The Finest Hours

The Finest Hours is a 2016 drama film directed by Craig Gillespie, based on the 2004 book of the same name by Casey Sherman and Michael J. Tougias. The film's narrative is centered on one of the most heroic rescue missions in American history, undertaken by the United States Coast Guard during a storm off the coast of Cape Cod in February 1952. The story begins with the introduction to a young Coast Guardsman by the name of Bernie Webber (Chris Pine), who has just been assigned to the Coast Guard Station Chatham. Bernie is tasked with helping the other crew members prepare for a new rescue boat, the CG-36500, which is still in its experimental stages. Despite some initial reservations, Bernie is determined to prove himself and his capabilities as a rescue crewman. The main plot unfolds during a particularly rough winter evening, when two oil tankers, the Pendleton and the Fort Mercer, are making their way along the Cape Cod coastline, transporting oil to refineries in Massachusetts. As they pass each other, a catastrophic storm brews in the distance. Strong winds, towering waves, and heavy snows begin to make their way towards the ships. The Pendleton, the second ship, is caught unaware and is subsequently torn in two by the force of the storm. The crew on the Pendleton attempts to repair the damage to the ship, but its stability is severely compromised, resulting in panic spreading amongst the crew. With no other options, the crew takes refuge in the ship's stern section. The remaining crew of the Pendleton, now 33 sailors, send out a distress signal to the Coast Guard Station Chatham. However, due to the treacherous weather conditions, the Station Chatham's rescue crew, including Bernie, struggles to launch the CG-36500 to carry out a rescue. Despite the challenges, Bernie and his small crew consisting of Ervin Mason, Richard Livesey, Donald Bangs, and Andy Fitzgerald decide to brave the storm and launch the CG-36500. As the men embark on their perilous journey, they face one of the most treacherous maritime rescue operations in history. The rescue crew battles against time, battling the fury of the North Atlantic and the unrelenting storm that is slowly engulfing the Pendleton. Meanwhile, the Pendleton's crew, desperate for rescue and with limited power and communications, struggles to stay afloat. Their time is running out, and with no clear indication that the Coast Guard's CG-36500 will ever make it to their aid, it seems all hope is lost for the stranded sailors. The film's climax takes place in the midst of the tempestuous storm, as the CG-36500 makes its way towards the Pendleton. Despite the freezing temperatures, crashing waves, and near-total loss of visibility, the Coast Guard crew, led by Bernie, makes several close and hazardous passages across the churning sea. Their efforts are made even more difficult by the fact that the rescue boat cannot approach the Pendleton directly due to the massive size of the two ships and the limited maneuverability of the CG-36500. In a heart-stopping act of bravery, Bernie and his crew take the only viable option, making a perilous 60-foot leap across a 90-foot gap into the Pendleton's stern. The crew of the CG-36500 then carefully transfers as many crew members of the Pendleton as possible into the rescue boat. Over three nights, in one of the most remarkable feats of maritime bravery, the crew of the CG-36500 saves 32 of the 33 Pendleton sailors, leaving behind only the ship's engineer. As the film comes to a close, the sailors who have been rescued from the Pendleton arrive at the Coast Guard Station and are met with jubilation. The bravery and selflessness of the rescue crew are celebrated as the true heroes of the story. For Bernie and his crew, the rescue is not only a testament to their courage and determination but also a defining moment in their lives. The Finest Hours offers a powerful tribute to the bravery and heroism of those involved in this remarkable rescue operation. By shedding light on a lesser-known chapter in American history, the film inspires awe and appreciation for the unyielding bravery and sacrifice displayed by ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances. As a testament to the bravery of those involved in this pivotal moment in American history, The Finest Hours serves as a moving tribute to our nation's heroes.