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From: Joshua Teitelbaum <teitelba_at_post.tau.ac.il>
subject: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 14:13:30 +0300
Two friends of mine, fairly experienced kayakers both, were rescued  
this week off the coast of Alaska. God bless the USCG!

Link to video footage

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=624321


Josh Teitelbaum
Terra Santa Kayak Expeditions
Herzliya, Israel
--------------------
Dr. Joshua Teitelbaum

Senior Research Fellow
Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern Studies
Tel Aviv University
www.dayan.org/research.htm#JOSHUA

Visiting Fellow
Stanford University
Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law
& Hoover Institution
cddrl.stanford.edu/people/joshuateitelbaum
www.hoover.org/bios/Joshua_Teitelbaum.html

Principal Research Associate
Global Research in International Affairs (GLORIA) Center
Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy & Strategy
Interdisciplinary Center (IDC) Herzliya

Editor, Political Liberalization in the Persian Gulf (Columbia  
University Press, 2009)
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From: Nick Schade <nick_at_guillemot-kayaks.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 09:18:03 -0400
It would be interesting to know why they called for a rescue. The  
conditions don't look particularly bad (rare white caps), the paddlers  
are upright in their boats. They appear to have their paddles. They  
are safely rafted up, appear to be dressed for immersion. It looks  
like they should have been able to save themselves, but we don't know  
the whole circumstances. More information would be useful.

A lot of credit should go to the fishing vessel that took time out of  
earning a living to save someone's vacation.
Nick


On Aug 3, 2009, at 7:13 AM, Joshua Teitelbaum wrote:

> Two friends of mine, fairly experienced kayakers both, were rescued
> this week off the coast of Alaska. God bless the USCG!
>
> Link to video footage
>
> http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=624321
>
>
> Josh Teitelbaum

Nick Schade

Guillemot Kayaks
54 South Rd
Groton, CT 06340
USA
Ph/Fx: (860) 659-8847
http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/
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From: Joshua Teitelbaum <teitelba_at_post.tau.ac.il>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 16:39:51 +0300
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.

They are fairly experienced guys. Gadi has done BCU 5 star training  
twice in Wales, and has done an expedition on the west coast of  
Ireland. Albert is a very strong paddler, although less experienced  
than Gadi. But they were in over their heads.  It in unclear why they  
put to sea, but I think it was -- nearly fatal -- impatience. It is  
clear that on this expedition they were in over their heads.

They were rescued about 2.5 hours after activating their PLB.  They  
also were in contact via VHF. They were in good health, and declined a  
helicopter rescue in order to save their kayaks. I believe they were  
given this option.

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

On 3 Aug 2009, at 16:18, Nick Schade wrote:

> It would be interesting to know why they called for a rescue. The  
> conditions don't look particularly bad (rare white caps), the  
> paddlers are upright in their boats. They appear to have their  
> paddles. They are safely rafted up, appear to be dressed for  
> immersion. It looks like they should have been able to save  
> themselves, but we don't know the whole circumstances. More  
> information would be useful.
>
> A lot of credit should go to the fishing vessel that took time out  
> of earning a living to save someone's vacation.
> Nick
>
>
> On Aug 3, 2009, at 7:13 AM, Joshua Teitelbaum wrote:
>
>> Two friends of mine, fairly experienced kayakers both, were rescued
>> this week off the coast of Alaska. God bless the USCG!
>>
>> Link to video footage
>>
>> http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=624321
>>
>>
>> Josh Teitelbaum
>> Terra Santa Kayak Expeditions
>> Herzliya, Israel
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
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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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 11:12:11 -0700
On Mon, Aug 3, 2009 at 9:35 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote:

>
>
>> 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.


The difference between "rescue" and "salvage" is an interesting one; and
strewn with pitfalls. If the fishing vessel took the kayaks and the paddlers
aboard it would probably be, legally speaking, a salvage operation instead
of a straight rescue. The difference depends on the details. The fishing
boat will almost certainly be out significant money unless they were at the
end of their trip and headed back to offload fish and refuel and only had to
detour a few miles to effect the rescue. I agree with Dave to cut them a
check for $2k and call it good. They could probably legally impound the
kayaks if they wanted.

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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From: Joshua Teitelbaum <teitelba_at_post.tau.ac.il>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 09:48:09 +0300
Dave and Craig:

Okay, then do I understand correctly? Basically, a ship must come to  
the rescue if it can do so safely, but it can legally demand  
compensation if it so desires. If it does not demand compensation, it  
is a "good samaritan" type of rescue.  It it does, it is a salvage  
operation.  Must they make such a choice and then inform the USCG?

Josh


On 3 Aug 2009, at 21:12, Craig Jungers wrote:

> On Mon, Aug 3, 2009 at 9:35 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>  
> wrote:
>
>>
>>
>>> 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.
>
>
> The difference between "rescue" and "salvage" is an interesting one;  
> and
> strewn with pitfalls. If the fishing vessel took the kayaks and the  
> paddlers
> aboard it would probably be, legally speaking, a salvage operation  
> instead
> of a straight rescue. The difference depends on the details. The  
> fishing
> boat will almost certainly be out significant money unless they were  
> at the
> end of their trip and headed back to offload fish and refuel and  
> only had to
> detour a few miles to effect the rescue. I agree with Dave to cut  
> them a
> check for $2k and call it good. They could probably legally impound  
> the
> kayaks if they wanted.
>
> Craig Jungers
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 02:15:25 -0700
Joshua Teitelbaum wrote:

> Okay, then do I understand correctly? Basically, a ship must come to the 
> rescue if it can do so safely, but it can legally demand compensation if 
> it so desires. If it does not demand compensation, it is a "good 
> samaritan" type of rescue.  It it does, it is a salvage operation.  Must 
> they make such a choice and then inform the USCG?

Craig is the sea lawyer; I am but a mild mannered chemist.  Craig will have 
a scholarly treatise for us.  I'll just give you my gut feeling on what is 
right.

My guess is that "demand compensation" is not the usual deal when lives are 
at stake.  It is not cool to stand at the rail and ask for a VISA card when 
someone is possibly at risk, sloshing around in the wash below.  However, 
an _abandoned_ vessel is subject to rules regarding salvage.  Meaning:  a 
salvager can latch onto your ship and hold it for compensation.  If you 
decide not to cough up the dough, they can sell it (and its contents) and 
keep the proceeds.

In this case, your buddies had not abandoned their vessels, so I don't know 
what maritime law says.  Rewarding the Vigilant's captain and crew is just 
the right thing to do, in my personal code of ethics.  Two thousand bucks 
is a small price to pay for what the Vigilant did, in my book.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 09:32:40 -0700
On Tue, Aug 4, 2009 at 2:15 AM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote:

>
> Craig is the sea lawyer; I am but a mild mannered chemist.  Craig will have
> a scholarly treatise for us.  I'll just give you my gut feeling on what is
> right.


LOL. I don't recall anyone ever referring to my essays as a "scholarly
treatise" before. I kinda like it. :P


> My guess is that "demand compensation" is not the usual deal when lives are
> at stake.  It is not cool to stand at the rail and ask for a VISA card when
> someone is possibly at risk, sloshing around in the wash below.


One does not have to arrange the details before hand, however if there is
time it's wise. There is even an internationally accepted form that both
parties can sign that determine the terms of the salvage. You can imagine
the Captain sitting at his desk worrying about signing the standard form
while the storm rages about his ship.

 However, an _abandoned_ vessel is subject to rules regarding salvage.
>  Meaning:  a salvager can latch onto your ship and hold it for compensation.
>  If you decide not to cough up the dough, they can sell it (and its
> contents) and keep the proceeds.


Most people believe that a vessel needs to be abandoned before it can be
salvaged. This is not the truth. The fine line between a rescue and a
salvage generally has to do with the risk to the vessel, the damage to the
vessel, and the risk to the potential salvor. Thirty years ago most people
in small boats were rescued by the USCG (at least in the USA) but now it's
most often done by a third party (Vessel Assist is the most common) and very
often under terms of an insurance policy that determines how much a rescue
will cost beforehand (generally around $200).

So let's say that your 25-foot cabin cruiser misses the channel and runs up
onto a sand bar at medium tide and you call for help. The tide is rising so
your boat would be free quickly no matter what and there is no damage so
someone just throws you a line and you get towed off, wave "thanks" and
tootle off on your way. This was not a salvage operation.

But let's tighten up the odds a bit. There is a storm brewing and your boat
is now battered by waves on a falling tide on the very same sandbar. The
boat is in danger of serious damage if it's left for much longer in that
position. In all likelihood this would be determined to be a salvage
operation if it came to court. You can see that the devil is in the details.

The vessel need not be abandoned (although an abandoned vessel is its own
special category) nor does the captain of the vessel need to specifically
claim that his vessel is in dire straits. The circumstances of the operation
will determine the issue.

Mind you, I am not a lawyer and seldom watch television programs portraying
lawyers. But I was a merchant marine officer for a long time and it behooves
us to become at least familiar with these issues.

If the fishing vessel took both the paddlers and their kayaks aboard in bad
weather then I'd say they have a good case for a salvage claim in the
unlikely event that they chose to do so. Fishermen know that they may be "in
extremis" themselves one day and generally do whatever they can to help.
Karma and all that.

In this case, your buddies had not abandoned their vessels, so I don't know
> what maritime law says.  Rewarding the Vigilant's captain and crew is just
> the right thing to do, in my personal code of ethics.  Two thousand bucks is
> a small price to pay for what the Vigilant did, in my book.
>

Yup... in my book too.


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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From: James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:27:09 -0500
Craig Jungers: Most people believe that a vessel needs to be abandoned
before it can be salvaged. This is not the truth. The fine line between
a rescue and a salvage generally has to do with the risk to the vessel,
the damage to the vessel, and the risk to the potential salvor.


Does anyone remember the story of Goetz Hanisch, the guy at Rose Harbour
in the Queen Charlottes?  He told me the tale but I've forgot it after
all these years. This online description tells it well:

A high-handed Parks Canada warden with a chip on his shoulder and an
embarrassing lack of knowledge about salvage law has been branded a
malicious liar by a B.C. Supreme Court judge.
Renee Wissink's pig-headed determination to get the better of Tassilo
Goetz Hanisch, a guide and guest-home operator who lives on the border
of a Queen Charlotte Islands park reserve, has left taxpayers on the
hook for $77,500 in damages after Hanisch won his lawsuit last week.
Wissink hoodwinked an inexperienced RCMP officer into laying a charge of
mischief against Hanisch after the guide saved a Parks Canada inflatable
Zodiac boat from being destroyed in a huge storm on July 26, 1998.
Hanisch has lived in the remote outpost of Rose Harbour, on the southern
tip of Moresby Island, for the past 20 years. He and two neighbours are
the only year-round residents of what used to be a whaling station built
93 years ago.
The three landowners hold title to 68 hectares of land that sits outside
the boundary of the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, which was
created in 1988.
The day of the storm, Hanisch braved 40-knot winds while wading into the
ocean to keep the Parks Canada Zodiac from wrecking on rocks in the
harbour.
He radioed Wissink, who was on board a larger Parks Canada boat also
caught in the storm, to let the warden know he had secured the Zodiac in
a creek and he could get it back the next day when the tide came in.
A few years earlier, Hanisch had salvaged a sinking float plane and knew
the law of the seas, which stated he had a claim for salvage coming.
Wissink, who had a grudge against Hanisch, called the RCMP in Queen
Charlotte City and told them Hanisch was refusing to return the Zodiac
-- a lie.
When Const. Blake Ward arrived at Rose Harbour the next day, he arrested
Hanisch, now 48, on a charge of mischief, relying entirely on Wissink's
story and refusing to listen to a word Hanisch was telling him.
Ward took Hanisch to jail in Queen Charlotte City, 160 kilometres away
and six to nine hours by boat. After a 30-minute interrogation, he
released Hanisch and left him on his own, with no money, to find a way
back home, which took three days.
Twice Hanisch had to make his way to Queen Charlotte for court
appearances that proved unnecessary.
When the case finally came to trial, the Provincial Court judge threw it
out for failing to come even near the threshold for a charge of
mischief.
Hanisch was finally recognized for his heroism in saving the Zodiac when
Parks Canada cut him a $240 cheque in lieu of salvage.
He sued Wissink, Blake and the federal government over his needless
imprisonment.
Ottawa's lawyer at the time clearly erred, too. In their statement of
claim, the defendants not only stuck to the ridiculous claim that they
were acting properly in arresting Hanisch, but also claimed his conduct
in the matter "was reprehensible, criminal, illegal, immoral and
disgraceful."
Hanisch's lawyer, Dan Burnett, demanded a retraction, but none was made.
At the end of the five-day trial in Vancouver last month, lawyer Jack
Wright, who conducted the defence, apologized to Hanisch.
Justice Bruce Harvey awarded Hanisch damages of $77,500 -- $50,000 of
which was awarded as punitive damages for the high-handed conduct of
Wissink and Ward.
The Rose Harbor guide/guest home operator/musician said he was
"surprised" and "thrilled" with the ruling.
"I'm pleased," Hanisch said yesterday in a phone interview from his home
on remote Moresby Island. "I'm surprised as to how high the award is. I
think it is a very good thing. It was not OK what they did."
Hanisch said he's not certain what he'll do with his award, but
suggested that since he saved a Parks Canada vessel, he might return the
money to the sea.
"I'm not certain, but I think that since I saved Parks Canada a vessel
originally, it's going to go towards a vessel of mine."
An emerging guitarist, he also might use it to bolster his musical
career. He's got a CD coming out next week.

The court's decision is also a good story:
http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/Jdb-txt/CA/04/05/2004BCCA0539.htm
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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 2009 08:20:06 -0700
On Thu, Aug 6, 2009 at 6:27 AM, James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm> wrote:

>
> Does anyone remember the story of Goetz Hanisch, the guy at Rose Harbour
> in the Queen Charlottes?  He told me the tale but I've forgot it after
> all these years. This online description tells it well:
>
>
That is an amazing story! Not the least because everyone recognized the
high-handed behavior of the "peace officers" involved. Most of the time, in
my experience, they prevail regardless. I expect that the officers involved
counted on using their positions - and false reports - to protect them. My
respect for Canadian justice went up quite a few notches after reading the
appellate record.

Thanks for posting this.

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2009 21:34:10 -0700
James wrote:
> Craig Jungers: Most people believe that a vessel needs to be abandoned
> before it can be salvaged. This is not the truth. The fine line between
> a rescue and a salvage generally has to do with the risk to the vessel,
> the damage to the vessel, and the risk to the potential salvor.
> 
> 
> Does anyone remember the story of Goetz Hanisch, the guy at Rose Harbour
> in the Queen Charlottes?  He told me the tale but I've forgot it after
> all these years. 

> The court's decision is also a good story:
> http://www.courts.gov.bc.ca/Jdb-txt/CA/04/05/2004BCCA0539.htm

Do I ever remember this story!  I was camped with three others across 
Houston Stewart Channel that night and heard some of the VHF dialog between 
Goetz and the Parks Canada personnel.  It was a fierce, raging NE gale 
where they were.  Several of the 8-10 trollers and fishboats anchored in 
HSC that night slipped their spots and had to motor against the wind to 
stay put, even with a hook down.

We were snug as bugs in a rug on our protected shore, but had a ringside 
seat for it all.  The next day was our scheduled ride back to Moresby Camp, 
and we figured the outfitter (Moresby Explorers) would likely forgo the 
pickup and show up a day later.  NOT!  Bill, head guide for Doug Gould, 
slipped the nose of their Polaris onto our beach and gave us the ride of 
our lives, against terrifying head seas, all the way up to Skincuttle 
Inlet.  After that, the remainder was largely protected.

Bill said it was his roughest ride ever and mainly regretted he could not 
smoke and helm the RIB.

BTW, Goetz had (has?) a reputation for combativeness.  Our scan on the 
incident was that Goetz just wanted to pull their chain a bit.  If they had 
jollied him around, I suspect it would have all gone away.  Parks has a 
real PR problem with many of the locals in the Charlottes. I believe.

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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From: Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 22:14:25 -0700
Brad,

Why not buy a Northface jacket. You know, the ones with the name of some 
famous Himalyan mountain embossed on the front. I have a plain one and a 
buddy of mine I go drinking with when he's in town has the newer series with 
the mountain name aboce the Northface logo. All the women gravitate toward 
him and ask him what it's like on top. I think I get jealous with all the 
attention he gets but then he does turn awefully red at times, as he once 
again explains he was never there...

DL (who isn't very adventurous in a bar unless there is one with a 
signifigant CFS)

>   I've thought it over carefully, and decided NOT to go over 186-foot
> Palouse Falls in a kayak, or anything else. I did, however, get up the
> nerve to buy a new shirt at REI, on sale, and it has an adventurous look
> to it.
>
> Brad
>
>
> Quoting James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm>:
>
>> "The problem is the media sensationalizing risk taking. I was disturbed
>> by a recent paddling magazine article that glorified a guy surfsking in
>> 60 knot winds and 15 foot surf, only to have his surfski destroyed, and
>> another guy going over a 186 foot waterfall. Is this what we should be
>> striving for? "
>>
>> Duane
>>
>>
>> As a dedicated coward, I couldn't agree with Duane more.
>>
>
>> Jim Tibensky
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From: Bradford R. Crain <crainb_at_pdx.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:09:43 -0700
   Doug, this is an interesting concept, especially for one who is
going bald on top and expanding around the middle, and at increasing
risk of cardiac arrest every day. The new REI shirt has kind of a
Crocodile Dundee/Indiana Jones look, and should wear well at the
grocery store, in Starbucks, or even cruising I-5. Actually, the place
to see all the latest action wear is at the monthly kayak club meeting,
where everyone dresses like Fred Becky in Tevas. Whoops, I should not
have said that. Toast.

Brad

Quoting Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca>:
>
> Brad,
>
> Why not buy a Northface jacket. You know, the ones with the name of  
> some famous Himalyan mountain embossed on the front. I have a plain  
> one and a buddy of mine I go drinking with when he's in town has the  
> newer series with the mountain name aboce the Northface logo. All  
> the women gravitate toward him and ask him what it's like on top. I  
> think I get jealous with all the attention he gets but then he does  
> turn awefully red at times, as he once again explains he was never  
> there...
>
> DL (who isn't very adventurous in a bar unless there is one with a  
> signifigant CFS)
>
>>  I've thought it over carefully, and decided NOT to go over 186-foot
>> Palouse Falls in a kayak, or anything else. I did, however, get up the
>> nerve to buy a new shirt at REI, on sale, and it has an adventurous look
>> to it.
>>
>> Brad
>>
>>
>> Quoting James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm>:
>>
>>> "The problem is the media sensationalizing risk taking. I was disturbed
>>> by a recent paddling magazine article that glorified a guy surfsking in
>>> 60 knot winds and 15 foot surf, only to have his surfski destroyed, and
>>> another guy going over a 186 foot waterfall. Is this what we should be
>>> striving for? "
>>>
>>> Duane
>>>
>>>
>>> As a dedicated coward, I couldn't agree with Duane more.
>>>
>>
>>> Jim Tibensky
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From: Doug Lloyd <douglloyd_at_shaw.ca>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 2009 22:02:24 -0700
As far as I know the CG here in BC/Canada call these vessels responding to 
distress as "vessels of opportunity."

After we were rescued off Storm Island a few years ago the trip leader sent 
the fishing vessel skipper a box of whiskey (or some other expensive 
beverage)p repayment for sure. Loss of time is real money in these days of 
short openings, especially when kayakers don't have to be out there for any 
comparable vocational opportunity.

Doug Lloyd


> Joshua Teitelbaum wrote:
>
>> Okay, then do I understand correctly? Basically, a ship must come to the 
>> rescue if it can do so safely, but it can legally demand compensation if 
>> it so desires. If it does not demand compensation, it is a "good 
>> samaritan" type of rescue.  It it does, it is a salvage operation.  Must 
>> they make such a choice and then inform the USCG?
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From: Duane Strosaker <strosaker_at_yahoo.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 17:01:45 -0700 (PDT)
Paddlewisers,

This rescue reminds me that way too much macho BS is going on in a lot of sports, including sea kayaking. The problem is the media sensationalizing risk taking. I was disturbed by a recent paddling magazine article that glorified a guy surfsking in 60 knot winds and 15 foot surf, only to have his surfski destroyed, and another guy going over a 186 foot waterfall. Is this what we should be striving for?

Duane
Southern California
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From: Mark Sanders <marksanders_at_sandmarks.net>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 2009 17:26:02 -0700
Well maybe not, but I gotta admit this story has always piqued my kayaking
interest:

http://tinyurl.com/36v3bz

Even so, I realize I'm one of the mortals who shouldn't try such things, but
I can dream!
Some genius once said: "Crazy is what crazy does", and I suppose some might
wonder of the sanity of someone who'd paddle 100 miles straight without ever
leaving his kayak!!
That waterfall stuff is just crazy though!!!

Mark

-----Original Message-----

I was disturbed by a recent paddling magazine article that glorified a guy
surfsking in 60 knot winds and 15 foot surf, only to have his surfski
destroyed, and another guy going over a 186 foot waterfall. Is this what we
should be striving for?

Duane
Southern California
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From: Bradford R. Crain <crainb_at_pdx.edu>
subject: RE: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:31:12 -0700
   I believe, sadly, that the procreation rate for people who go over
186 foot waterfalls is not great. This will eventually lead to a race
of people who are not willing to plunge more than 3 feet. The future
looks grim.

Brad Crain

Quoting Mark Sanders <marksanders_at_sandmarks.net>:

> Well maybe not, but I gotta admit this story has always piqued my kayaking
> interest:
>
> http://tinyurl.com/36v3bz
>
> Even so, I realize I'm one of the mortals who shouldn't try such things, but
> I can dream!
> Some genius once said: "Crazy is what crazy does", and I suppose some might
> wonder of the sanity of someone who'd paddle 100 miles straight without ever
> leaving his kayak!!
> That waterfall stuff is just crazy though!!!
>
> Mark
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> I was disturbed by a recent paddling magazine article that glorified a guy
> surfsking in 60 knot winds and 15 foot surf, only to have his surfski
> destroyed, and another guy going over a 186 foot waterfall. Is this what we
> should be striving for?
>
> Duane
> Southern California
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From: James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:51:15 -0500
"The problem is the media sensationalizing risk taking. I was disturbed
by a recent paddling magazine article that glorified a guy surfsking in
60 knot winds and 15 foot surf, only to have his surfski destroyed, and
another guy going over a 186 foot waterfall. Is this what we should be
striving for? "

Duane


As a dedicated coward, I couldn't agree with Duane more.

And yet -  How many of us cheered on Andrew McAuley when the risk he was
taking eventaully killed him and no one was totally surprised?  Some
risks become extreme because they stretch out over a long time.  (Sort
of like some of the lifestyle risks like smoking cigarettes.)

Jamie McEwan pointed out once, about running rapids, if there is only a
one in hundred chance of dying on a rapid, we run it without much
thought.  But then, what of the odds when we run that rapid a hundred
times?


Jim Tibensky
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From: Bradford R. Crain <crainb_at_pdx.edu>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:20:41 -0700
   I've thought it over carefully, and decided NOT to go over 186-foot
Palouse Falls in a kayak, or anything else. I did, however, get up the
nerve to buy a new shirt at REI, on sale, and it has an adventurous look
to it.

Brad


Quoting James <jimtibensky_at_fastmail.fm>:

> "The problem is the media sensationalizing risk taking. I was disturbed
> by a recent paddling magazine article that glorified a guy surfsking in
> 60 knot winds and 15 foot surf, only to have his surfski destroyed, and
> another guy going over a 186 foot waterfall. Is this what we should be
> striving for? "
>
> Duane
>
>
> As a dedicated coward, I couldn't agree with Duane more.
>

> Jim Tibensky
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From: <Pamvetdr_at_aol.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 13:31:24 EDT
So, another question. Say that the paddlers neglected to get the name of  
the captain before they disembarked. Obviously they cannot send a check to  
"Vigilant", West Port, Washington. How do they figure out whom to give the 
money  to (owner or Captain, not always the same person) and where to send it? 
This is  especially pertinent when kayakers are from out of the area and 
ship is not  by home port. Or do they have a few cases of beer air dropped  to 
the crew  in their current location?
                 Pam in Washington State
 
 
In a message dated 8/5/2009 4:33:55 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
crjungers_at_gmail.com writes:

In this  case, your buddies had not abandoned their vessels, so I don't know
>  what maritime law says.  Rewarding the Vigilant's captain and crew is  
just
> the right thing to do, in my personal code of ethics.  Two  thousand 
bucks is
> a small price to pay for what the Vigilant did, in  my book.
>

Yup... in my book  too.
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From: Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:13:46 -0700
Pamvetdr_at_aol.com wrote:
> So, another question. Say that the paddlers neglected to get the name of  
> the captain before they disembarked. Obviously they cannot send a check to  
> "Vigilant", West Port, Washington. How do they figure out whom to give the 
> money  to 

Google 'em and go from there; Westport is a small town.  the maker of these 
hats will know whom to contact:

http://www.zazzle.com/f_v_vigilant_west_coast_crab_fishing_boat_westport_hat-148599497906440050

-- 
Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR
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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 15:31:21 -0700
I didn't see the entire video due to download problems until today and
didn't notice the "Westport, WA" homeport. In reading the blurb where the
kayakers were enroute from Seward to Homer I just assumed that "Vigilant"
would be a boat out of Seward or Homer or Kodiak. Dave Kruger's hat link is
pretty clearly the same boat as the "good samaritan" (which, I believer, has
no legal significance but is just a general description of one mariner
coming to the rescue of another) but the database of documented vessels
(which this "Vigilant" clearly is) shows nothing out of Westport by that
name. But it does show a 50-footer out of Seward.

I bet Vigilant works for Glacier Seafoods in Seward. Interesting set of
circumstances. I would have never thought of the hat link. :P

Craig


On Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 12:13 PM, Dave Kruger <kdruger_at_pacifier.com> wrote:

> Pamvetdr_at_aol.com wrote:
>
>> So, another question. Say that the paddlers neglected to get the name of
>>  the captain before they disembarked. Obviously they cannot send a check to
>>  "Vigilant", West Port, Washington. How do they figure out whom to give the
>> money  to
>>
>
> Google 'em and go from there; Westport is a small town.  the maker of these
> hats will know whom to contact:
>
>
> http://www.zazzle.com/f_v_vigilant_west_coast_crab_fishing_boat_westport_hat-148599497906440050
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From: Craig Jungers <crjungers_at_gmail.com>
subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Israeli kayakers rescued in Alaska (USCG video)
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2009 11:27:54 -0700
On Wed, Aug 5, 2009 at 10:31 AM, <Pamvetdr_at_aol.com> wrote:

>  So, another question. Say that the paddlers neglected to get the name of
> the captain before they disembarked. Obviously they cannot send a check to
> "Vigilant", West Port, Washington. How do they figure out whom to give the
> money to (owner or Captain, not always the same person) and where to send
> it? This is especially pertinent when kayakers are from out of the area
> and ship is not by home port. Or do they have a few cases of beer air
> dropped  to the crew in their current location?
>

Well, in my humble opinion altogether too much beer is already consumed by
people operating boats so I'd rule that option out.

However there is a mechanism for discovering the owner (at least) of a
documented vessel (which most, but not all, fishing vessels are). This link
(  http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/CoastGuard/VesselByName.html ) will give
you the current owner's name and home port of the vessel.

The downside to this system is that there may be more than one vessel - or
fishing vessel - with the name *Vigilant*. In fact the list shows 31 of
them. But only five are listed as "commercial fishing vessels" and out of
those five several are obviously on the east coast of the USA. Only one, a
50-footer out of Seward, Alaska seems to fit the bill. So I'd contact
Glacier Seafoods of Seward, Alaska and see if their people were involved in
the rescue and ask them how to properly reward them.

I should point out that not all - or even most - vessels are documented.
Typically documentation is done only for a boat that can be expected to
travel outside the borders of the home country. At one time you didn't have
to register (get State registration) if your boat is documented but this has
changed over the years as the registration processes (like driver's
licenses) migrated towards revenue collection systems rather than service
mechanisms.

But most commercial fishing and passenger vessels are documented (at least
in the USA) which makes it pretty easy to find out who is responsible for
the boat if you have a name and home port (both must be clearly labeled on
the boat).


Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
www.nwkayaking.net
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