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When the USCG cutter Escanaba splashed in sideways into the Saginaw River, it was the first of her kind. 165 feet long, it was steel reinforced to take on the worst winters on the Great Lakes. Esky was immediately put into action, saving countless lives on Lake Michigan and routinely breaking open the Straits of Mackinac each spring. World War II called the ship to the North Atlantic, where the crew saved over 100 lives in one of the worst Nazi submarine attacks during the war. Listen to a survivor from the Dorchester, who was dragged aboard the cutter after being submerged in the freezing waters. Only a few months later, the Esky mysteriously exploded while guarding another convoy, and only three men were rescued. Hear from one of the survivors as well as the captain of the tug (another Great Lakes built ship) that pulled him to safety. It’s a Mixtory exclusive! 

 
Escanaba breaks ice on Lake Michigan

Escanaba breaks ice on Lake Michigan

Melvin Baldwin and Ray O’Malley survived the sinking of the Escanaba

Melvin Baldwin and Ray O’Malley survived the sinking of the Escanaba

Four chaplains gave up their lifejackets to save others

Four chaplains gave up their lifejackets to save others

A close-up of the lifeboat and strong-back (lower right pole).

A close-up of the lifeboat and strong-back (lower right pole).

The most famous Coast Guard rescue missions are documented in this unique video from Airworthy Productions. From the cutter Escanaba's story to the helicopter lift of the survivors of the Nordmeer, this DVD has it all. Featuring the shipwrecks of the Cort, Dorchester, Nordmeer, Cedarville, Bradley, Hollyhock and Escanaba.