What do I need to do to write a historical fiction novel?

If you are basing your story in this, you have better research it very carefully. Also using the name might be a problem, getting permission and such. To keep in mind is even though this is fiction, you have to be correct on anything tangable to do with the ship. its size, wiehgt..etc. Also the what the coast guard did..things like that. Who was the piolt..the crew. it's not undoable..but it will take loads of research. sorry i don't have any links but there should be a lot on the web.