Watercure USA - January/February 2022

IN THE KNOW FOR for JAN/FEB 2022

DISASTER IN TAMPA BAY THE 1980 TRAGEDY THROUGH A MERCHANT MARINE’S LENS There are ordinary days you remember forever, but in many cases, it’s the days of tragedy that are deeply imprinted in our minds.

Imagine you’re on a Greyhound bus, when, suddenly, the road ahead disappears and you feel the bus falling. That’s what happened on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on that fateful day. A ship named the Summit Venture had struck the supporting column of the bridge, causing a large span of road to collapse into the water. Several cars, trucks, and a Greyhound bus went off the remaining roadway, cascading into the water below. The event killed over 35 people, with only one survivor. It’s almost unbelievable how Wesley MacIntire, a World War II veteran and sole survivor of the Tampa Bay tragedy, pulled through; however, he had dozens of witnesses. MacIntire, driving a pickup truck, had driven off the bridge as many prior unfortunate vehicles had done. However, the truck bounced off the bow of the Summit Venture, and into the water. Due to the amount of force, MacIntire was actually ejected from his truck onto the ship’s deck while the truck continued over the side without him. Who now would think, after all that, that he would sustain only minimal injuries? But he did. The Summit Venture’s crew pulled him safely from the water. What had been an ordinary trip turned into an unforgettable one. It took a few days for the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to remove the obstructions to clear the channel for use. Once clear, we were the first ship to pass through the channel, leaving one with a very eerie feeling in their stomach. Wesley MacIntire lived until he was 65, before passing away in 1989 due to bone cancer. According to news reports, he drove to the bridge every year until his death. Although he has passed, like many families and working maritime individuals who’d experienced this incident, I’ll never forget that unfortunate day.

In early May of 1980, I had command of the American tanker S.S. Virgo. While at sea, we received orders from Apex Marine to proceed to Hess Oil Terminal in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. Our objective was to fully load #6 fuel for St. Pete Power & Light, a large power generating plant in Tampa, Florida. On May 1, we arrived and commenced loading at Hess. We departed in the late evening on the same day. As we departed for St. Croix, I gave orders to the ship’s officers to sail northwest, just south of Puerto Rico, and then west — this was to follow the southern shore, in order to protect the ship from heavy sea conditions in the Atlantic. Heavy rollers (waves) were pummeling Puerto Rico’s northern shores, so the southern route was a better option for our westward track. As we passed Cuba and the island of Hispaniola, we were harassed — as usual — by Cuban gunboats. Remember, the U.S. and Cuba were on especially unsettling terms at this point of history. One might expect that this would be the most difficult part of the journey, but in fact, they stayed clear as I reminded them we would take no prisoners (although I guaranteed them a fine Christian burial should they try to board the ship). With the gunboats gone, we continued sailing along the west coast of Florida. At sunrise of May 8, a specialized Tampa Bay pilot — familiar with the local conditions in Tampa Bay — boarded us to guide us to the dock of the power plant. On May 9 with the pilot onboard, we were in the process of undocking when he received a phone call. He was told “stand fast,” do not undock, explaining a problem had occurred with an incoming ship in the Lower Tampa Bay waters channel.

–Captain Lance

Until we heard the exact news, there was no way to predict the magnitude of what had just occurred.

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STUFF YOURSELF AND YOUR WALLET With Meal Prepping

Have you ever intended to eat healthy meals throughout the week, but as the days went on, you either ran out of time or patience and picked up unhealthy eating habits? We’ve all been there, but if you find yourself falling into this routine regularly, you might want to give meal prepping a chance. Meal prepping has gained popularity over the past few years, and social media has been flooded with images of fitness gurus’ meal- prepping habits. To properly meal prep, you need to plan and shop for your meals in advance. You then need to cook all of your meals for the week and store them for easy access. This way, you won’t be tempted to eat fast food or other unhealthy options since your meals will already be prepared and ready to eat.

While there are many benefits to meal prepping, there are three that stand above the rest.

you would have spent cooking on hobbies or relaxation since your meals will already be cooked and prepared. It’s a great way to make more time for yourself. YOU’LL BE EATING HEALTHIER. Eating out at restaurants, especially if it’s fast food, can be quite unhealthy. You may find yourself putting on weight if you’re eating out every other day. By meal prepping, you can introduce more home-cooked meals into your diet. You can choose healthier foods, and your portion sizes will be limited since the food is already made. This way you won’t overeat, and you can enjoy fresh and delicious meals every day of the week.

YOU’LL CUT FOOD COSTS. Eating out at restaurants several days a week can get incredibly expensive. Even fast food can quickly burn a hole in your pocket. By going to the grocery store and getting the ingredients to prepare your meals in advance, you will be saving money. And you will never ask yourself, “What should I have for dinner tonight?” YOU’LL SAVE TIME. Our days are already hectic and busy enough, and more often than not, cooking after working or running errands seems like just another chore. With meal prep, you can spend the time

Break Out of the Mold

How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat Mold Growth

Mold — it’s great on blue cheese, but not in our homes.

The best way to spot mold growth in your home is to regularly examine such places, including your shower or bathtub, under sinks, and your basement or garage. However, mold can grow anywhere, so watch for the following signs:

Mold is a subset of fungus, growing primarily as a spore. It’s not an animal, plant, or type of bacteria; instead, mold (and other fungi) is its own species. As scientifically fascinating — and useful in penicillin form — as mold is, it can be very dangerous in your home. Mold growth can cause allergies, skin and eye irritation, lung problems, frequent headaches, immunity issues, and even cystic fibrosis.

• • •

An earthy smell on a substance or in a room Rapid discoloration or warping on a wall or item

A growing stain

HOW TO PREVENT IT The best way to attack mold is to create an environment in which it can’t grow. Start by eliminating moisture. Fix leaks immediately and never let wet clothing items or towels sit for a long time. Manage the humidity in your home with a properly functioning HVAC system, too. This will circumvent any potential moisture buildup. And when cleaning, utilize products that are designed to target mold growth, which will attack spores before they appear to the naked eye.

If you notice mold growth or want to prevent it, it’s imperative that you act. Consider this your go-to guide.

WHERE MOLD GROWS Mold is resilient, and to make matters more complex, some experts estimate there may be more than 300,000 different varieties! However, there are common household types that tend to grow in equally common places. For instance, Alternaria mold thrives in damp, dark places, like under the sink. Meanwhile, Penicillium mold grows around water damage, like where your water heater may have leaked.

For more details on how to remove and prevent mold growth, consult with a mold specialist.

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LANCE: 716-912-9939

DREW: 716-946-3598

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