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History of ATR-7 - Page 8 The hurricane
season was the biggest threat to ships along the Florida coast. Several
hurricanes lashed the area while ATR-7 was stationed in Miami.
It began on Wednesday 13 September after they returned from a daily training exercise. While off Miami Beach SN1 fell overboard while going from the boat deck to main deck. He was rescued by Army boat J-284 and put on board CG 38783 which returned him to ATR-7. USS PCE-867 came alongside and delivered a portfolio with confidential orders for the Captain to get underway to assist a stricken ship. Before setting out to sea, the engine room had to get up steam in the boilers. Also, some of the crew were still ashore on liberty. Since a lot of the fellows gathered at a nearby bar/restaurant called "Chile Jack's", a man was sent over there to call any of ATR-7's crew back to the ship on the double. To add to the excitement, the Captain ordered a few blasts on the steam whistle when steam was available. Being the only steam vessel in port, the crewmen knew it was their ship and they moved in a hurry. All liberty personal returned on time. At 1734 ATR-7 was underway heading for Royal Island, Bahamas. Shortly before midnight she passed Great Isaac Light abeam to starboard. She continued on, passing Great Stirrup Cay Light followed by Great Egg Light before entering the anchorage off Royal Island, B.W.I. where she anchored. At 1641 they were underway again en route to rendezvous with U.S. Army FS-315 in accordance with COMGULFSEAFRON dispatch. REMAINDER
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