The Finest Hour Chapters 6-12 Flashcards

Relationship Insights

• Flashbacks reveal Bernie and Miriam's emotional connection, illustrating the impact of Bernie's absence on their relationship.

GC 36500 Specifications

• The GC 36500 measures 36 feet 8 inches long, with a 10-foot beam and a 3-foot draft.
• The boat's total weight is 20,000 pounds.

Chatham Bar Dangers

• Despite sturdy construction, Bernie worries about the perilous conditions of the Chatham Bar, known for its treacherous waters.

Webber's Character

• Webber’s selflessness is highlighted as he prioritizes the safety of others over his own concerns, displaying determination to save stranded men.

Past Rescue Attempts

• Bernie recalls a failed rescue mission with multiple attempts, leading to despair as their efforts to save a sinking ship result in returning to shore each time.

Bernie’s Epiphany

• A spiritual moment inspires Bernie to press forward, believing he has divine support in his mission.

Boat Misfortunes

• The rescue boat is violently tossed by waves, leading to broken equipment and loss of navigational control.

Chapter Opening Significance

• Coincidental timing of a newspaper report on the same day as the rescue incident serves to heighten the narrative's urgency.

Multiple Perspectives

• Inclusion of various viewpoints from reporters, townspeople, and radio stations enriches the narrative, providing a broader understanding of the situation.

Chatham’s Maritime History

• William Nickerson, the first settler, traded for land, indicating early dependence on the sea for the town’s livelihood.

Mooncussers’ Role

• Mooncussers were notorious figures who plundered shipwrecks, highlighting the historical dangers facing seafarers.

Cold Weather Conditions

• Descriptions of extreme cold, such as Carmichael discovering ice clumps in his hair, emphasize the severity of the conditions faced during the rescue.

Risks During Rescue

• The team led by Captain Naab confronts significant dangers, including the risk of capsizing their boat and hypothermia, threatening their mission.

Condition of Rescuers

• If successful, rescuers anticipate feeling exhausted and physically drained, with a strong sense of disappointment if they can’t save anyone.

Frustrated Rescuers

• Rescuers express frustration in being redirected from the Pendleton to Fort Mercer without locating survivors.

Pendleton's Tragedy

• Observers see that all crew members have fallen overboard, indicating a tragedy with no visible survivors.

Survivor Search Challenges

• One man on the Pendleton attempts to jump to safety but is swept away by turbulent seas, accentuating the chaos.

Mercer Survivors

• Evidence suggests that the majority of those aboard the Pendleton likely perished, as no survivors are apparent.

Location Change Decision

• Crew members on the Mercer realize they must relocate to prevent capsizing due to flooding.

Radio Operator Incident

• The radio operator slips and falls into the turbulent ocean while trying to navigate across the boat, highlighting the dire situation.

Lifeboat Failures

• Three men trying to reach lifeboats sent by the Yukuat miss their targets and are swept away, illustrating the peril they face.

Impact of George Myers

• Myers’ confidence boosts crew morale; his efforts, such as firing flare guns, instill hope of rescue while maintaining faith in their return to safety.