Holy Sh….. 8 days.
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http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32624883/ns/today-today_people?GT1=43001
8 days on a capsized boat.
Because EPIRBs are expensive. I know it’s ridiculous to say that, but some would rather forego spending the dough on one. Some people over prepare and expect the absolute worst and others don’t think anything is ever going to go wrong. Even those who do prepare sometimes get lazy in their preperation. Not saying that was the case with these guys… who knows what their condition was.
Had a mildly nervous situation a few years ago when 20 miles offshore, went to start the engine and it was running like crap and kept stalling. Finally couldn’t turn it over. Went to check my fuel filter in the bilge and quickly realized I had a very bad fuel leak (this was the first year we had to use E10). Fearing a fire, I killed the batteries on the boat, pulled out my handheld VHF and GPS, got another boat on the horn and relayed him my position and BOAT US info for a tow. Put up my distress flag, donned the life jacket and waited for the tow boat.
Tow ended up costing BOAT US $1500 but because of the couple hundred bucks I spent on tow insurance I only shelled out a $50 tip for the tow boat captain. Thankfully I picked a day with FAC conditions. Dead in the water on a nice day is so much better than dead in the water with a stiff wind against tide. Water was too deep for me to anchor and no drogue to keep the bow in the wind if things got dicey. Learned a little bit that day.
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