The US Sailing Safety at Sea Committee awarded the Arthur B. Hanson Rescue Medals to eight boats for their heroic efforts when a microburst storm hit the 2015 Flying Scot Atlantic Coast Championship, hosted by the Blackbeard Sailing Club, in New Bern, N.C., on Sept. 12.

A rainstorm storm was forecasted, but nobody expected or predicted the accompanying 60-knot microburst. It descended instantly, for a short duration, causing chaos throughout the 23-boat fleet. Many sailors reported having been trapped in lines when the boats capsized. These sailors were able to release themselves from the lines before drowning.

Click here to learn more about the individual rescues.