Dealing with panic.

L

Lee_Shaw

Well-Known Member
Joined
1 Jun 2004
Messages
696
Location
Stoke on Trent
Visit site
Just wondering how folks deal with the situation when someone starts to panic onboard, at a time when returning to shore is not possible for a good few hours.

Convinced that they're gonna die, crying, sobbing uncontrollably and generally disintergrating. That kind of thing.

Thanks for any tips.
 
[ QUOTE ]
but be interested to know what bought the post on. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Conditions were mild, 3 on board. We were steaming up the channel and a friend started freaking out about an hour after the point of no return.
 
I have had it many times when charter fishing in South Africa. With large swell and no sight of shore the panic sets in for some people and some offer money, some violence, to take them back in. My experience is that they calm down when they accept the inevitable ie. we will NOT take them back to shore. Usualy they just go to sleep or go into a stupor due to the energy expenditure of the gnashing and wailing.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Usualy they just go to sleep or go into a stupor due to the energy expenditure of the gnashing and wailing.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's exactly what she did - she slept like a baby once we'd got her tucked up in a berth.
 
Sounds like a case of too much too soon. I think I would avoid going very far out in a small boat with totally inexperienced people.

As to dealing with the situation I've never had to except once with my son in a sailing dinghy and no distance to shore. I guess it would have to be a case of being calm, reasoned and patient until the panic subsides and then trying to understand the basis of the fear.

No help I'm afraid but intrigued to hear the views of others.
 
Never happened to me, but I would try to get them to lie down below, and offer a seasickness tablet, maybe two.

The seasick pills usually send people to sleep, in my experience.

How irritating!
 
Hello,

Its never happened to me at sea but I used to teach people to fly microlights and always found the best way to allay people’s apprehensions was to make them feel that they had some kind of control over the situation (by knowing what to expect). This is about giving them the information so that they can see what is happening and why it is safe.

The best plan is a good pre sail briefing to stop it happening in the first place. If your not sure they are stable enough then don’t take them. They can be a serious liability when the sh*t hits the f*n.

Another important point is their confidence in you – the skipper. We all have our own way of achieving this but I tend to cut out any bullsh*t, maintain eye contact and explain confidently what is going to happen and why. People will appreciate being treated with respect and feel that they have some kind of grip on the situation.

Alternatively a good clump round the back of the head with a winch handle often quiets imaginary fears.

Paul
 
Had it once on Lake Michigan.
Once I had explained why we were not going to call the coastguard, she went below with a stugeron lay down for an hour and came back up top looking sheepish and embarassed and had a great time helming the boat.
Rest of the trip was very happy and fully involved.
Lady in question was not novice but very experienced sailor, but something- who knows what- had spooked her.

My own 15 yr old daughter did her usual of sticking her head up through the companionway-looking around and saying "if you don't need me to do anything I'll go back to bed"
 
Had it, done it ... got the T shirt ....

My ex crumpled into a wailing wreck on the cockpit floor .... 19ft boat in 25ft waves .... so not a suprise really !!

What to do ?? You can't reason with them, they don't listen, they are sure YOU want to kill 'em .....

My present wife started the habit of clutching the sprayhood steel hoop - instead of sitting down .... hands going white with the grip etc. Cure ? Brandy BEFORE setting off .... now she is better, even to cheese butties and Chablis while getting soaked in the spray etc.......

DSCF0202.jpg
 
I find it's best to prepare in advance.
Get the champagne on ice, make sure the strawberries are not too cold, cut the crusts of the sandwiches.

Did you say picnic?
 
Happened when I was helming JHB's boat
We had left St Maarten only a few hours before
Skipper had gone below. I was holding a steady course.
Crew (an "experienced"65 year old) suddenly
grabbed the wheel from me and span the wheel wildly.
I pushed him away and took back the wheel
Just then skip reappeared and bawled out crew
Crew then disappeared below and was not seen again
for 24 hours. John and I stood short watches.
The following day he was back to normal.

Regards Briani
 
you put rubber gloves on, hold a jar of vasaline in one hand with a grin on your face, and tell them you have just lookedup a cure for anxiety ....... so please come closer

easy - panic changes to deep suspicion, then embarressment, then - well, you can imagine /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
get a stinky finger I guess /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif but not got that far yet.

once has a crew member catch his finger wearing a glove, the skin on the end peeled off inside the glove like a banana, interesting to look at as it remained attached to the finger - however the medic was an outrageous queen, so funny to see this poor chap declining further medical treatment after the initial treatment. no - he didnt have a rubber thing on ! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top