Voyage to Frying Pan Tower: Ever-evolving efforts to improve maritime safety
FRYING PAN SHOALS, NC (WWAY) — Rising 135 feet above the ocean, Frying Pan Tower stands as more than a reminder of time once served by US Coast Guardsmen. Richard Neal is working to make sure the former light tower remains a beacon of hope and safety for mariners in distress.
One of the standout tools in Neal’s lifesaving arsenal is the U-Safe, a remote-controlled, self-propelled lifebuoy that resembles a scooter but serves a much greater purpose. With a press of a button and a skilled hand on the joystick, the U-Safe can swiftly navigate through the water to reach individuals in distress, providing them with a lifeline back to safety.
The U-Safe is just one example of Neal’s dedication to keeping mariners safe around Frying Pan Tower. His proactive approach extends beyond the tower’s role as a cool spot in the middle of the ocean; it serves as a vital tool for maritime safety.
“The number one thing that you have to be able to do is get help to them or a way to relax or rest in less than 60 seconds or less than three minutes because they fatigue very quickly, they’re very upset, they maybe didn’t have on a life jacket.” said Neal.
Neal’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by the maritime community. Aaron Stasiak is the brains behind The Qualified Captain. After starting an Instagram page to share funny videos of mistakes made by mariners, it turned into a platform for him to educate boaters and highlight why people love the water. Stasiak lauded Neal’s contributions, emphasizing that Neal’s work goes beyond the waters directly below the tower.
“This place clearly saves lives. Once or twice a year, he’s saved somebody’s life out here, whether it’s a diver or a missing boat,” said Stasiak. “Most important thing is too is if something happens offshore, he can relay those radio transmissions to the US Coast Guard quicker than anybody else.”
“What we get to do in our limited way is we work with the Coast Guard guys,” said Neal. “Right now, we’re working with how to extend the range of their emergency radio beacon. So, if someone 30 miles that way goes ‘help me!’ they can’t hear it, we can.”
As Frying Pan Tower stands as an important piece of maritime history, Neal and his team are focused on its present-day impact as a safety beacon. Every contribution and innovation made by Neal’s team contributes to making the waters safer for all, allowing mariners to enjoy activities like fishing and scuba diving with peace of mind.
In essence, Frying Pan Tower is not just a nautical fixture—it’s a symbol of dedication to maritime safety and a testament to the power of innovation in saving lives at sea.
We will have more on how you can win a trip to the tower later this week to help with restoration. Hannah Patrick will show you what it is like to stay overnight at the tower on Friday on WWAY News at 6 as the Voyage to Frying Pan Tower concludes.
