[Paddlewise] epirbs

Today, I received a story about a boater rescued 1381 miles east of San Juan
when his epirb was detected and ships were diverted to the source of the
signal. The sailor was found alive in a life raft spotted by his strobe
light at about 2:30 am. He fired a flare and gave a shout as a rescue crew
closed in on him.

 

A few days back, I learned about a new epirb paired with a vhf signal:

www.mobilarm.com/page/about_mobilarm_v100.html    This device attaches to
your pfd and is water activated. It broadcasts to both satellite stations
and on vhf channel 16. This means that any vessel nearby can respond
immediately to the signal. This is a new Australian product.

 

And today I also learned about a 40-ft yacht found drifting in the
Chesapeake Bay with no one on board. A search was launched, but the 64-yr
old Australian skipper has not been found and the search has been
terminated.

 

http://hamptonroads.com/2011/02/coast-guard-missing-boater-unlikely-be-found
-alive

 

Many boaters do not believe in taking any safety measures even when out
alone on cold water because they are experienced and are certain that they
will not go over the side for any reason.

 

Chuck Sutherland
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