Kurt Carlsen
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(Henrik) Kurt Carlsen (20 February 1914 – 7 October 1989) was a Danish-born sea-captain who became world-famous in January 1952 when he stayed on his sinking freighter, the Flying Enterprise, for 13 days.<ref name=nytimes>"Henrik K. Carlsen, 75, A Heroic Sea Captain" "New York Times", 9 Oct 1989 [1]</ref> It eventually sank less than Template:Convert from safe harbour at Falmouth, Cornwall in England, minutes after the Captain was forced to abandon ship. The endeavour was reported around the world, and Carlsen received a ticker-tape parade in New York City on January 17, 1952. A few months later Carlsen took command of the Flying Enterprise II, passing up lucrative offers from Hollywood.<ref>History Channel. Deep Sea Detectives: "Captain's Last Stand" (Season 5, Episode 8, 24 April 2005)</ref>
It is now believed that the Flying Enterprise was hit not once but twice by a rogue wave thereby eventually sinking the freighter.<ref>Template:YouTube</ref>
Carlsen became a seaman at age 14 and master of his first ship at 22, in the service of the Danish-American company American Export-Isbrandtsen Lines. He was an amateur radio operator with the US callsign W2ZXM.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Carlsen, and his ordeal aboard the Flying Enterprise, is the subject of the book Simple Courage: a True Story of Peril on the Sea by Frank Delaney.
Carlsen received the Merchant Marine Distinguished Service Award, authorized by a special act of Congress.<ref name="nytimes"/><ref>"Heroic Captain to Get Medal" "The Sacramento Bee", 5 Jun 1953</ref> On January 10, 2012, the Captain Carlsen Park in Sewaren, Woodbridge Township, New Jersey was rededicated to the heroic efforts of Captain Carlsen. A monument was installed at the park which was donated by Shipco Transport Inc. a New Jersey transportation services company. A contingent of Danish visitors were present along with the Captain Carlsen's daughters.<ref>"Memorial Plaque Unveiled at Captain Carlsen Park" "Woodbridge Township" [2] Template:Webarchive</ref>