caribbeancat
Well-Known Member
ALL - AS PER MY PREVIOUS POST>>>
Please see report below of incident of immigrant rescue of the African coast. I also have a lessons learned exercise coming out of this which I will publish once people have had time to digest this post.
Skippers Report , Julian Bradder
Yacht Tallulah
Immigrant Rescue
29 – 30 / 11 / 2007
This report details the factual events that occurred from the perspective of the Yacht Tallulah 29 through 30 November 2007 during the rescue of 50 individuals aboard a small open launch some 300 miles off the African coast.
Crew Aboard Talllulah
Julian Bradder, Skipper
John Mackney, First Mate
Brendan Chase, Crew
Nick Casey, Crew
Cora Keating, Crew
Janet Murphy, Crew
Stuart Blake, Crew
Approx 16:00 29 November 2007
Crew aboard Tallulah, Stuart Blake identifies what appears to be a small boat 2 NM to the North of Tallulah. Skipper instructs yacht to adopt stationary position in order to take observations through binoculars.
Small boat heads in direction of Tallulah, Tallulah quickly identifies that this is a small open launch boat approximately 7-9m in length. Initial observations indicate that there appear to be around 15-20 people on board. The boat chases Tallulah. Tallulah does not want such a large crew to board and thus maintains a pace that allows visual contact with launch boat whilst not allowing close contact.
This situation seems strange given that the boat is 300 miles offshore and clearly the people on board the boat need help as they are waving and seem desperate. Skipper contacts Las Palmas MRCC, whilst crew arrange drop off of floating water containers together with note written in three languages, English, French and Spanish advising the crew of the launch that help is being organised.
Tallulah awaits a response by satellite phone from Las Palmas MRCC as to their plans in assistance.
Approximately 1 hour later, whilst maintaining watch, crew of Tallulah identify another yacht, ‘If Only’ some 6-7 miles off the starboard bow. The yacht is under sail and is making slow progress. After failing to make radio contact with If Only, Tallulah Skipper and 1st Mate make decision to intercept the yacht to advise them of the situation.
Whilst motoring towards If Only, Tallulah once again contacts Las Palmas MRCC who advise that Tenerife MRCC will be managing the situation. Tallulah also puts out a PAN PAN All Ships at this time.
The launch has clearly recognised that Tallulah does not intend to allow the boarding of crew from the launch and that Tallulah is capable of out-running the launch. Consequently, just before Tallulah heads for If Only, the launch, after collecting the water provided by Tallulah heads towards If Only.
Tallulah arrives at If Only’s position around 10-15 minutes before the launch and advise the crew aboard the yacht of the position. If Only is only making 4.5kts under sail and the Skipper advises that it is unlikely that it could navigate at a higher speed under engine. It is therefore concluded that If Only is vulnerable to boarding. However it is concluded at this time that If Only may be difficult to board owing to having a high freeboard although its slow speed still left it open to attempts. However, Tallulah is vulnerable to boarding owing to a relatively low freeboard and two large sugar scoops at the stern.
Around dusk, the crew of the launch arrives and Tallulah maintain a close position, Tallulah attempting to guard If Only from boarding by crew of the launch. As night approaches, this becomes an increasingly difficult exercise and presents risks to crew aboard all boats involved. It is agreed between If Only and Tallulah to stand a distance apart from one another, maintain radio contact and to occasionally darken ship to make it more difficult for the launch to board the yacht If Only. There are difficult decisions to be made for both yachts here, vis a vis balancing the need to maintain a visual with the launch boat and in protecting the safety of the crew aboard both yachts particularly with darkness fast approaching and a moon not expected until significantly later in the evening.
It is agreed between the two yachts that Tallulah will maintain course and speed of If Only at a distance of approximately 0.5 – 1 mile.
At around 19:000 UTC we are advised by If Only that two crew from the launch have boarded by jumping onto the davits of If Only. If Only are now very frightened indeed and their stress is audible during radio communications. Tallulah now makes the decision to step up pressure upon the MRCC for definition of a plan to resolve the situation.
Tallulah calls Tenerife MRCC, seeking advice in respect of the plan. We are advised that Tenerife MRCC is despatching a vessel, Luz de Mar and that its arrival is approximately 30 hours away. Later this estimate becomes 3 days! Tallulah expresses concern at the length of time this is taking and considers that there is risk to life aboard all the vessels currently involved and therefore asks Tenerife if they have attempted any kind of All Ships contact to identify whether or not a more suitable (than a yacht) rescue vessel is in the vicinity that may be able to help. Tenerife MRCC advises that they have not attempted this. Tallulah therefore suggests that Tallulah should issue another PAN PAN call from its locality. Tenerife agrees that this is a good idea. Initially, this is done verbally by both VHF and SSB. There is no response from these PAN PAN’s and thus Tallulah then elects to issue a DSC distress alert via SSB and VHF.
Whilst this is occurring, If Only is enduring repeated attempts at boarding the vessel, and has to restrain the two crew who have boarded the vessel. If Only are having to adopt various strategies to prevent a mass boarding of their vessel. If Only clearly needs assistance of Tallulah due to a lack of long range communication devices. They have a Sat Phone but credit is reduced to around 10 – 15 minutes whilst the only other means of communication they have is a VHF. It is agreed between Tallulah and If Only that Tallulah will become the local co-ordination vessel owing to its fit of SSB, Sat Phone and VHF.
The DSC alert issued by SSB is heard by a number of ships as we hear DSC alarms coming through from various vessel bridges although Tallulah cannot decipher verbal transmissions received by a number of vessels. However, on radar we identify what appears to be a large vessel approaching our position. It does however seem reluctant to approach and thus Tallulah releases a red parachute flare to allow the vessel to pinpoint Tallulah’s position. At this time we are approximately 1-2 miles from If Only’s position.
We approach the other vessel which is a fishing vessel of approximately 20 – 25 metres in length. We ask them for assistance and they advise that they will not assist as it will cost them a days work.
Around this time, we are contacted by Andrew Bishop of World Cruising Club who advises that he has received a response from Falmouth MRCC that they have received a DSC call from our yacht. Whilst the conversation is difficult owing to a poor Sat Phone link Tallulah appraises Andrew of the situation as best as possible before the phone link breaks.
Tallulah makes a further call to Tenerife MRCC to find out what success they were having in improving the 30 hour situation. We are advised that the 30 hour situation has become a 20 hour situation now and are requested to head North.
Heading North is difficult as it is upwind (of particular consideration to If Only owing to boarding attempts, and necessity to sail upwind due to a weak engine) therefore If Only maintains her course.
Around this time, Yacht Flute calls in and agrees to maintain a standby position should we need assistance. Although very lightly crewed, at this stage, we gratefully accept Flute’s offer, feeling that a show of strength in numbers may help to pacify the clearly desperate immigrant launch.
Tallulah continually requests position updates from If Only and then sets to work upon communicating with the authorities in respect of managing the rescue.
I cannot recollect whether Falmouth Coastguard contacted us or we contacted them however, I express our concerns over the speed of response that Tenerife MRCC are able to deliver to Falmouth Coastguard. After a lengthy conversation, Falmouth Coastguard advise that they will talk more to TMRCC and that they will also make a representation to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office back in the UK.
We are all aware from news back in the UK and from advice given from the ARC that the ‘small boat immigrant’ issue is a significant problem to the Canary Islands administration.
However, contrary to the claim made on the ARC website, there is no patrol vessel in the locality that is able to respond quickly. Given the threat to lives of migrants, yachts such as our own and other shipping, I can only question whether the Spanish authorities are doing enough to protect everybody’s interests.
I update If Only of this position. Shortly afterwards, If Only call again, now appearing terrified and very weary in respect of the repeated attempts at boarding. We make best attempts to calm and comfort If Only advising that we are continuing to do what we can to speed the resolution of the situation.
Around this time, crew have prepared dinner and it is agreed that Skipper and First Mate will maintain two larger watches through the night, maintaining a bow watch for the launch, a communications watch and a steering watch.
Soon after this, we are contacted by Tenerife MRCC that they have made contact with a fishing vessel, Pinillo Primario. We are advised to operate SSB 4146.0Khz as a working channel as both Pinillio Primario and Luz de Mar will be operating on these frequencies.
I attempt to contact these vessels via SSB but there is a language barrier and I hear a conversation between Luz de Mar and Pinillo Primario and make out ‘No hablo Ingles’. Clearly we have difficulty communicating and neither Luz de Mar or Pinillo Primario respond to my calls despite the fact that they are able to hear me clearly, presumably because they felt they could make little progress with the language barrier in place.
The time is now around 00:00 UTC. I call Tenerife MRCC who must now act as liaison between us, Luz de Mar and Pinillo Primario. I get an updated position, course and speed from If Only and provide this and our own relevant information to Tenerfie MRCC. Who then pass this information across to the Pinillo Primario. I agree with TMRCC an hourly telephone call, requesting that they call us due to the heavy use of minutes on our own phone by this time.
Falmouth MRCC now call me and appraise me of their understanding of the situation and I provide them with an update of the local activity.
We maintain radio contact with If Only, assessing their safety, well being, course, position etc. Flute also maintains radio contact during this period. After some time, I advise Flute that she is released and should continue her journey as with only a small crew on board, there is little she could do to assist and also that she exposes herself to vulnerabilities.
Around 1:00 AM, it occurs to me that one of our crew members, Cora Keating speaks some Spanish and I awake her and ask her to attempt contact with Pinillo Primario. This proves successful, and we are now able to adopt a central communication role between ourselves, the fishing boat and If Only. Tallulah adopts a position relay from If Only to the Spanish Fishing Vessel over VHF. At this time, a rendezvous between Tallulah and Pinillo Primario is agreed. Upon rendezvous, Tallulah would then take the fishing vessel to If Only’s position.
A little after this, further contact is made with TMRCC. The plan is agreed that all vessels will converge and at dawn whereupon the rescue will be affected.
Concern arises again as a result of If Only’s course due South, as the Pinillo Primario is only able to make a speed of 7.5 to 8 kts. At around 2:30AM, Tallulah agrees to adopt a northerly course to accelerate the rendezvous with Pinillo Primario. We advise If Only of the situation and agree 15 minute position updates should we lose VHF contact (the range would separate the vessels by in excess of 30 miles).
Luckily around this time, Sailing Vessel ‘Salt Whitle’ calls Tallulah and asks if she can assist. At this time, her position is a midway position between If Only and the Fishing Vessel so I therefore request if she will act as a VHF Relay vessel. She duly agrees to this and maintains watch. At this time, I request that all vessels adopt Channel 16 as the communication channel and request radio silence unless the situation is urgent or a call is made by Tallulah as we are now co-ordinating all the boats involved.
The fishing vessel continues to strengthen its concern over If Only’s course and a further call from TMRCC reinforces this message. Fearing the loss of the fishing vessels co-operation, I agree to discuss If Only’s course with them, and whilst them not wanting to sail dead in the water, or significantly more slowly, it is agreed that If Only will sail a reciprocal beam reach course to 030 degrees at 3.5 to 4kts to the one that they are currently sailing. Once they complete the adjustment of course, I continue to get regular course and position updates.
We then receive a call from If Only advising that there has been an aggressive attempt to board If Only. If Only advise that they have thrown a floating line towards the launch in an attempt to disable them. They think that the line may have fouled the propeller of the launch as the launch has now disappeared from view. Understandably, the crew of If Only are now very weary and very frightened. If Only have taken a position of the incident and we mark this position in our log and as a waypoint in our GPS. At the time, we are within 2 miles of this position so maintain a very careful bow watch. We are now concerned about a disabled vessel lost at sea. I put out an all stations advising of the situation and requesting a sharp look out from all ships. I make regular radio contact with If Only asking for sightings of the launch together with the other regular updates.
At this time, I also contact TMRCC and advise them that if they had cancelled the AM aircraft fly over, that they may wish to consider launching it again owing to the now unknown location of the launch.
With the aforementioned change of If Only’s course, we call Pinillo Primario and agree that a rendezvous at If Only’s location is the most useful course of action. The Skipper of Pinillo Primario appears a little confused in respect of everybody’s location, particularly ours. We therefore agree to launch a red parachute flare in order that they can clearly identify our position. I advise All Stations of the intention and we thus release the flare. This gave the Skipper clear and immediate identification of our position and we all resumed course to rendezvous with If Only.
Around this time, I release Salt Whitle from participation and thank them, wishing them a good journey.
Danish Cargo Ship, Loren L’Oritzen, on route from Natal, Brazil to Vigo, Spain listens in and calls Tallulah. Loren L’Oritzen’s position is close to If Only and we agree to Loren L’Oritzen offer to stand by If Only, feeling that the presence of a large ship would help to comfort the crew aboard the launch as well as comfort those aboard If Only.
Two yachts then called in advising that they had seen the flare, and we were able to advise them of the situation and ask them to stand by on VHF 16.
Further communication reveals that Loren L’Oritzen had become confused because by this time Sea Whitle and If Only had very similar locations. They had been standing by Sea Whitle. Once this was updated, Loren L’Oritzen adjusted course to standby If Only.
We we’re now in a position of regularly updating all vessels on positions, ETA’s etc as well as managing the final approach.
At around 4:00AM If Only advised that they now had view of the launch again, which was a relief in that we would not need to launch a SAR for the launch.
Around 5:30 Tallulah arrived on the scene of the incident. Loren L’Oritzen was on station and because of Loren L’Oritzen’s ability to see the small launch using her powerful radar we were able to mange the position of all the vessels and thus we were able to minimise the risk of accidentally sinking the launch.
As the fishing vessel was now around 1 hour behind us, all vessels then agreed to rendezvous at the fishing vessel. We shine a search torch across our stern to indicate to the launch to follow and set off in the direction of the fishing vessel with whom we quickly had visual on their lights.
Loren L’Oritzen, clearly under pressure then requested when I would release her. I advised that I would like her to remain until twilight because of the benefits of her radar. She agreed to this, and I contacted Tenerife MRCC to advise. At this time they were happy with this.
Tallulah, If Only, Pinillo Primario and the launch all rendezvous just before dawn. Whilst Loren L’Oritzen gave continuous position updates as to the launches position in order that we do not run them down.
The launch at this time comes into everybody’s view and we circle them. I think that by this point the crew of the launch now clearly understood that rescue was imminent.
We continued liaison with TMRCC and acted as channel of communication to the fishing vessel, Loren L’Oritzen and If Only. As dawn broke, Pinillo Primario affected first the transfer of the two who boarded If Only and then (presumably to offer dignity to the two dead people aboard) towed the launch a distance away and the persons aboard the launch boarded the Pinillo Primario.
TMRCC called us and advised us that we were released. I confirmed that Loren L’Oritzen and If Only were also released and advised each vessel accordingly. We shared warm words over the VHF and each vessel then resumed course after collecting an up to date weather forecast from Loren L’Oritzen.
Our understanding is that 50 peoples lives were saved whilst regrettably, 2 people within the launch were dead.
We have since been contacted by Spanish media and our Spanish speaking crew member conducted a live radio interview on the evening of 30/11/07.
Whilst this is a factual account of events, as Skipper, I feel that there are numerous important lessons to be learned from this exercise for those of us directly involved, World Cruising Club, the yachting fraternity in general and the authorities. I thus welcome an open and frank discussion on this event once we are all back on dry land.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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sarabande
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Reged: 06/05/2005
Posts: 3976
Loc: Thames valley, or up on the mo... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764187 - 26/02/2008 10:34 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
that seems to be a very professional series of actions with the limited resources you had at the time. They immigrants were very lucky to have come across you and your crew.
It's difficult to see what else you could have done.
I assume the report derives from a log you kept at the time ?
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Enlightenment is motor-sailing
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caribbeancat
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Reged: 22/02/2008
Posts: 61
Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: sarabande]
#1764190 - 26/02/2008 10:37 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Yes, in this day and age one of the first things I did was nominate a crew member to write everything down.... not an easy task as at one stage we had every communications vehicle going, flares going off, the lot..... it's diffuclt to describe in words the intensity of what was going on that night.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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AndrewB
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Reged: 07/06/2001
Posts: 3328
Loc: Victoria BC Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764205 - 26/02/2008 10:48 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
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Whilst this is a factual account of events, as Skipper, I feel that there are numerous important lessons to be learned from this exercise for those of us directly involved, ...
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There certainly are, thank you for a very full account. I'm sure everyone here would wish to congratulate you in being instrumental in saving so many lives, and hope they could cope as well in a similar situation.
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channelyacht
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Reged: 25/12/2007
Posts: 65
Loc: Hamble, UK Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764209 - 26/02/2008 10:51 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Very professionally handled, and as you say a few lessons for others.
Our Standing Orders to Masters (commercial shipping) do cover this kind of situation, and we take a bit of a harsher line -
All sightings of such craft are to be treated as Mayday relays,
Any approach to our vessels by such craft is to be treated as a Mayday - Piracy (there is no way of telling if such immigrant craft are armed - it is not unusual for them to be carrying something)
Use of the Mayday may seem excessive, but it does place higher obligations on other vessels to assist. A yacht being approached by 50 or so people who may well be desperate would certainly qualify as "grave and imminent danger to life" in my book.
All our ships carry a piracy plan, and this is operated until such time as you can safely downgrade to "huminatrian assistance", i.e. conclusive proof you are not going to be shot / raided / beaten up for your vessel.
Sounds harsh, but there are dozens of these immigrant craft out there and desperation can lead people to do strange things...
But congratulations on a well handled incident.
Simon
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Chris_E
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Loc: Lymington Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: AndrewB]
#1764210 - 26/02/2008 10:52 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Absolutely, I'm not sure that I'd have had the presence of mind to sort that lot out. Congratulations.
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It ain't necessarily so.
Botton Village
Citizens Advice Bureau
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caribbeancat
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Reged: 22/02/2008
Posts: 61
Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: channelyacht]
#1764213 - 26/02/2008 10:58 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Simon- Certainly, I came to the conclusion that this was a proper Mayday situation about 3 hours into this... "grave and imminent danger for all concerned". It sounds like in the merchant world, people are better instructed on how to handle matters. On a yacht your vulnerability is far higher. The fact we were on a catamaran and could thus motor quickly was a key factor in us being able to achieve what we did. Otherwise god only knows what might have happened. The weather conditions being light at the time were also significant. Most yachts would not be able to motor at the 9-10kts that we were able to. About 4-5 hours after this was wrapped up we would have been in a F6 and sadly, I think we would have lost everybody in the launch.
Also, talking merchant, I can only congratulate the Captain of L'Oren L'Oritzen, their assistance was absolutely invaluable, whilst their presence no doubt a relief to everybody.
Keep an eye for the discussion document that I'll place later in the week.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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channelyacht
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Reged: 25/12/2007
Posts: 65
Loc: Hamble, UK Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764226 - 26/02/2008 11:08 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Jules,
Yes, merchant shiiping do plan for piracy - it is a massive problem in certain parts of the world, and one that seems to be growing. It is also not unusual for the same people to be involved in people trafficking - your immigrants may have just been desperate locals who used a local boat to try and find a better life, or they may have paid money to others to put them in that boat, who would have then towed them out to sea and dumped them. It's not a nice world out there!
I've also served about 15 years in SAR coordination, and will add that your handling of the situation, effectively as local SMC, was superb and deserves the highest credit. It is one thing to be caught up in such events, it is another thing to calmly manage and coordinate them. Without doubt, had you not done what you did, 50 people would have perished rather than two.
I'll certainly respond to your discussion document - if we can make some of our generic plans available for yachtsmen, we will do.
Regards
Simon
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AndrewB
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Loc: Victoria BC Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764413 - 26/02/2008 14:07 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Jules, a question. What would you have done if the launch had sunk? How do you see the options?
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caribbeancat
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Reged: 22/02/2008
Posts: 61
Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: AndrewB]
#1764433 - 26/02/2008 14:28 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Very interesting question to which there is no easy answer. The only option is to take people on board and use available small boat craft on board the yachts, provided it was not too rough. I think that it would be morally unsound to do anything different. Liferafts were an option, however given the number of people, this would have been difficult. We could have carried 8+8 with our liferafts, a maximum of say 10 extra on board our own boat before we exposed her to risks and of course in this particular situation we had If Only who was a good size (70ft+) steel ketch with her own complement of liferafts, dinghies etc.
If we were a couple of say Beneteau 33's I think matters would be very different and much more scary. Undoubtedly, you would be overwhelmed.
A launch sinking event would of course put paid to our Atlantic Crossing and for our own safety we would have had to make for a CVI or African port to replenish.
The other concern in respect of taking people on board was that we had limited food stocks of our own as we were going transatlantic. So even taking a small group on board would have put paid to a non-stop crossing.
However, we probably could have managed and given the gravity of the situation for the poor souls on the launch, whats a stop in the CVI's to us?
Us being a catamaran would certainly help in terms of deck space, ability to make comfortable the injured and very sick. And dare I argue this (!) I believe catamarans offer greater seaworthiness and stability, particularly under power and this would advantage the situation. (I don't want to open up the cat v monohull debate here). Had we been on our own, I feel the situation would be much more difficult.
My suspicion is that if the boat had sunk, then these people would have been disorganised and totally demoralised, if I have faith in human nature then I think they would be placid upon rescue to one of our boats, provided that we were able to remain calm and give them confidence.
Then it would be big time pressure on the authorities to pull the guns out so to speak.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Jonny_H
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Reged: 15/08/2006
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Loc: Me - Newcastle, Boat - Fleetwo... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764440 - 26/02/2008 14:41 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
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If we were a couple of say Beneteau 33's I think matters would be very different and much more scary. Undoubtedly, you would be overwhelmed.
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Agreed! However, would your approach have changed? Say for instance a couple aboard a smaller monohull with speeds of only 5 knots - would you still have approached the boat? I know human kindness etc says you should, but given your experience (and that of If Only) would you take the same actions on a smaller vessel with less crew?
Just interested - as I suspect many people doing a transatlantic these days have a smaller crew, 2 - 4 people say, and would be on an monohull between 35 and 45 feet (seems to fit with the ARC census) - reading your account I would suggest they would be very hesitant to approach or even stand by (although this is clearly the moral and seaman like, let alone humane, thing to do)
Jonny
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www.freewebs.com/jksailing
Counting down the days til we cast off!
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Jonny_H]
#1764454 - 26/02/2008 15:06 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
I have absolutely no idea what you would do.
I don't want to scare people here but, in essence you wouldn't have had the option to runaway and not approach them, they were chasing us and could make 8.5 - 9.0kts. They would be on you. And I would refer here to the imperatives to merchant vessels that channelcat references earlier in this post.
We with two 56hp engines, running at 3,200rpm a 46' waterline and the (relative) light weight of a catamaran could only make 1 more knot or so than them. If Only benefited from being made of steel. They were repeatedly rammed by the launch and in St Lucia she sported broken stern portholes and significant damage to her hull as a result.
As I say, the 33ft scenario, I think the only thing you are going to be able to rely on is either your negotiating skills or, the horrible concept of needing to carry weaponry on board as I understand many US registered vessels do. I'm not sure where I stand on weaponary.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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channelyacht
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Loc: Hamble, UK Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Jonny_H]
#1764465 - 26/02/2008 15:15 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
If there had been only a few people on the launch, I would have been extremely suspicious.
A common piracy ploy, especially around parts of Africa and also a speciality of the Strait of Malacca, is to set a "decoy" boat containing a few "refugees" with concealed weapons. A faster rib or similar is then just over the horizon, out of sight.
A yacht stops for the "refugees" who are taken on board the boat, then suddenly from nowhere the rib appears and your "refugees" turn hostile. All too common.
Also, in any rescue, there are three priorities (in this order) - self, crew, casualty. If taking on 50 people means you would sink, you can't take on 50 people. It's harsh and exceptionally difficult to do (luckily never had to do it myself), but you can't be of any help to anyone if you all sink together.
Simon
Edited by channelyacht (26/02/2008 15:15)
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caribbeancat
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Posts: 61
Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: channelyacht]
#1764476 - 26/02/2008 15:30 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Whilst this is from the yachting communities point of view very selfish, for events such as the ARC and those going it alone, I think that to minimise the risk of encountering this situation then the necessity is to head initially on the North route out of the Canaries (then at least if you encounter a boat your likely close to the Canaries and proper rescue).
So my suggestion would be a Westerly turning mark or gate that guides vessels out of potential danger zones. This does mean that genuine boats won't get rescued though, and takes away some of the strategic fun of an Atlantic crossing.
However, ultimately is this problem one for yachties or EU government? Clearly we have a role to play but our ability to affect change?
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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channelyacht
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Reged: 25/12/2007
Posts: 65
Loc: Hamble, UK Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: channelyacht]
#1764479 - 26/02/2008 15:34 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
General advice on weaponry - don't.
1. Only carry what you would be prepared to use. Could you, without hesitation, shoot to kill another human being? If not, there is a high chance you will freeze, and a desperate refugee / hostile pirate will disarm you and turn the weapon against you.
2. Security in port - any armoury is a risk. Guns can be stolen, and you make yourself more of a target.
3. Security on board. On merchant ships which carry guns, a major issue is access - it's got to be more than one person in case the keyholder is out of action, but then you've got to make sure you're not creating a situation where disgruntled or "loopy" crew can get hold of the weapons and hijack the ship.
4. Chance of survival - if you're lucky, a pirate vessel will regard you as unarmed and may not harm you on taking the vessel. If you point a gun at them, they will shoot first - and trust me, they do enough shooting to be quicker and more accurate than you. They will not have the seconds delay caused by you checking your conscience.
However, you do all carry firearms! Think flares, line throwers used at short range, smoke flares - a parachute rocket fired horizontally can do a lot of damage. Think laterally!
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Jonny_H
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Reged: 15/08/2006
Posts: 1071
Loc: Me - Newcastle, Boat - Fleetwo... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764483 - 26/02/2008 15:35 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Wow - thanks for that - certainly food for thought - hadn't realised their speed from your initial post!
Scary as you say! Weapons has been brought up here before - mixed feelings, but you would need to be prepared to use it if you had it and face the consquences of your actions.
Jonny
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www.freewebs.com/jksailing
Counting down the days til we cast off!
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PuffTheMagicDragon
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Reged: 16/05/2001
Posts: 1346
Loc: Malta Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764486 - 26/02/2008 15:40 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
A difficult question.
Bearing in mind that my first loyalty is to the safety of my vessel, quickly followed by that of my crew, there is no way that I would willingly take on board people from a launch out at sea.
I have myself been rescued from a genuine situation many years ago. However, there were only three of us on a 37-foot catamaran with no rudders and no VHF (this was 1973) and the ship that picked us up was a freighter of some 18-20,000 tons. Even so, that ship circled us a couple of times before launching a lifeboat to see what was the matter. We could see that they were armed and were taking no chances.
The situation today is entirely different. Literally thousands of persons attempt the passage from North Africa to Europe and each year many hundreds are saved by the Italian Coast Guard, as well as our own. It is an everyday matter. These people pay around $1000 each to well organised criminals to smuggle them across. They leave Libya on a ship and then are lowered in brand-new, basic GRP lifeboats, when they are some 30 miles to the south of Malta. Others attempt the journey in old, run-down fishing boats that are of no further use to fishermen.
Down at the Coast Guard base below Valletta, there are so many of these 'disposable' lifeboats that they are stacked like jelly moulds, one over the other.
If I come across such a launch I would certainly alert the SAR centre and - if the visibility is good - stand by until the Armed Forces arrive. However, I do not see how I am obliged to take anyone on board when there is a clear risk to the safety of my vessel and that of my crew. In the absence of firearms (not allowed under Maltese Law) I would still keep parachute rockets close at hand and I do not think that I should hesitate to use them as weapons.
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Fair Winds!
Wally
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: channelyacht]
#1764502 - 26/02/2008 15:52 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Simon - Your points about weaponary are very important and I don't think that I would favour the mass armament of cruising yachts.
Flares are as you say a pretty lethal piece of equipment and were the favoured method of protection during our incident should we have needed them.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Troutbridge
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Loc: Guernsey Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764517 - 26/02/2008 16:04 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Thought provoking. Up until now I had thought to 'see no ships'. I am aware of all the moral and legal imperatives to save life, but not by putting mine at risk. Well, maybe under some circumstances but 50-odd 'economic refugees' adrift isn't one of them. Don't know what I'd do, difficult choice. Well done to those involved, instructive perhaps the Canarian authorities dragged their heels a bit.
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The final destination is known but the route there is infinitely variable. See you in an anchorage near you...soon
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zefender
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Loc: quacious Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764522 - 26/02/2008 16:08 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Very interesting account - and well done.
I was interested to read that you were some 300 miles off the coast and the launch had fuel remaining (presumably after motoring at least some of this distance). As an open launch of some 7-9metres LOA capable of 10kts or so, I wonder how much fuel it actually had left? Did you hear the accounts of the people rescued? Were they dropped off a coaster, made the journey primarily with the current/wind, or what?
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: PuffTheMagicDragon]
#1764525 - 26/02/2008 16:11 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
The stories about the Malta area are very similar, simply the size of this problem is unbelievable. I've read reports that state around 25,000 people a year are attempting to reach the Canaries via this method. That is 5-600 boats per annum. And these are of course the 'official' figures.
Whilst the issue in the Mediterannean is just as tragic and carries similar risks for those in the Atlantic, I think that the strategies need to be different. The Atlantic is very remote and once people are lost there, the only chance they have is a boat like ours passing. Numerous boats wash up in the Caribbean full of skeletons.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: zefender]
#1764562 - 26/02/2008 16:35 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Hi - The fact that they were 300 miles offshore puzzled us a little. We came to the conclusion that perhaps they had left land, and once they had lost sight of land gotten lost. Then I guess they came to the conclusion to switch engines off until such time as they saw other boats.
We did try to pursue some follow up from the World Cruising Club, but they were not really very interested.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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bazonbeleza
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Posts: 419
Loc: faro, portugal, & Liverpool fo... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: zefender]
#1764594 - 26/02/2008 17:02 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Your account was illuminating and I congratulate you on your resolution. If Only survived because of your intervention. It placed you in a very tricky situation. If If Only hadn't been there would you have hightailed it out of there? I know I would.
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Nauticat sailors do it in comfort (and carpet slippers)
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: bazonbeleza]
#1764598 - 26/02/2008 17:04 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
No, we wouldn't have hightailed it, when your there and in it, leaving 50 people to die ain't the plan. Whilst it was contemplated, I would have faced a crew mutiny if I had of arrived at that decision.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Seagreen
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Posts: 725
Loc: ked myself in the locker again... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765210 - 27/02/2008 00:54 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Whilst I've never been in this position, and hopefully never will be, do you think that having some sort of image intensifying night sight on board the yachts would have been more use, as a way of keeping track of the launch (and thus distance from it) for both yachts?
Again, thinking of "weaponry", and this is just theoretical, would some form of larger anti-personnel weapon - light machine gun even- have given you more "stand off" from the launch? I'm not even going into the practicalities of stowing, mounting, training the crew to use it, licensing, etc., just that the thought occurred that a quick show of force -burst of fire across the bows- in the initial stages of the situation may have resulted in a more passive reaction from the people in the launch. Use of flares as anti-personnel rockets seems a little bit blunt and very last resort. Had it really come to that stage the enraged and desperate crew of the launch would have been prepared to do anything, and suffer the casualties. Would anyone be prepared to fire a flare into a boat load of desperate men and women? And flares quickly run out, having run through all of mine once in a severe gale long ago.
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"Let Joy be unconfined!"
I'll get her chastity belt keys, then..
http://www.linesquall.co.uk
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caribbeancat
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Posts: 61
Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Seagreen]
#1765273 - 27/02/2008 06:22 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
One person did argue phosphur bombs and UZI's. I just don't think that weapons are a good idea... for the average joe, which most of us are, there is just simply too much scope for things to go wrong. I would rather rely on my wit than an UZI I think.
No I think that if you want to be sure of avoiding this situation, then avoid this area altogether. It is a tough one to call, but if I were sailing a smaller boat then as previously mentioned, I would head west out of the Canaries first and then head to Caribbean. This is a shame as it cuts the CVI's out of cruising routes for people.
Trouble is that there is no real data (that I have seen) in terms of yacht encounters and no doubt commercial organisations would be keen to play down the risks. We know that (in 2005?) another ARC yacht came across a vessel. Whilst this is not conclusive data, it does suggest that there is a reasonable chance of running into one of these boats now and quite simply, as was evidenced during our situation, the Spanish (EU) governments do not have control or sufficient resources available to help in this part of the world. I have a sense that their strategy is latent.
One thing that is clear. World Cruising Club advice to "Call Las Palmas MRCC and Standby" is naive and simply insufficient.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Iota
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765363 - 27/02/2008 08:52 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Reading this thread has been fascinating.
The way you handled the situation awesome, I am not sure I would have had the presence of mind to come even close.
I would not advocate the carrying of firearms. One reason already stated is you have to be prepared to use it and you may have to use it first - even harder in my view.
Others reasons, in no particular order:
- it is harder than people realise to shoot straight especially on a boat
- Use of a shot gun means only a slow rate of fire can be maintained
- If you are faced with an attacker(s) who see you are armed they are more likely to open fire first than if you are unarmed.
- The attackers are likely to have a mindset using a firearm is a way of life to them.
- Armed attackers are often more likely to be more heavily armed the ubiquitous AK47 springs to mind
- Weapons have to be kept well maintained to function and kept securely.
- The problems with dealing with officials in ports of calls could be interesting.
I wonder if there is away of developing some sort of acoustic system that could be used with the crew donning linked ear sets to protect them.? The cruise liner attacked near Somalia a while back used some sort of system, I think it was a Seabourne ship.
I look forward to reading your next offering
Iota
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Iota]
#1765370 - 27/02/2008 08:59 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
During a training course last year I met a technical officer on board a cruise ship last who talked about the 'sonic boom' technology. His view was that would be far too expensive and power consumptive on board a yacht as the technology stands today. It is an interesting thought and if it could be developed to be functional on board yacht in a cost effective and energy effective manner then I think it may have its uses.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Seagreen
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Posts: 725
Loc: ked myself in the locker again... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765521 - 27/02/2008 11:16 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Quote:
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'sonic boom' technology
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The last time I heard of this being tested was 10 years ago. Former rock stars had bought some ex-MOD vehicles with loudspeakers on, and all they did was terrify the cows in Mid Devon.
The Americans are developing a beamed Ultrasound or Infrared (Its classified) weapon for use in crowd dispersal, but the power needed for this was vast and well outside the "rare" threat level to make it useful for yachts.
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"Let Joy be unconfined!"
I'll get her chastity belt keys, then..
http://www.linesquall.co.uk
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Sailfree
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Reged: 18/01/2003
Posts: 2295
Loc: Solent Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765831 - 27/02/2008 14:48 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Thought provoking post and congatulations on handling a difficult situation v well.
Some off the cuff remarks to stimulate futher examination of our morals/thoughts/responses.
1. Millions of Africans die of starvation every year. In my living memory (last 50yrs!) it has always been so and all the efforts of UN, Oxfam etc have not cured the problem.
2. These people who try to escape Africa and its problems are desperate. 50 people in a motor boat 300mls from land probably trying to get to the Canaries is desperation!
3. If as individuals we currently do nothing to alleviate the suffering in Africa why should we react any differently to 50 of the poor souls but now situated in a launch in the Atlantic?
4. Common sense dictates that the safety of your boat and crew must come first but had the sea got rough could you stand off and watch them drown - wait until a savable number are left swimming and then help?
5. Yet we watch on TV many dying of hunger/wars in Africa and if we do nothing are we not "standing off " but just from the comfort of our armchairs and insulated by distance and the TV.
I have no answers and probably like many just avoid the situation. It seems that common humanity is just not enough these days to go round and solve all the worlds problems and as we cannot solve all the problems - for many of us we just bury our heads in the sand.
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Sailfree]
#1765885 - 27/02/2008 15:23 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Absolutely, 50 people in a boat the size they were in, 300 miles of shore is desparation and at its highest level.
I am no expert on Africa and up until the point of this incident I had fairly generic views of Africa as portrayed within the media. This scenario certainly brings you much closer to understanding the reality of the situation in Africa, when you see the levels of desparation as we have now both mentioned.
The incident has provoked a fair amount of thought on the issue and I am pleased that the posts I have made here are turning into interesting debates that leads to more thought for those who read here. At least the event has allowed a little raising of awareness and some deeper thinking amongst the people in this community. I'm on the hunt for places to debate the wider political issues here.
I think that it is very difficult to imagine the thoughts that you are going to have to rationalise in the rough weather / drowning situation. It would require a good deal of creative thinking at the time and would depend upon the tools that you had at your disposal at the time. Under pressure, it is remarkable what a yacht crew can achieve....
Resolving the problems of Africa are amongst the most difficult problems to solve. The dictates of religion, the behaviour of some multi-nationals, corruption, life being seen as a commodity, lack of education, water, generations who now know nothing but cruelty, children indoctrinated at 8 years of age into life as a soldier, dictatorial states, tribal factions the list goes on and on and on.
Bob Geldof's call to ask a million people to March on Edinburgh during the G8 summit is the sort of event that can create action and it did. But the world needs more of that, much more. I think that perhaps we are politically lazy these days or, that we live in a state which simply doesn't listen us when we march peacefully.
There are very few recollections stronger in my mind than when the crew of the launch (lets give them a dignity beyond being 'immigrants', it is too loaded a term these days), with all their effort let out a weak cheer and raised their hands in thanks when they they realised that they were saved. That is precisely why you can't just let these people go.
I'll get some images up available publically at some point soon so that people can get a sense of the atmospher at the time.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Morgana
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Reged: 28/08/2003
Posts: 10337
Loc: East Coast Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765988 - 27/02/2008 16:38 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Quote:
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There are very few recollections stronger in my mind than when the crew of the launch (lets give them a dignity beyond being 'immigrants', it is too loaded a term these days), with all their effort let out a weak cheer and raised their hands in thanks when they they realised that they were saved.
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That must have been some moment in your life..... I can't even begin to imagine how good that must have made you feel.... congrats again.
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Bored?.... why not read my blog .... its the developing story of the trials and tribulations of boat ownership!
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Morgana]
#1766534 - 27/02/2008 23:05 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Actually the emotions were very mixed. A real good factor? No.
I think sickened was probably the best way to describe my overall reaction. We live very sheltered and precious lives here, the juxtaposition with what we encountered; big K pleasure luxury vs desperation. The acomplishment was a good feeling and the fact that I have the opportunity to engage in great debate that hopefully we can all gain from and that we can push a signifcant issue forward with is important for all concerned.
Undoubtedly, the bond that this scenario brought between the crew on both yachts was unique and I suspect that we will all remain in contact for years to come. So I think some great friends were made here as well.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
Please see report below of incident of immigrant rescue of the African coast. I also have a lessons learned exercise coming out of this which I will publish once people have had time to digest this post.
Skippers Report , Julian Bradder
Yacht Tallulah
Immigrant Rescue
29 – 30 / 11 / 2007
This report details the factual events that occurred from the perspective of the Yacht Tallulah 29 through 30 November 2007 during the rescue of 50 individuals aboard a small open launch some 300 miles off the African coast.
Crew Aboard Talllulah
Julian Bradder, Skipper
John Mackney, First Mate
Brendan Chase, Crew
Nick Casey, Crew
Cora Keating, Crew
Janet Murphy, Crew
Stuart Blake, Crew
Approx 16:00 29 November 2007
Crew aboard Tallulah, Stuart Blake identifies what appears to be a small boat 2 NM to the North of Tallulah. Skipper instructs yacht to adopt stationary position in order to take observations through binoculars.
Small boat heads in direction of Tallulah, Tallulah quickly identifies that this is a small open launch boat approximately 7-9m in length. Initial observations indicate that there appear to be around 15-20 people on board. The boat chases Tallulah. Tallulah does not want such a large crew to board and thus maintains a pace that allows visual contact with launch boat whilst not allowing close contact.
This situation seems strange given that the boat is 300 miles offshore and clearly the people on board the boat need help as they are waving and seem desperate. Skipper contacts Las Palmas MRCC, whilst crew arrange drop off of floating water containers together with note written in three languages, English, French and Spanish advising the crew of the launch that help is being organised.
Tallulah awaits a response by satellite phone from Las Palmas MRCC as to their plans in assistance.
Approximately 1 hour later, whilst maintaining watch, crew of Tallulah identify another yacht, ‘If Only’ some 6-7 miles off the starboard bow. The yacht is under sail and is making slow progress. After failing to make radio contact with If Only, Tallulah Skipper and 1st Mate make decision to intercept the yacht to advise them of the situation.
Whilst motoring towards If Only, Tallulah once again contacts Las Palmas MRCC who advise that Tenerife MRCC will be managing the situation. Tallulah also puts out a PAN PAN All Ships at this time.
The launch has clearly recognised that Tallulah does not intend to allow the boarding of crew from the launch and that Tallulah is capable of out-running the launch. Consequently, just before Tallulah heads for If Only, the launch, after collecting the water provided by Tallulah heads towards If Only.
Tallulah arrives at If Only’s position around 10-15 minutes before the launch and advise the crew aboard the yacht of the position. If Only is only making 4.5kts under sail and the Skipper advises that it is unlikely that it could navigate at a higher speed under engine. It is therefore concluded that If Only is vulnerable to boarding. However it is concluded at this time that If Only may be difficult to board owing to having a high freeboard although its slow speed still left it open to attempts. However, Tallulah is vulnerable to boarding owing to a relatively low freeboard and two large sugar scoops at the stern.
Around dusk, the crew of the launch arrives and Tallulah maintain a close position, Tallulah attempting to guard If Only from boarding by crew of the launch. As night approaches, this becomes an increasingly difficult exercise and presents risks to crew aboard all boats involved. It is agreed between If Only and Tallulah to stand a distance apart from one another, maintain radio contact and to occasionally darken ship to make it more difficult for the launch to board the yacht If Only. There are difficult decisions to be made for both yachts here, vis a vis balancing the need to maintain a visual with the launch boat and in protecting the safety of the crew aboard both yachts particularly with darkness fast approaching and a moon not expected until significantly later in the evening.
It is agreed between the two yachts that Tallulah will maintain course and speed of If Only at a distance of approximately 0.5 – 1 mile.
At around 19:000 UTC we are advised by If Only that two crew from the launch have boarded by jumping onto the davits of If Only. If Only are now very frightened indeed and their stress is audible during radio communications. Tallulah now makes the decision to step up pressure upon the MRCC for definition of a plan to resolve the situation.
Tallulah calls Tenerife MRCC, seeking advice in respect of the plan. We are advised that Tenerife MRCC is despatching a vessel, Luz de Mar and that its arrival is approximately 30 hours away. Later this estimate becomes 3 days! Tallulah expresses concern at the length of time this is taking and considers that there is risk to life aboard all the vessels currently involved and therefore asks Tenerife if they have attempted any kind of All Ships contact to identify whether or not a more suitable (than a yacht) rescue vessel is in the vicinity that may be able to help. Tenerife MRCC advises that they have not attempted this. Tallulah therefore suggests that Tallulah should issue another PAN PAN call from its locality. Tenerife agrees that this is a good idea. Initially, this is done verbally by both VHF and SSB. There is no response from these PAN PAN’s and thus Tallulah then elects to issue a DSC distress alert via SSB and VHF.
Whilst this is occurring, If Only is enduring repeated attempts at boarding the vessel, and has to restrain the two crew who have boarded the vessel. If Only are having to adopt various strategies to prevent a mass boarding of their vessel. If Only clearly needs assistance of Tallulah due to a lack of long range communication devices. They have a Sat Phone but credit is reduced to around 10 – 15 minutes whilst the only other means of communication they have is a VHF. It is agreed between Tallulah and If Only that Tallulah will become the local co-ordination vessel owing to its fit of SSB, Sat Phone and VHF.
The DSC alert issued by SSB is heard by a number of ships as we hear DSC alarms coming through from various vessel bridges although Tallulah cannot decipher verbal transmissions received by a number of vessels. However, on radar we identify what appears to be a large vessel approaching our position. It does however seem reluctant to approach and thus Tallulah releases a red parachute flare to allow the vessel to pinpoint Tallulah’s position. At this time we are approximately 1-2 miles from If Only’s position.
We approach the other vessel which is a fishing vessel of approximately 20 – 25 metres in length. We ask them for assistance and they advise that they will not assist as it will cost them a days work.
Around this time, we are contacted by Andrew Bishop of World Cruising Club who advises that he has received a response from Falmouth MRCC that they have received a DSC call from our yacht. Whilst the conversation is difficult owing to a poor Sat Phone link Tallulah appraises Andrew of the situation as best as possible before the phone link breaks.
Tallulah makes a further call to Tenerife MRCC to find out what success they were having in improving the 30 hour situation. We are advised that the 30 hour situation has become a 20 hour situation now and are requested to head North.
Heading North is difficult as it is upwind (of particular consideration to If Only owing to boarding attempts, and necessity to sail upwind due to a weak engine) therefore If Only maintains her course.
Around this time, Yacht Flute calls in and agrees to maintain a standby position should we need assistance. Although very lightly crewed, at this stage, we gratefully accept Flute’s offer, feeling that a show of strength in numbers may help to pacify the clearly desperate immigrant launch.
Tallulah continually requests position updates from If Only and then sets to work upon communicating with the authorities in respect of managing the rescue.
I cannot recollect whether Falmouth Coastguard contacted us or we contacted them however, I express our concerns over the speed of response that Tenerife MRCC are able to deliver to Falmouth Coastguard. After a lengthy conversation, Falmouth Coastguard advise that they will talk more to TMRCC and that they will also make a representation to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office back in the UK.
We are all aware from news back in the UK and from advice given from the ARC that the ‘small boat immigrant’ issue is a significant problem to the Canary Islands administration.
However, contrary to the claim made on the ARC website, there is no patrol vessel in the locality that is able to respond quickly. Given the threat to lives of migrants, yachts such as our own and other shipping, I can only question whether the Spanish authorities are doing enough to protect everybody’s interests.
I update If Only of this position. Shortly afterwards, If Only call again, now appearing terrified and very weary in respect of the repeated attempts at boarding. We make best attempts to calm and comfort If Only advising that we are continuing to do what we can to speed the resolution of the situation.
Around this time, crew have prepared dinner and it is agreed that Skipper and First Mate will maintain two larger watches through the night, maintaining a bow watch for the launch, a communications watch and a steering watch.
Soon after this, we are contacted by Tenerife MRCC that they have made contact with a fishing vessel, Pinillo Primario. We are advised to operate SSB 4146.0Khz as a working channel as both Pinillio Primario and Luz de Mar will be operating on these frequencies.
I attempt to contact these vessels via SSB but there is a language barrier and I hear a conversation between Luz de Mar and Pinillo Primario and make out ‘No hablo Ingles’. Clearly we have difficulty communicating and neither Luz de Mar or Pinillo Primario respond to my calls despite the fact that they are able to hear me clearly, presumably because they felt they could make little progress with the language barrier in place.
The time is now around 00:00 UTC. I call Tenerife MRCC who must now act as liaison between us, Luz de Mar and Pinillo Primario. I get an updated position, course and speed from If Only and provide this and our own relevant information to Tenerfie MRCC. Who then pass this information across to the Pinillo Primario. I agree with TMRCC an hourly telephone call, requesting that they call us due to the heavy use of minutes on our own phone by this time.
Falmouth MRCC now call me and appraise me of their understanding of the situation and I provide them with an update of the local activity.
We maintain radio contact with If Only, assessing their safety, well being, course, position etc. Flute also maintains radio contact during this period. After some time, I advise Flute that she is released and should continue her journey as with only a small crew on board, there is little she could do to assist and also that she exposes herself to vulnerabilities.
Around 1:00 AM, it occurs to me that one of our crew members, Cora Keating speaks some Spanish and I awake her and ask her to attempt contact with Pinillo Primario. This proves successful, and we are now able to adopt a central communication role between ourselves, the fishing boat and If Only. Tallulah adopts a position relay from If Only to the Spanish Fishing Vessel over VHF. At this time, a rendezvous between Tallulah and Pinillo Primario is agreed. Upon rendezvous, Tallulah would then take the fishing vessel to If Only’s position.
A little after this, further contact is made with TMRCC. The plan is agreed that all vessels will converge and at dawn whereupon the rescue will be affected.
Concern arises again as a result of If Only’s course due South, as the Pinillo Primario is only able to make a speed of 7.5 to 8 kts. At around 2:30AM, Tallulah agrees to adopt a northerly course to accelerate the rendezvous with Pinillo Primario. We advise If Only of the situation and agree 15 minute position updates should we lose VHF contact (the range would separate the vessels by in excess of 30 miles).
Luckily around this time, Sailing Vessel ‘Salt Whitle’ calls Tallulah and asks if she can assist. At this time, her position is a midway position between If Only and the Fishing Vessel so I therefore request if she will act as a VHF Relay vessel. She duly agrees to this and maintains watch. At this time, I request that all vessels adopt Channel 16 as the communication channel and request radio silence unless the situation is urgent or a call is made by Tallulah as we are now co-ordinating all the boats involved.
The fishing vessel continues to strengthen its concern over If Only’s course and a further call from TMRCC reinforces this message. Fearing the loss of the fishing vessels co-operation, I agree to discuss If Only’s course with them, and whilst them not wanting to sail dead in the water, or significantly more slowly, it is agreed that If Only will sail a reciprocal beam reach course to 030 degrees at 3.5 to 4kts to the one that they are currently sailing. Once they complete the adjustment of course, I continue to get regular course and position updates.
We then receive a call from If Only advising that there has been an aggressive attempt to board If Only. If Only advise that they have thrown a floating line towards the launch in an attempt to disable them. They think that the line may have fouled the propeller of the launch as the launch has now disappeared from view. Understandably, the crew of If Only are now very weary and very frightened. If Only have taken a position of the incident and we mark this position in our log and as a waypoint in our GPS. At the time, we are within 2 miles of this position so maintain a very careful bow watch. We are now concerned about a disabled vessel lost at sea. I put out an all stations advising of the situation and requesting a sharp look out from all ships. I make regular radio contact with If Only asking for sightings of the launch together with the other regular updates.
At this time, I also contact TMRCC and advise them that if they had cancelled the AM aircraft fly over, that they may wish to consider launching it again owing to the now unknown location of the launch.
With the aforementioned change of If Only’s course, we call Pinillo Primario and agree that a rendezvous at If Only’s location is the most useful course of action. The Skipper of Pinillo Primario appears a little confused in respect of everybody’s location, particularly ours. We therefore agree to launch a red parachute flare in order that they can clearly identify our position. I advise All Stations of the intention and we thus release the flare. This gave the Skipper clear and immediate identification of our position and we all resumed course to rendezvous with If Only.
Around this time, I release Salt Whitle from participation and thank them, wishing them a good journey.
Danish Cargo Ship, Loren L’Oritzen, on route from Natal, Brazil to Vigo, Spain listens in and calls Tallulah. Loren L’Oritzen’s position is close to If Only and we agree to Loren L’Oritzen offer to stand by If Only, feeling that the presence of a large ship would help to comfort the crew aboard the launch as well as comfort those aboard If Only.
Two yachts then called in advising that they had seen the flare, and we were able to advise them of the situation and ask them to stand by on VHF 16.
Further communication reveals that Loren L’Oritzen had become confused because by this time Sea Whitle and If Only had very similar locations. They had been standing by Sea Whitle. Once this was updated, Loren L’Oritzen adjusted course to standby If Only.
We we’re now in a position of regularly updating all vessels on positions, ETA’s etc as well as managing the final approach.
At around 4:00AM If Only advised that they now had view of the launch again, which was a relief in that we would not need to launch a SAR for the launch.
Around 5:30 Tallulah arrived on the scene of the incident. Loren L’Oritzen was on station and because of Loren L’Oritzen’s ability to see the small launch using her powerful radar we were able to mange the position of all the vessels and thus we were able to minimise the risk of accidentally sinking the launch.
As the fishing vessel was now around 1 hour behind us, all vessels then agreed to rendezvous at the fishing vessel. We shine a search torch across our stern to indicate to the launch to follow and set off in the direction of the fishing vessel with whom we quickly had visual on their lights.
Loren L’Oritzen, clearly under pressure then requested when I would release her. I advised that I would like her to remain until twilight because of the benefits of her radar. She agreed to this, and I contacted Tenerife MRCC to advise. At this time they were happy with this.
Tallulah, If Only, Pinillo Primario and the launch all rendezvous just before dawn. Whilst Loren L’Oritzen gave continuous position updates as to the launches position in order that we do not run them down.
The launch at this time comes into everybody’s view and we circle them. I think that by this point the crew of the launch now clearly understood that rescue was imminent.
We continued liaison with TMRCC and acted as channel of communication to the fishing vessel, Loren L’Oritzen and If Only. As dawn broke, Pinillo Primario affected first the transfer of the two who boarded If Only and then (presumably to offer dignity to the two dead people aboard) towed the launch a distance away and the persons aboard the launch boarded the Pinillo Primario.
TMRCC called us and advised us that we were released. I confirmed that Loren L’Oritzen and If Only were also released and advised each vessel accordingly. We shared warm words over the VHF and each vessel then resumed course after collecting an up to date weather forecast from Loren L’Oritzen.
Our understanding is that 50 peoples lives were saved whilst regrettably, 2 people within the launch were dead.
We have since been contacted by Spanish media and our Spanish speaking crew member conducted a live radio interview on the evening of 30/11/07.
Whilst this is a factual account of events, as Skipper, I feel that there are numerous important lessons to be learned from this exercise for those of us directly involved, World Cruising Club, the yachting fraternity in general and the authorities. I thus welcome an open and frank discussion on this event once we are all back on dry land.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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sarabande
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Loc: Thames valley, or up on the mo... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764187 - 26/02/2008 10:34 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
that seems to be a very professional series of actions with the limited resources you had at the time. They immigrants were very lucky to have come across you and your crew.
It's difficult to see what else you could have done.
I assume the report derives from a log you kept at the time ?
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Enlightenment is motor-sailing
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: sarabande]
#1764190 - 26/02/2008 10:37 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Yes, in this day and age one of the first things I did was nominate a crew member to write everything down.... not an easy task as at one stage we had every communications vehicle going, flares going off, the lot..... it's diffuclt to describe in words the intensity of what was going on that night.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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AndrewB
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Loc: Victoria BC Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764205 - 26/02/2008 10:48 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
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Whilst this is a factual account of events, as Skipper, I feel that there are numerous important lessons to be learned from this exercise for those of us directly involved, ...
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There certainly are, thank you for a very full account. I'm sure everyone here would wish to congratulate you in being instrumental in saving so many lives, and hope they could cope as well in a similar situation.
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channelyacht
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Reged: 25/12/2007
Posts: 65
Loc: Hamble, UK Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764209 - 26/02/2008 10:51 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Very professionally handled, and as you say a few lessons for others.
Our Standing Orders to Masters (commercial shipping) do cover this kind of situation, and we take a bit of a harsher line -
All sightings of such craft are to be treated as Mayday relays,
Any approach to our vessels by such craft is to be treated as a Mayday - Piracy (there is no way of telling if such immigrant craft are armed - it is not unusual for them to be carrying something)
Use of the Mayday may seem excessive, but it does place higher obligations on other vessels to assist. A yacht being approached by 50 or so people who may well be desperate would certainly qualify as "grave and imminent danger to life" in my book.
All our ships carry a piracy plan, and this is operated until such time as you can safely downgrade to "huminatrian assistance", i.e. conclusive proof you are not going to be shot / raided / beaten up for your vessel.
Sounds harsh, but there are dozens of these immigrant craft out there and desperation can lead people to do strange things...
But congratulations on a well handled incident.
Simon
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Chris_E
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Loc: Lymington Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: AndrewB]
#1764210 - 26/02/2008 10:52 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Absolutely, I'm not sure that I'd have had the presence of mind to sort that lot out. Congratulations.
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It ain't necessarily so.
Botton Village
Citizens Advice Bureau
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: channelyacht]
#1764213 - 26/02/2008 10:58 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Simon- Certainly, I came to the conclusion that this was a proper Mayday situation about 3 hours into this... "grave and imminent danger for all concerned". It sounds like in the merchant world, people are better instructed on how to handle matters. On a yacht your vulnerability is far higher. The fact we were on a catamaran and could thus motor quickly was a key factor in us being able to achieve what we did. Otherwise god only knows what might have happened. The weather conditions being light at the time were also significant. Most yachts would not be able to motor at the 9-10kts that we were able to. About 4-5 hours after this was wrapped up we would have been in a F6 and sadly, I think we would have lost everybody in the launch.
Also, talking merchant, I can only congratulate the Captain of L'Oren L'Oritzen, their assistance was absolutely invaluable, whilst their presence no doubt a relief to everybody.
Keep an eye for the discussion document that I'll place later in the week.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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channelyacht
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Loc: Hamble, UK Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764226 - 26/02/2008 11:08 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Jules,
Yes, merchant shiiping do plan for piracy - it is a massive problem in certain parts of the world, and one that seems to be growing. It is also not unusual for the same people to be involved in people trafficking - your immigrants may have just been desperate locals who used a local boat to try and find a better life, or they may have paid money to others to put them in that boat, who would have then towed them out to sea and dumped them. It's not a nice world out there!
I've also served about 15 years in SAR coordination, and will add that your handling of the situation, effectively as local SMC, was superb and deserves the highest credit. It is one thing to be caught up in such events, it is another thing to calmly manage and coordinate them. Without doubt, had you not done what you did, 50 people would have perished rather than two.
I'll certainly respond to your discussion document - if we can make some of our generic plans available for yachtsmen, we will do.
Regards
Simon
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AndrewB
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Loc: Victoria BC Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764413 - 26/02/2008 14:07 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Jules, a question. What would you have done if the launch had sunk? How do you see the options?
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: AndrewB]
#1764433 - 26/02/2008 14:28 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Very interesting question to which there is no easy answer. The only option is to take people on board and use available small boat craft on board the yachts, provided it was not too rough. I think that it would be morally unsound to do anything different. Liferafts were an option, however given the number of people, this would have been difficult. We could have carried 8+8 with our liferafts, a maximum of say 10 extra on board our own boat before we exposed her to risks and of course in this particular situation we had If Only who was a good size (70ft+) steel ketch with her own complement of liferafts, dinghies etc.
If we were a couple of say Beneteau 33's I think matters would be very different and much more scary. Undoubtedly, you would be overwhelmed.
A launch sinking event would of course put paid to our Atlantic Crossing and for our own safety we would have had to make for a CVI or African port to replenish.
The other concern in respect of taking people on board was that we had limited food stocks of our own as we were going transatlantic. So even taking a small group on board would have put paid to a non-stop crossing.
However, we probably could have managed and given the gravity of the situation for the poor souls on the launch, whats a stop in the CVI's to us?
Us being a catamaran would certainly help in terms of deck space, ability to make comfortable the injured and very sick. And dare I argue this (!) I believe catamarans offer greater seaworthiness and stability, particularly under power and this would advantage the situation. (I don't want to open up the cat v monohull debate here). Had we been on our own, I feel the situation would be much more difficult.
My suspicion is that if the boat had sunk, then these people would have been disorganised and totally demoralised, if I have faith in human nature then I think they would be placid upon rescue to one of our boats, provided that we were able to remain calm and give them confidence.
Then it would be big time pressure on the authorities to pull the guns out so to speak.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Jonny_H
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Loc: Me - Newcastle, Boat - Fleetwo... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764440 - 26/02/2008 14:41 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
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If we were a couple of say Beneteau 33's I think matters would be very different and much more scary. Undoubtedly, you would be overwhelmed.
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Agreed! However, would your approach have changed? Say for instance a couple aboard a smaller monohull with speeds of only 5 knots - would you still have approached the boat? I know human kindness etc says you should, but given your experience (and that of If Only) would you take the same actions on a smaller vessel with less crew?
Just interested - as I suspect many people doing a transatlantic these days have a smaller crew, 2 - 4 people say, and would be on an monohull between 35 and 45 feet (seems to fit with the ARC census) - reading your account I would suggest they would be very hesitant to approach or even stand by (although this is clearly the moral and seaman like, let alone humane, thing to do)
Jonny
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www.freewebs.com/jksailing
Counting down the days til we cast off!
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Jonny_H]
#1764454 - 26/02/2008 15:06 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
I have absolutely no idea what you would do.
I don't want to scare people here but, in essence you wouldn't have had the option to runaway and not approach them, they were chasing us and could make 8.5 - 9.0kts. They would be on you. And I would refer here to the imperatives to merchant vessels that channelcat references earlier in this post.
We with two 56hp engines, running at 3,200rpm a 46' waterline and the (relative) light weight of a catamaran could only make 1 more knot or so than them. If Only benefited from being made of steel. They were repeatedly rammed by the launch and in St Lucia she sported broken stern portholes and significant damage to her hull as a result.
As I say, the 33ft scenario, I think the only thing you are going to be able to rely on is either your negotiating skills or, the horrible concept of needing to carry weaponry on board as I understand many US registered vessels do. I'm not sure where I stand on weaponary.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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channelyacht
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Loc: Hamble, UK Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Jonny_H]
#1764465 - 26/02/2008 15:15 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
If there had been only a few people on the launch, I would have been extremely suspicious.
A common piracy ploy, especially around parts of Africa and also a speciality of the Strait of Malacca, is to set a "decoy" boat containing a few "refugees" with concealed weapons. A faster rib or similar is then just over the horizon, out of sight.
A yacht stops for the "refugees" who are taken on board the boat, then suddenly from nowhere the rib appears and your "refugees" turn hostile. All too common.
Also, in any rescue, there are three priorities (in this order) - self, crew, casualty. If taking on 50 people means you would sink, you can't take on 50 people. It's harsh and exceptionally difficult to do (luckily never had to do it myself), but you can't be of any help to anyone if you all sink together.
Simon
Edited by channelyacht (26/02/2008 15:15)
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: channelyacht]
#1764476 - 26/02/2008 15:30 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Whilst this is from the yachting communities point of view very selfish, for events such as the ARC and those going it alone, I think that to minimise the risk of encountering this situation then the necessity is to head initially on the North route out of the Canaries (then at least if you encounter a boat your likely close to the Canaries and proper rescue).
So my suggestion would be a Westerly turning mark or gate that guides vessels out of potential danger zones. This does mean that genuine boats won't get rescued though, and takes away some of the strategic fun of an Atlantic crossing.
However, ultimately is this problem one for yachties or EU government? Clearly we have a role to play but our ability to affect change?
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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channelyacht
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Loc: Hamble, UK Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: channelyacht]
#1764479 - 26/02/2008 15:34 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
General advice on weaponry - don't.
1. Only carry what you would be prepared to use. Could you, without hesitation, shoot to kill another human being? If not, there is a high chance you will freeze, and a desperate refugee / hostile pirate will disarm you and turn the weapon against you.
2. Security in port - any armoury is a risk. Guns can be stolen, and you make yourself more of a target.
3. Security on board. On merchant ships which carry guns, a major issue is access - it's got to be more than one person in case the keyholder is out of action, but then you've got to make sure you're not creating a situation where disgruntled or "loopy" crew can get hold of the weapons and hijack the ship.
4. Chance of survival - if you're lucky, a pirate vessel will regard you as unarmed and may not harm you on taking the vessel. If you point a gun at them, they will shoot first - and trust me, they do enough shooting to be quicker and more accurate than you. They will not have the seconds delay caused by you checking your conscience.
However, you do all carry firearms! Think flares, line throwers used at short range, smoke flares - a parachute rocket fired horizontally can do a lot of damage. Think laterally!
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Jonny_H
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Loc: Me - Newcastle, Boat - Fleetwo... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764483 - 26/02/2008 15:35 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Wow - thanks for that - certainly food for thought - hadn't realised their speed from your initial post!
Scary as you say! Weapons has been brought up here before - mixed feelings, but you would need to be prepared to use it if you had it and face the consquences of your actions.
Jonny
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www.freewebs.com/jksailing
Counting down the days til we cast off!
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PuffTheMagicDragon
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Reged: 16/05/2001
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Loc: Malta Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764486 - 26/02/2008 15:40 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
A difficult question.
Bearing in mind that my first loyalty is to the safety of my vessel, quickly followed by that of my crew, there is no way that I would willingly take on board people from a launch out at sea.
I have myself been rescued from a genuine situation many years ago. However, there were only three of us on a 37-foot catamaran with no rudders and no VHF (this was 1973) and the ship that picked us up was a freighter of some 18-20,000 tons. Even so, that ship circled us a couple of times before launching a lifeboat to see what was the matter. We could see that they were armed and were taking no chances.
The situation today is entirely different. Literally thousands of persons attempt the passage from North Africa to Europe and each year many hundreds are saved by the Italian Coast Guard, as well as our own. It is an everyday matter. These people pay around $1000 each to well organised criminals to smuggle them across. They leave Libya on a ship and then are lowered in brand-new, basic GRP lifeboats, when they are some 30 miles to the south of Malta. Others attempt the journey in old, run-down fishing boats that are of no further use to fishermen.
Down at the Coast Guard base below Valletta, there are so many of these 'disposable' lifeboats that they are stacked like jelly moulds, one over the other.
If I come across such a launch I would certainly alert the SAR centre and - if the visibility is good - stand by until the Armed Forces arrive. However, I do not see how I am obliged to take anyone on board when there is a clear risk to the safety of my vessel and that of my crew. In the absence of firearms (not allowed under Maltese Law) I would still keep parachute rockets close at hand and I do not think that I should hesitate to use them as weapons.
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Fair Winds!
Wally
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: channelyacht]
#1764502 - 26/02/2008 15:52 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Simon - Your points about weaponary are very important and I don't think that I would favour the mass armament of cruising yachts.
Flares are as you say a pretty lethal piece of equipment and were the favoured method of protection during our incident should we have needed them.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Troutbridge
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Loc: Guernsey Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764517 - 26/02/2008 16:04 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Thought provoking. Up until now I had thought to 'see no ships'. I am aware of all the moral and legal imperatives to save life, but not by putting mine at risk. Well, maybe under some circumstances but 50-odd 'economic refugees' adrift isn't one of them. Don't know what I'd do, difficult choice. Well done to those involved, instructive perhaps the Canarian authorities dragged their heels a bit.
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The final destination is known but the route there is infinitely variable. See you in an anchorage near you...soon
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zefender
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Loc: quacious Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1764522 - 26/02/2008 16:08 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Very interesting account - and well done.
I was interested to read that you were some 300 miles off the coast and the launch had fuel remaining (presumably after motoring at least some of this distance). As an open launch of some 7-9metres LOA capable of 10kts or so, I wonder how much fuel it actually had left? Did you hear the accounts of the people rescued? Were they dropped off a coaster, made the journey primarily with the current/wind, or what?
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: PuffTheMagicDragon]
#1764525 - 26/02/2008 16:11 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
The stories about the Malta area are very similar, simply the size of this problem is unbelievable. I've read reports that state around 25,000 people a year are attempting to reach the Canaries via this method. That is 5-600 boats per annum. And these are of course the 'official' figures.
Whilst the issue in the Mediterannean is just as tragic and carries similar risks for those in the Atlantic, I think that the strategies need to be different. The Atlantic is very remote and once people are lost there, the only chance they have is a boat like ours passing. Numerous boats wash up in the Caribbean full of skeletons.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: zefender]
#1764562 - 26/02/2008 16:35 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Hi - The fact that they were 300 miles offshore puzzled us a little. We came to the conclusion that perhaps they had left land, and once they had lost sight of land gotten lost. Then I guess they came to the conclusion to switch engines off until such time as they saw other boats.
We did try to pursue some follow up from the World Cruising Club, but they were not really very interested.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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bazonbeleza
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Loc: faro, portugal, & Liverpool fo... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: zefender]
#1764594 - 26/02/2008 17:02 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Your account was illuminating and I congratulate you on your resolution. If Only survived because of your intervention. It placed you in a very tricky situation. If If Only hadn't been there would you have hightailed it out of there? I know I would.
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Nauticat sailors do it in comfort (and carpet slippers)
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: bazonbeleza]
#1764598 - 26/02/2008 17:04 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
No, we wouldn't have hightailed it, when your there and in it, leaving 50 people to die ain't the plan. Whilst it was contemplated, I would have faced a crew mutiny if I had of arrived at that decision.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Seagreen
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Loc: ked myself in the locker again... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765210 - 27/02/2008 00:54 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Whilst I've never been in this position, and hopefully never will be, do you think that having some sort of image intensifying night sight on board the yachts would have been more use, as a way of keeping track of the launch (and thus distance from it) for both yachts?
Again, thinking of "weaponry", and this is just theoretical, would some form of larger anti-personnel weapon - light machine gun even- have given you more "stand off" from the launch? I'm not even going into the practicalities of stowing, mounting, training the crew to use it, licensing, etc., just that the thought occurred that a quick show of force -burst of fire across the bows- in the initial stages of the situation may have resulted in a more passive reaction from the people in the launch. Use of flares as anti-personnel rockets seems a little bit blunt and very last resort. Had it really come to that stage the enraged and desperate crew of the launch would have been prepared to do anything, and suffer the casualties. Would anyone be prepared to fire a flare into a boat load of desperate men and women? And flares quickly run out, having run through all of mine once in a severe gale long ago.
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"Let Joy be unconfined!"
I'll get her chastity belt keys, then..
http://www.linesquall.co.uk
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caribbeancat
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Seagreen]
#1765273 - 27/02/2008 06:22 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
One person did argue phosphur bombs and UZI's. I just don't think that weapons are a good idea... for the average joe, which most of us are, there is just simply too much scope for things to go wrong. I would rather rely on my wit than an UZI I think.
No I think that if you want to be sure of avoiding this situation, then avoid this area altogether. It is a tough one to call, but if I were sailing a smaller boat then as previously mentioned, I would head west out of the Canaries first and then head to Caribbean. This is a shame as it cuts the CVI's out of cruising routes for people.
Trouble is that there is no real data (that I have seen) in terms of yacht encounters and no doubt commercial organisations would be keen to play down the risks. We know that (in 2005?) another ARC yacht came across a vessel. Whilst this is not conclusive data, it does suggest that there is a reasonable chance of running into one of these boats now and quite simply, as was evidenced during our situation, the Spanish (EU) governments do not have control or sufficient resources available to help in this part of the world. I have a sense that their strategy is latent.
One thing that is clear. World Cruising Club advice to "Call Las Palmas MRCC and Standby" is naive and simply insufficient.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Iota
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Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765363 - 27/02/2008 08:52 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Reading this thread has been fascinating.
The way you handled the situation awesome, I am not sure I would have had the presence of mind to come even close.
I would not advocate the carrying of firearms. One reason already stated is you have to be prepared to use it and you may have to use it first - even harder in my view.
Others reasons, in no particular order:
- it is harder than people realise to shoot straight especially on a boat
- Use of a shot gun means only a slow rate of fire can be maintained
- If you are faced with an attacker(s) who see you are armed they are more likely to open fire first than if you are unarmed.
- The attackers are likely to have a mindset using a firearm is a way of life to them.
- Armed attackers are often more likely to be more heavily armed the ubiquitous AK47 springs to mind
- Weapons have to be kept well maintained to function and kept securely.
- The problems with dealing with officials in ports of calls could be interesting.
I wonder if there is away of developing some sort of acoustic system that could be used with the crew donning linked ear sets to protect them.? The cruise liner attacked near Somalia a while back used some sort of system, I think it was a Seabourne ship.
I look forward to reading your next offering
Iota
Post Extras:
caribbeancat
regular
Reged: 22/02/2008
Posts: 61
Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Iota]
#1765370 - 27/02/2008 08:59 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
During a training course last year I met a technical officer on board a cruise ship last who talked about the 'sonic boom' technology. His view was that would be far too expensive and power consumptive on board a yacht as the technology stands today. It is an interesting thought and if it could be developed to be functional on board yacht in a cost effective and energy effective manner then I think it may have its uses.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
Post Extras:
Seagreen
regular
Reged: 30/07/2005
Posts: 725
Loc: ked myself in the locker again... Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765521 - 27/02/2008 11:16 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
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'sonic boom' technology
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The last time I heard of this being tested was 10 years ago. Former rock stars had bought some ex-MOD vehicles with loudspeakers on, and all they did was terrify the cows in Mid Devon.
The Americans are developing a beamed Ultrasound or Infrared (Its classified) weapon for use in crowd dispersal, but the power needed for this was vast and well outside the "rare" threat level to make it useful for yachts.
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"Let Joy be unconfined!"
I'll get her chastity belt keys, then..
http://www.linesquall.co.uk
Post Extras:
Sailfree
regular
Reged: 18/01/2003
Posts: 2295
Loc: Solent Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765831 - 27/02/2008 14:48 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Thought provoking post and congatulations on handling a difficult situation v well.
Some off the cuff remarks to stimulate futher examination of our morals/thoughts/responses.
1. Millions of Africans die of starvation every year. In my living memory (last 50yrs!) it has always been so and all the efforts of UN, Oxfam etc have not cured the problem.
2. These people who try to escape Africa and its problems are desperate. 50 people in a motor boat 300mls from land probably trying to get to the Canaries is desperation!
3. If as individuals we currently do nothing to alleviate the suffering in Africa why should we react any differently to 50 of the poor souls but now situated in a launch in the Atlantic?
4. Common sense dictates that the safety of your boat and crew must come first but had the sea got rough could you stand off and watch them drown - wait until a savable number are left swimming and then help?
5. Yet we watch on TV many dying of hunger/wars in Africa and if we do nothing are we not "standing off " but just from the comfort of our armchairs and insulated by distance and the TV.
I have no answers and probably like many just avoid the situation. It seems that common humanity is just not enough these days to go round and solve all the worlds problems and as we cannot solve all the problems - for many of us we just bury our heads in the sand.
Post Extras:
caribbeancat
regular
Reged: 22/02/2008
Posts: 61
Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Sailfree]
#1765885 - 27/02/2008 15:23 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Absolutely, 50 people in a boat the size they were in, 300 miles of shore is desparation and at its highest level.
I am no expert on Africa and up until the point of this incident I had fairly generic views of Africa as portrayed within the media. This scenario certainly brings you much closer to understanding the reality of the situation in Africa, when you see the levels of desparation as we have now both mentioned.
The incident has provoked a fair amount of thought on the issue and I am pleased that the posts I have made here are turning into interesting debates that leads to more thought for those who read here. At least the event has allowed a little raising of awareness and some deeper thinking amongst the people in this community. I'm on the hunt for places to debate the wider political issues here.
I think that it is very difficult to imagine the thoughts that you are going to have to rationalise in the rough weather / drowning situation. It would require a good deal of creative thinking at the time and would depend upon the tools that you had at your disposal at the time. Under pressure, it is remarkable what a yacht crew can achieve....
Resolving the problems of Africa are amongst the most difficult problems to solve. The dictates of religion, the behaviour of some multi-nationals, corruption, life being seen as a commodity, lack of education, water, generations who now know nothing but cruelty, children indoctrinated at 8 years of age into life as a soldier, dictatorial states, tribal factions the list goes on and on and on.
Bob Geldof's call to ask a million people to March on Edinburgh during the G8 summit is the sort of event that can create action and it did. But the world needs more of that, much more. I think that perhaps we are politically lazy these days or, that we live in a state which simply doesn't listen us when we march peacefully.
There are very few recollections stronger in my mind than when the crew of the launch (lets give them a dignity beyond being 'immigrants', it is too loaded a term these days), with all their effort let out a weak cheer and raised their hands in thanks when they they realised that they were saved. That is precisely why you can't just let these people go.
I'll get some images up available publically at some point soon so that people can get a sense of the atmospher at the time.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
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Morgana
regular
Reged: 28/08/2003
Posts: 10337
Loc: East Coast Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: caribbeancat]
#1765988 - 27/02/2008 16:38 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
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There are very few recollections stronger in my mind than when the crew of the launch (lets give them a dignity beyond being 'immigrants', it is too loaded a term these days), with all their effort let out a weak cheer and raised their hands in thanks when they they realised that they were saved.
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That must have been some moment in your life..... I can't even begin to imagine how good that must have made you feel.... congrats again.
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Bored?.... why not read my blog .... its the developing story of the trials and tribulations of boat ownership!
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Post Extras:
caribbeancat
regular
Reged: 22/02/2008
Posts: 61
Re: Immigrant Rescue Report - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers [Re: Morgana]
#1766534 - 27/02/2008 23:05 Edit Reply Quote Quick Reply
Actually the emotions were very mixed. A real good factor? No.
I think sickened was probably the best way to describe my overall reaction. We live very sheltered and precious lives here, the juxtaposition with what we encountered; big K pleasure luxury vs desperation. The acomplishment was a good feeling and the fact that I have the opportunity to engage in great debate that hopefully we can all gain from and that we can push a signifcant issue forward with is important for all concerned.
Undoubtedly, the bond that this scenario brought between the crew on both yachts was unique and I suspect that we will all remain in contact for years to come. So I think some great friends were made here as well.
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Jules
http://www.cat-charters.com
