cell phone call for help before losing their connection. The coast guard contacted the crew of the Tara Gaila, which immediately sprang into action.

The volcano erupted shortly before noon on Saturday, for the first time since 1997.

For details about the eruption and the rescue, visit http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=8861354257340046764

Update: Colombian Hostages Free

BOGOTA, Colombia

The freeing of the 15 hostages of the Colombian rebel group FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) has been confirmed. Reunited with their families, the former hostages are all reported to be elated and surprisingly healthy.

The rescue operation, first reported to have been something like a careful negotiation, is now revealed to have been a daring deception! Military rescue personal disguised as FARC members managed to convince the captives' guards that they were transporting the hostages in a helicopter. No one, even the hostages, suspected a rescue mission until they were well on their way to safety. Then the real rebels were overpowered and the hostages were told "We're the national army. . . You're free."

Famed hostage Ingrid Betancourt described the reunion with her family as "Nirvana, paradise — that must be very similar to what I feel at this moment. . . It was because of them that I kept up my will to get out of that jungle."

For the full story, visit http://news.aol.com/story/_a/freed-hostage-reunited-with-children/20080702152709990002

Hostages Rescued, Colombia Reports

Bogota, Columbia

15 hostages of Colombian rebel groups have reportedly been rescued by the Colombian military. Among the rescued are three Americans, former Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, and eleven Colombian soldiers and police officers. Some of them have been held captive for years. Juan Manuel Santos, the Colombian Defense Minister, says no one was hurt during the rescue operation. Instead, soldiers captured some of the rebels guarding the hostages and convinced them to talk their comrades into freeing the captives.

Residing in Paris, Bentacourt's son Lorenzo Delloye-Betancourt says his mother's release after six years, "if true, the most beautiful news of [his] life."

Read the full story at http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,375481,00.html

Florida Biologist Rescues a Bear

Apalachihola, FLA, US

Fish and wildlife authorities were summoned to a quiet neighborhood near Alligator Point, FLA, last Saturday to investigate reports of a wild bear roaming the streets. Indeed, a 375 lb male black bear was discovered in the town, and quickly shot with a tranquilizer dart. The beast, however, managed to lumber off into the Gulf of Mexico before succumbing to the dart's drug, putting itself in imminent danger of drowning.

Adam Warwick, fish and wildlife biologist, didn't hesitate to come to the helpless animal's rescue. Rushing into the sea, he managed to wrestle the huge body back to shore, where it was hoisted on to a truck and safely relocated to Osceola National Forest.

Non-Profit Organization Comes to Farmers' Rescue

Ellendale, ND

North Dakota farmer Richard Olson feared for his family's livelihood when he suffered a debilitating accident last year. Without being physically able to plant the farm's crops, Olson faced the prospect of renting out their land and loosing the farm forever.

Thanks to Bill Gross, professional UPS pilot, that didn't happen. In his spare time, Gross runs an organization to help struggling farmers like Olson to make it through the year. Gross, who grew up on a farm, recalls how different farming used to be: "Years ago, when there was an accident or an injury, neighbors would usually come and help each other. Nowadays, there are fewer family farms and fewer children on those farms, and it's just not as easy for neighbors to help one another anymore." It's no wonder, when you consider that the number of farms in the US has dropped 67% since 1910.

Gross's organization, Farm Rescue, aids families like the Olsons by helping with the planting and harvesting - not by giving handouts. Says Gross, "We don't give out money to farmers, this is not a handout or a bailout for any farm family. It's just to help them through the year so they can continue." And it's working. Of the 60 or so farmers Farm Rescue has helped, "[m]ost of [their] cases are success stories where [they] help the family out and the next year they're able to do it on their own."

Read the full story at http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/06/25/heroes.gross/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

After 8 "Deaths," Kristy Sanderson Looks Forward to Sweet 16

15 year-old Kristy Sanderson must be part feline, because she's living her ninth life. Born with serious heart problems, she was expected to live only a few weeks. Doctors attempted open-heart surgery on the infant with disastrous results; she died a total of 8 times on the operating table. Miraculously, the surgeons were able to resuscitate baby Kristy and fit her with the world's tiniest pacemaker.

Kristy's had to have the pacemaker changed out a few times since then. And, for the rest of her life, she'll have to get a new one every 8-10 years. Still, says the teen, "There’s barely a day that goes by when I don’t think how lucky I am to be alive."

Kristy is able to lead a normal life, and is looking forward to her 16th birthday.

Read the full story at http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/49709/Sweet-16-the-girl-who-died-8-times-as-a-baby

3 year-old Successfully Calls 911 for Ailing Mother

Guthrie, OK

3 year-old Madelyn Eaves knew just what to do when her mommy fell down in a faint, thanks to a simple song she'd been taught: "911, green!" Her mother, 24 year-old Jessica Eaves, suffers from vasovagal syncope, a condition which causes her to faint regularly. By itself, the condition is not life-threatening. However, Ms. Eaves is three months pregnant, and even a slight fall could be hazardous to her health and the baby's. That's why, just a week before she fainted, Ms. Eaves taught her daughter the simple lyrics "911, green!" and showed her how to press the number buttons, followed by the green button on her BlackBerry phone. 911 operators were able to reach the house by asking little Madelyn questions about her house and the cars parked nearby. What a clever mommy and daughter combo!

To learn more, visit http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,371229,00.html

Outward Bound Team Safe and Sound

Fresno, CA, US

Searchers have found nine missing teenagers and two missing adults who were part of an Outward Bound hike in the central Sierra Nevada. All eleven of them are fine. The group failed to meet up with the next guide in their journey, and were officially reported missing on Wednesday. Fortunately, just hours after the report, the group was found safe at the Florence Lake Store, where they had hiked to call for help.

For details, visit http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-06-25-hikers-california_N.htm?csp=34