Lessons Learned in Texas Boating Survival Story
Take Steps Now to Improve the Odds of Rescue at Sea
The Houston Chronicle recently covered the story of three men stranded on an overturned catamaran for six days. James Phillips, Curt Hall and Tressell Hawkins of Matagorda, Texas were sighted by a passing yacht after Coast Guard crews had called off their extended search.
The agency logged some 250 hours of flight time on 45 flights and six extended cutter missions covering a search area of more than 86,000 square miles, a zone roughly the same size as the state of Minnesota. In a press release, Coast Guard Captain James Whitehead said of the failed search, "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved in this case. It was a difficult decision to make.” Indeed the agency extended the rescue effort two days beyond reasonable forecast limits calculated for success in the search.
These men remarkably survived the six day ordeal of intense sun, heat and no water. Luckily they suffered only a few bruises and sunburn from the ill fated voyage. The crew had distress flares available, but they were quickly used and left the group with no way to signal passing airplanes or boats. A fire extinguisher was used in the final successful event to attract help.
Tools and Equipment Available to Improve the Chance of Rescue at Sea
There are many options available to boaters that can dramatically increase the odds of detection and rescue by the Coast Guard. Some involve very low technology, while others represent state of the art in use of satellite systems. Here are some suggestions for gear to carry onboard that could improve the chance of rescue after an emergency.
Visual Distress Signals
- Pyrotechnic Signals – Carry extra approved pyrotechnic distress signals. The minimum number required is only three and they don’t last long. Handheld flares are relatively low tech and inexpensive. Consider the purchase of an extra package during spring vessel commissioning. Pyrotechnics have an expiration date, when replacing expired flares, retain the old ones and use them first. It may be a good strategy to use one flare immediately after an emergency is apparent, but save the others until a potential rescuer is in sight.
- Non-Pyrotechnic Signals – There other visual distress signals available that are non-pyrotechnic and remain effective for long periods of time. Among these are orange distress flags, battery powered s-o-s distress lights, signal mirrors, laser powered flares, and floating streamers.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Emergency radio locator beacons used to only be found on commercial vessels, in part due to regulations, beacon size and high cost. The latest EPIRBs operate on the 406MHz frequency band and are amazingly effective. Beacons can either deploy automatically when a boat sinks or be manually activated. Signals broadcast by the beacons are received by passing overhead satellites that part of a much larger search and rescue communications network. Having an EPIRB onboard can literally help the Coast Guard find you and your boat just minutes. Cost of the beacons is down to as little as $550.
Bailout or Abandon Ship Bag
A prepared boater can assemble a floating watertight package equipped with emergency equipment in minimum amount of time. This bailout bag can include visual distress signals, a first-aid kit, a small survival kit, flashlight, handheld marine VHF radio and personal comfort items. Keep the bailout bag readily available onboard and tell passengers about its location. In an emergency, be sure it is one of the first things taken off the boat.
The Matagorda boaters were fortunate to be saved and their story offers a chance for everyone to review the preparation needed in equipping a boat for safe operation.
BNC101
HC-130 Hercules Used in Search and Rescue Missions
|
What do you think about this article?
More in Outdoor & Recreation
Latest Articles