Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

[tomatolord]

http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/419502.html <br /><br />Here is the basics of the story - 6 guys go out for a day trip fishing - boat overturns - everything under the boat - they get their life preservers on - but only 2 make it.<br /><br />I never gave any real thought to a vhf radio - I always thought dont really need to have one or to have just a basic one - but the problem they had is the boat swamped AND flipped in about 15 seconds so the radio was now useless, it took the guys 2 hours to swim to shore.<br /><br />Gonna go out and buy a handheld waterproof vhf radio before my next trip.<br /><br />tomatolord

 

[heycods]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

But how do you keep up with the hand held when the boat turns over? Mabu sometimes the big boss just calls you home?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

Some if not all the handhelds float heycods.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

yep<br /> seems we get 4 or 5 eavy year.<br /> most die of gross stupidity.<br />6 folks in an 18ftr is overloaded, dont care what the plate says.<br /> and most die while going out with a small craft advisory in effect.<br /> does not make it anyless sad.<br /> the ocean is no place to mess up, it forgives nothing. gotta a few of my realtives out there someplace.<br />its more expensive but a saltwater activated EPIRB is a lot better than a handheld. a handheld VHF in the water has maybe a 2 mile range, if luck is with ya, which its obviously not cause your swimming.<br /> a properly registered EPIRB on the otherhand will not only notify the coasties that someone is in trouble but who is in trouble and where to about 35 feet or so.

 

[imported_Curmudgeon]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

Some if not all the handhelds float heycods.<br /><br />Which ones advertise their floating qualities .. ?

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

Originally posted by Old Curmudgeon:<br /> Some if not all the handhelds float heycods.<br /><br />Which ones advertise their floating qualities .. ?

Floating Emergency Radio<br />If you're looking for a lightweight portable waterproof radio, then the Pains Wessex Handheld VHF Floating Marine Radio is perfect. This durable plastic radio transmits on three channels with amazing clarity. Never worry about losing the Pains Wessex Handheld VHF Floating Marine Radio in the water, because it floats in addition to being waterproof. A twelve-hour transmitting time means you'll never be far from help with the Pains Wessex Handheld VHF Floating Marine Radio. <br />

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

Or maybe this.<br />____________________________________________<br />Use your VHF radio in all conditions! Protect it with the Aquapac® VHF Classic waterproof, floating case. <br />Suitable for large handsets; fits both right- and left-hand antenna orientations <br />Made from durable reinforced vinyl for lasting reliability and performance <br />Sound quality transmits normally through the case so you can speak in normal tones <br />Integral finger pouch allows normal use of radio controls <br />Airtight seal helps radio stay afloat if dropped in the water and protects it from sand, dust, grit and water <br />Waterproof to 15-feet thanks to the patented quick-action Aquaclip® seal and reinforced vinyl construction <br />Comes with removable, adjustable lanyard cord and carabiner clip for carrying and storage <br />Fits radios with a maximum circumference of 8.7 inches and a length of up to 8.7 inches (excluding antenna)

 

[alden135]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

I'm a safety nut. In addition to the radio, flares, etc. I keep 2 survival suits onboard. They can be bought cheap on ebay. All the radios in the world won't do you much good when the water temp is 40 degrees.

 

[stan_deezy]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

Got to agreee: we go nowhere without the VHF Handheld being in an aquapac and secured to one of us. Lifejackets worn at all times too.<br /><br />One point though: I'm assuming it was a very quiet area they were in? Professional advice is to stay with the boat even if it's upside down: boat is huge target compared to a human head bobbing about in the water. Like I said, there maybe was a good reason to swim two miles but I'd be staying with the boat in most situations.

 

[tomatolord]

Re: Tragedy in NC outerbanks - I learned a valuable lesson.

There has been no reason why they said they started swimming for shore not enough information has come out yet - but apparently they thought no one was near enough to see them and they had NOT gotten out a distress call before the sinking <br /><br />It was quiet becuase there was a small craft advisory out and it is not tourist season so there would have been limited traffic<br /><br />The only that did make it were the ones that started to swim.<br /><br />That would be a tough call - stay with the boat and wait until someone realizes you are missing and starts to look for you or try for shore - <br /><br />Tomatolord