...Usually we called in the Navy by the second day, the Air Force also by the third day and after that we just satisfied the politicians trying to look good. The Gulf Stream in that region makes it all a crap shoot.
...Miracles happen but statistically debateable. I always hated making the call...but the experts and SAR crews knew when it was futile.
Another day or two is worthy of the effort.
Darned shame. Hopefully God is looking down on them with a kind eye.
So sad, 2 14 yo boys, with loving families. It seems your emergency services are well resourced, but oh for Epirbs, boat and personal. Here`s hoping.
Sure does man
Things may have changed a bit since you and I were in.
In this case, they had CBP, State, Local and other resources in the air and on the water in fairly short order. This whole "homeland security" crap has to be good for something!
Yes they do, and we've all seen them
And while each passing hour makes a "live rescue" that much less likely, there have been miracle stories that just make you shake your head.
For that reason, we never gave up until we were ordered to stand down.
Oh, and I really despise politicians that want to "look good"
Darned shame. Hopefully God is looking down on them with a kind eye.
So sad, 2 14 yo boys, with loving families. It seems your emergency services are well resourced, but oh for Epirbs, boat and personal. Here`s hoping.
I always hated making the call...but the experts and SAR crews knew when it was futile.
The search area covered now is about the size of Maine.
I should be more accurate....the guys I knew were brave enough....their organizations probably held them back....at least most of them.Oh those resources were available even back in the early 80s...just not 50+ miles offshore...wonder with GPS now whether their bravery is up a notch?
And grows exponentially by the hour......I have always been amazed the USCG finds as many as they do.
Unfortunately not all.
Oh those resources were available even back in the early 80s...just not 50+ miles offshore...wonder with GPS now whether their bravery is up a notch?
I should be more accurate....the guys I knew were brave enough....their organizations probably held them back....at least most of them.
Some people don't realize just how vast an area we're talking about, how quickly things change, and how darned difficult it is to find a body bobbing in the water! (BTDT, ain't a piece o' cake!)
Lights, EPIRBS, Bright colors...have 'em, wear 'em!
I know man, but we didn't call on them as often. Being intimately familiar with both sides, there just wasn't the level of integration that we have now for SAR work at least.
You nailed it. Fits right in with my comment above.
Fortunately (I guess?) things are getting better.
I haven't checked this AM. Any updates on the kids?
Water temp is only part of the formula....Impressed the boat was found so far from where it started. Looks like 100ish miles north of Jupiter FLA and the reports I read said 67 miles offshore. Never ceases to amaze me how fast the Gulf Stream moves...
The Gulf Stream data I just read has the water being 70-80+ degrees which is helpful. If the kids survived the capsize and have on PFDs, they have a chance...
Later,
Dan
Water temp is only part of the formula....
What has been the air temp, especially at night? People are surprised about hypothermia...or even the reverse...what were the daytime, unshaded temps? Any drinking water?
70 degrees and alternate cooling and wetting can cause hypothermia in fast coolers.
Any survival expertise? Like don't drink the salt water even if thirsty .....
They need other things more than PFDs, especially at this point, people have been found clinging to all kinds of things..but survival basics never chsnge (much).
Wonder if anyone is following up along "foul play" lines?
When SAR cases are extraordinary, best to explore both forks in the road.....
Why not? Unless there is more info in a better article, my experience with SAR cases with this many holes in it sometimes lead down that path.No, don't think that's the case here.