Solo sailor, 66, lost after his stricken yacht was hit by a violent storm

[Babylon]

Yes, but if there were no free rescues available, would we be as likely to launch off solo without better comms equipment!

The two parts of your sentence don't logically connect: just because rescue is possible doesn't mean you will be found in the first place. If you lack adequate distress communications, then your chances of dying are significantly higher. The cost of rescue doesn't come into it.

A Swedish bloke sails from England and the South Africans end up spending months looking for him. Paid for by South African taxes.

I may have missed something, but where did it say the South Africans even knew he was missing, let alone that they spent months looking for him?

 

[Ex-SolentBoy]

The two parts of your sentence don't logically connect: just because rescue is possible doesn't mean you will be found in the first place. If you lack adequate distress communications, then your chances of dying are significantly higher. The cost of rescue doesn't come into it.

I know that! Knowing that an attempt will be made irrespective of the kit you carry is the issue

I may have missed something, but where did it say the South Africans even knew he was missing, let alone that they spent months looking for him?

I am afraid you did. The hint is in the article where the South Africans said they spent several months looking for him.
"A spokesman for the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre in Cape Town today confirmed the organisation led a three-month search for the missing yacht."

 

[ridgy]

You seem to be implying that they had aircraft out day and night scouring the ocean at vast expense.

"Excuse me South African coastguard, there is this guy in a boat who set off the other week, maybe for Australia. He's got no radio or any comms gear, could be anywhere, and there was no distress signal or anything to indicate he's in trouble. For all we know he could be sat in a bar somewhere. Any chance you could find him for us?"

I can't imagine this "search" consisting of much more than making casual enquries with harbourmasters and asking ships to keep an eye out.

 

[Conachair]

VHF only has a short range (say 20 miles) and it is unlikely that any ship will be keeping VHF watch 300 miles off shore. So not much point even rying really.

Can´t remember ever calling up a ship offshore and not have them answer. Having one pass close enough to call might be a different matter though.

 

[BobPrell]

On the other hand, these are the same people that are quite happy for soemone else to pay for a rescue.

Not sure I agree with that attitude.

They have no choice in the matter. International treaties require each country to rescue those who need it, in their area of responsibility.

Peeps who take no communications gear are giving those governments and their taxpayers a sporting chance of not having to deliver on that obligation.

 

[RichardS]

VHF only has a short range (say 20 miles) and it is unlikely that any ship will be keeping VHF watch 300 miles off shore. So not much point even rying really.

That surprises me Searush! I always though that ships kept a watch (listen) on CH16 even in the middle of an ocean and therefore one would probably be able to hail a ship which was visible.

I think our intrepid Swede saw three ships but possibly he used/wasted two of his flares because he had no VHF?

Richard

Just read Conachair's post 25 so perhaps I am correct?

 

[Duffer]

Under £300 if you shop around... If it lasts 10 years with a replacement battery after 5, that's under £40pa. A small price to avoid such an ordeal...

I am very glad his last flare was seen.

EDIT: PLBs with GPS are under £200 so probably under £30pa. I would have thought all single-handers and all those going offshore (beyond typical VHF range) should carry one. PLBs typically transmit for 24hrs compared with 48 for EPIRBs but 24 should be adequate for most purposes and they are small enough to keep in a pocket in your oilies.

 

[pyrojames]

I wouldnt sail an ocean without a satphone in a waterproof bag, or if I couldnt afford one a SPOT.

Interesting that people are quite prepared to do so without any of this. Thats the only choice if you cant afford anything.

On the other hand, these are the same people that are quite happy for soemone else to pay for a rescue.

Not sure I agree with that attitude.

I take if from that you take all the kit and will be happy to pay for the rescue when you summons it?

I sailed from OZ to the UK with a 121 Epirb (which was virtually useless in the Indian Ocean) and a VHF. I spent most of my money trying to ensure that I would not need rescuing.

 

[Conachair]

I I spent most of my money trying to ensure that I would not need rescuing.

Seems the most logical approach!

 

[Ludd]

Wasn't it 2Blondie" Hasler who said "Sailors should be prepared to drown like gentlemen."?

 

[BruceDanforth]

I can look drunk when I walk.

I'd definitely be doing that.

 

[30boat]

Can´t remember ever calling up a ship offshore and not have them answer. Having one pass close enough to call might be a different matter though.

You've been lucky.My experience is that it is very difficult to get a reply when calling a ship.

 

[alant]

Can´t remember ever calling up a ship offshore and not have them answer. Having one pass close enough to call might be a different matter though.

On a delivery from Cape Town to UK, we once saw a stationary ship somewhere off Cape Verdes. Tried VHF, SSB, Sound signals to no avail. When within about quarter of a mile, prop suddenly started turning & it dissappeared going away from us, over the horizon.

 

[alant]

That surprises me Searush! I always though that ships kept a watch (listen) on CH16 even in the middle of an ocean and therefore one would probably be able to hail a ship which was visible.

I think our intrepid Swede saw three ships but possibly he used/wasted two of his flares because he had no VHF?

Richard

Just read Conachair's post 25 so perhaps I am correct?

Thats why Ch 70, so they don't need to "keep watch".

 

[Conachair]

You've been lucky.My experience is that it is very difficult to get a reply when calling a ship.

Offshore?

I really can´t remember ever trying to hail a ship onshore, like a channel crossing, so can´t comment there.

But off the shelf never had a problem. Not a huge sample size though when you only see maybe 1 a week. They usually seem bored and quite happy to have a chat. Sometimes I´ll watch their ais course change by maybe 10deg to leave me more room then change back again, which is an excuse to radio up to say thanks and have a chat. Can´t remember ever having one not answer quickly. And they always knew I was there as well which is heartening.

 

[30boat]

On a delivery from Cape Town to UK, we once saw a stationary ship somewhere off Cape Verdes. Tried VHF, SSB, Sound signals to no avail. When within about quarter of a mile, prop suddenly started turning & it dissappeared going away from us, over the horizon.

The exact same thing happened to me once off Morocco.I was monitoring the ship on radar and it seemed to me that a small boat left the ship before it shot off.

 

[theguerns]

saftey at sea

As I am sure most long distance sailors would agree we should be resonsable for our own safety and prepair out yachts to the highst standard. That said If you wnat to sail the oceans the size of the yacht is not important its your attitude and knowledge that will save you. 3 pieces of equipment I personaly regard as esential on an ocean going yacht of ANY size are. 1 x E.P.I.R.B. 1x Jordan series drouge. 1 x hand operated water maker. You can catch food but you can run out of water. No water you die but you can last along time without food. But all said I am very happy for the chap and his family that he is safe and sound