Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)

From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:35:16 -0700
Joshua Teitelbaum wrote:
> They were several miles offshore. Conditions were quite bad, with lots 
> of wind.  The video is deceiving in this respect. I assume they could 
> not have landed on shore because the surf was huge.  Obviously, they 
> should not have put to sea in these conditions. Apparently they also 
> lost some equipment (paddles?), but that will become clearer later.  
> They told us that conditions were bad enough that each one capsized. One 
> rolled and the other had to be put back in his kayak. [snip]
> 
> As for the fishing vessel, they do deserve a lot of credit, although I 
> would say that they took time out of earning a living to save someone's 
> l-i-f-e, not their vacation.
> 
> BTW, this was referred to by the USCG as a "Good Samaritan" vessel. Is 
> this a certain legal status of a vessel coming to the rescue, or does it 
> simply mean that a crew of good will has decided to lend a helping hand.

Josh, that term simply refers to the vessel's role in the rescue:  no 
reimbursement is expected or asked for.  However, it almost surely cost 
them something in the vicinity of $2000 - $10,000 US in lost income/extra 
fuel to divert and haul your friends to a safe haven.  If it were me, I'd 
write 'em a check for $2000 US and call it good.  Cheaper than losing the 
boats, and a good will gesture to the fishing community, which is hard 
pressed these days to make a decent living in "my" part of the world.

Your friends were fortunate to receive the benefit of aid from the USCG and 
a commercial fishing vessel.  I'm glad they are safe, and await further 
analysis of how they got into their predicament.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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Received on Mon Aug 03 2009 - 09:35:19 PDT

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