Frank Knowles: 1940 – 2012

July 18th, 2013 by JCB
Posted in Obituaries | No Comments »

 

American pilot, Frank Knowles, died following a fall from a pilot ladder in the early hours of 13th March this year. Although not a UK pilot, I have included this tribute as a reminder to all pilots of the dangers inherent in pilot ladder  transfers. 

At the time of writing the official report has not been published but when it is  the UKMPA will pass on any “lessons learned”. Meanwhile, the following outline account is compiled from press reports at the time. Stay Safe!       JCB 

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While boarding the vessel Pipit Arrow, at the Panama City, (Florida) Sea buoy, 73-year old Captain Frank Knowles, fell from the vessel’s pilot ladder and was unable to be immediately recovered in the early morning darkness.

An emergency helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft from the US Coast Guard were immediately deployed, however two hours later his body was recovered by the Pipit Arrow’s fast rescue craft.

His colleagues remember him as a fantastic ship-handler, a good friend, and a huge Alabama fan.

Captain Knowles was a licensed pilot of the St. Andrew Bay Pilots Association, which serves the Ports of Panama City and Port St. Joe, and he was also a harbour pilot for the Port of Pensacola.  The following is a statement from the Florida Harbour Pilots Association:

“We are deeply saddened today at the loss of one of our fellow harbour pilots and a dear friend.  Captain Frank Knowles has been a dedicated and brave harbour pilot since he was licensed in 1976. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Gail, and his family. Words cannot express the grief and sadness that every pilot across the state feels today at this tragic loss”

According to state and federal protocol, every accident is thoroughly investigated. Further details will necessarily have to await the outcome of that investigation.”

Our condolences are with his wife, Gail, and his family during this difficult time