A joint rescue mission, launched by the 31st Air Rescue Squadron stationed at Kadena and the 11th Division of the Japanese Coast Guard and local fire department, began shortly thereafter, deploying two GARCs and six jetskis. Within hours, however, the jetskis were disabled, unable to handle the waves and the breaking surf; some with water jets clogged due to debris floating in the water.
The GARC, a personal watercraft rescue boat, designed for durability in breaking surf and high waves, not only outperformed the six jetskis in this mission, but rescued one of the jetski operators after a particularly big wave hit the jetski. Although the same wave hit the GARC broadside, it did not capsize.
The 143 horse power GARCs worked for three days in up to 30 foot waves, with a payload of 2-3 Airforce Pararescue Specialists (known as PJs) per GARC. The boats only required refueling once per each 12 hour day at sea.
Maritime Applied Physics Corporation (MAPC) has now developed a line of manned and unmanned, gas, diesel, and electric 3.6 and 5 meter GARCs that are stable, dependable, durable, and can turn completely around within one boat length. Mark Rice, President and Founder of MAPC: “The October rescue and recovery mission in Okinawa proves the GARC’s durability and reliability in extreme weather conditions.” For more information on the GARC, please check out our website: https://www.mapcorp.com/our-work/garc/
