Wind beneath her wings

One of China's first female sea-rescue pilots looks back in pride at 300-plus missions and pledges to save more lives, Yang Feiyue reports.

When the perfect storm brews over the boundless sea and lives are at stake, a crew of highly trained professionals embarks on a mission impossible to search for and rescue survivors from the choppy waters. Wan Qiuwen is one of them. And, she's a woman.

The 36-year-old from Shanghai has broken the glass ceiling to become one of China's first two female rescue helicopter pilots who respond 24/7 to search and rescue missions involving cargo ship snags, vessel accidents, medical emergencies and special marine operations.

Wan and Song Yin, the only other female pilot, graduated from Shanghai Maritime University in 2008 to join Donghai No 1 Rescue Flying Service of the Ministry of Transport, a career of both unparalleled adventure and mortal peril.

"Being a search and rescue pilot is a high-risk job. It is a big commitment and requires personal sacrifices that not many are willing to make. But I feel lucky and proud to be a part of this elite force," Wan says.

The demanding nature of the profession had always favored male candidates until the rules were altered for the first and only time.

"Admission to the maritime university's nautical program comes with its own set of riders. One has to undergo a strict physical examination, measure up to the minimum height requirement of 165 centimeters and have vision above 5.0," Wan says.