Coast Guard Rescue
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322 Posts
I think this is the story to which you are referring.
The details (below) are kind of sketchy, but it sounds like these guys got lucky, and this incident serves as a reminder to all of us to keep safety the number one priority, ESPECIALLY when going off shore:
1. File a float plan, and make sure to indicate a time frame of return, so that a rescue call is made in a timely fashion.
2. EPIRBS save lives. I think they should be mandatory for off shore boaters.
3. I question whether it is a good idea for a 25 foot boat to be 20 miles offshore, although I'm sure that many would disagree, and I respect that. Luckily there wasn't a sudden change in the weather/sea conditions - which, as we have witnessed recently, can occur from day to day this time of year. Most 25 foot boats have no business being out in heavy seas, and these guys were stuck out there for a long time; thank goodness the seas didn't churn up due to off shore coastal storms, etc. OF course they didn't "expect" to be out there for such a long time, and this is my point: one has to anticipate the unexpected and be as prepared as is humanly possible for any eventuality.
I'm not trying to pontificate, but I think these lessons are important for all of us to keep in mind. Thank God (and the Coast Guard) that these people are ok.
Here's the story.
Coast Guard Locates 4 Missing Boaters
By The Associated Press
September 20, 2002, 9:35 AM EDT
Four missing boaters were found by Coast Guard searchers Friday in the Atlantic Ocean, 20 miles off Long Island.
The boaters were reported missing after they failed to return at 8 p.m. Thursday. They had departed at 5 a.m. Thursday from Islip aboard the Fox-Sea, a 25-foot pleasure boat, said Petty Officer Tom Sperduto, a Coast Guard spokesman.
A Coast Guard helicopter from Cape Cod, Mass., spotted the Fox-Sea at 6:50 a.m. Friday, when the boaters fired a flare, said Sperduto. A rescue vessel was dispatched to bring them ashore.
Sperduto said the boat would have been found more quickly if it had been equipped with an electronic tracking device.
The Coast Guard planned to interview the boaters, but Sperduto speculated that ?the boat broke down and were sitting there all night.?
The details (below) are kind of sketchy, but it sounds like these guys got lucky, and this incident serves as a reminder to all of us to keep safety the number one priority, ESPECIALLY when going off shore:
1. File a float plan, and make sure to indicate a time frame of return, so that a rescue call is made in a timely fashion.
2. EPIRBS save lives. I think they should be mandatory for off shore boaters.
3. I question whether it is a good idea for a 25 foot boat to be 20 miles offshore, although I'm sure that many would disagree, and I respect that. Luckily there wasn't a sudden change in the weather/sea conditions - which, as we have witnessed recently, can occur from day to day this time of year. Most 25 foot boats have no business being out in heavy seas, and these guys were stuck out there for a long time; thank goodness the seas didn't churn up due to off shore coastal storms, etc. OF course they didn't "expect" to be out there for such a long time, and this is my point: one has to anticipate the unexpected and be as prepared as is humanly possible for any eventuality.
I'm not trying to pontificate, but I think these lessons are important for all of us to keep in mind. Thank God (and the Coast Guard) that these people are ok.
Here's the story.
Coast Guard Locates 4 Missing Boaters
By The Associated Press
September 20, 2002, 9:35 AM EDT
Four missing boaters were found by Coast Guard searchers Friday in the Atlantic Ocean, 20 miles off Long Island.
The boaters were reported missing after they failed to return at 8 p.m. Thursday. They had departed at 5 a.m. Thursday from Islip aboard the Fox-Sea, a 25-foot pleasure boat, said Petty Officer Tom Sperduto, a Coast Guard spokesman.
A Coast Guard helicopter from Cape Cod, Mass., spotted the Fox-Sea at 6:50 a.m. Friday, when the boaters fired a flare, said Sperduto. A rescue vessel was dispatched to bring them ashore.
Sperduto said the boat would have been found more quickly if it had been equipped with an electronic tracking device.
The Coast Guard planned to interview the boaters, but Sperduto speculated that ?the boat broke down and were sitting there all night.?
This is also another reason why people should look for a window of good weather. I wonder if the electrical system went. Did they get off a VHF call? Did they have a radio? Yes, I politely disagree with you I think most boats over 22' can go 20 miles off in good conditions with the window. In seas of 2' or less you will be back at the inlet in about 45min-1hour.
somoan
somoan
~~~~~
I've been doing this in a 20' boat with ease and comfort with a nice window. I would not do it with a one day window however. And ofcourse I wouldn't do it without safety gear. You just gotta stay aware. If you have a two day weather window, and just a one hour ride back, nothing is going to blow up that you cannot handle or outrun. If you have mechanical problems, you will be found (portable GPS is wonderful). This is not daredevil stuff here. I'll take my chances that a HUGE shark doesn't flip the boat. Be safe, but have fun too!
...mocean
I've been doing this in a 20' boat with ease and comfort with a nice window. I would not do it with a one day window however. And ofcourse I wouldn't do it without safety gear. You just gotta stay aware. If you have a two day weather window, and just a one hour ride back, nothing is going to blow up that you cannot handle or outrun. If you have mechanical problems, you will be found (portable GPS is wonderful). This is not daredevil stuff here. I'll take my chances that a HUGE shark doesn't flip the boat. Be safe, but have fun too!
...mocean
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322 Posts
somoan: just wanted to clarify that I don't think that a 25' footer should be out 20 miles offshore in heavy seas. I'm not suggesting it shouldn't be done, with the proper equipment, in good weather. Because the boaters in the story got stuck out for such a long period of time, they could've gotten into a weather or sea related problem, and that could've turned into a tragedy.
Anyway here's to a happy, enjoyable, and safe weekend!!
Anyway here's to a happy, enjoyable, and safe weekend!!
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5,139 Posts
20 OFF
If I remeber correctly years ago the only ones who went that far off where commercial guys or charters. I am talking about 30-35 years ago. Today with all the tech. equipment available to the recreactional guy and the way boats in the 21-25 ft range are equipped with 100 gallon fuel tanks or better it makes it awful tempting to go offshore. I myself fall in that catergory but do not venture much more then 5 miles or so for certain reasons.
First is that I was always taught to respect the water cause it has no respect for you. Even though the weather says it is OK. Currents can hurt you also. How many carry a sea anchor or drift sock?
Second is that even though we maintain or boats anything could happen especially if you are running a single outboard. What happens if you loose your electronics or engine or anything else that you could think of to go wrong.
Third is I can not do the shark thing anymore because of back and neck problems, which is personnel.
There over a 100,000 rec. boats registered in Suffolk County alone, I do not know how mant go that far off but with the recent tradegedy's this year I am pretty leary about doing that type of thing.
Some of the blame has to be put on the design of these boats. I have a 23 ft Parker SC that carries a 150 gallons of fuel. I have top of the line electronics and just recently put Loran on the boat. I don't use that much fuel running to the FI reef or so but to the person who is going to use this type of boat for offshore it makes it awfull tempting and easy to do so. I'm not saying that those of you who pick the WINDOW to do this shouldn't but I would think twice.
This is our pastime and I truely do love it but sometimes I think we all take advantage of certain situatuons with out realizing the results.
Take a good look at some charter boats besides ther fishing gear. Life rafts, 2 radio's, ebirbs, and some even have surviaval suits. Do you carry all that on a 21-25 ft boat? None of us do
These men were very lucky and should get on there knees and thak God for there safe return.
Some of the dealers have no problem selling you a boat that has sailing ability to go that far off but one thing they cannot sell you is the the smarts that go along with owning a boat.
Tight lines and safe returns to all
Bill
If I remeber correctly years ago the only ones who went that far off where commercial guys or charters. I am talking about 30-35 years ago. Today with all the tech. equipment available to the recreactional guy and the way boats in the 21-25 ft range are equipped with 100 gallon fuel tanks or better it makes it awful tempting to go offshore. I myself fall in that catergory but do not venture much more then 5 miles or so for certain reasons.
First is that I was always taught to respect the water cause it has no respect for you. Even though the weather says it is OK. Currents can hurt you also. How many carry a sea anchor or drift sock?
Second is that even though we maintain or boats anything could happen especially if you are running a single outboard. What happens if you loose your electronics or engine or anything else that you could think of to go wrong.
Third is I can not do the shark thing anymore because of back and neck problems, which is personnel.
There over a 100,000 rec. boats registered in Suffolk County alone, I do not know how mant go that far off but with the recent tradegedy's this year I am pretty leary about doing that type of thing.
Some of the blame has to be put on the design of these boats. I have a 23 ft Parker SC that carries a 150 gallons of fuel. I have top of the line electronics and just recently put Loran on the boat. I don't use that much fuel running to the FI reef or so but to the person who is going to use this type of boat for offshore it makes it awfull tempting and easy to do so. I'm not saying that those of you who pick the WINDOW to do this shouldn't but I would think twice.
This is our pastime and I truely do love it but sometimes I think we all take advantage of certain situatuons with out realizing the results.
Take a good look at some charter boats besides ther fishing gear. Life rafts, 2 radio's, ebirbs, and some even have surviaval suits. Do you carry all that on a 21-25 ft boat? None of us do
These men were very lucky and should get on there knees and thak God for there safe return.
Some of the dealers have no problem selling you a boat that has sailing ability to go that far off but one thing they cannot sell you is the the smarts that go along with owning a boat.
Tight lines and safe returns to all
Bill
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4,148 Posts
I don't think it's the boat so much that matters
I'm a little north of most of you guys, usually in coastal northern MA area; mabye the oceans different, but in my opinion, it really doesn't take much more than a seaworthy 18 footer to get out 20 miles. It takes some thought, experience, and common sense; the right safety equipment (GPS, radio, flares, lifejackets etc..), a sound boat and decent weather. I wouldn't launch anywhere I couldn't hit by swimming to shore, without the safety equip - two forms of comminication allways. You've allways gotta let someone know where and when, but beyond that, no problem.
****, mabye I just haven't learned better yet, but so far I've never seen things change that fast. I've been out 30+ miles in a 21 foot alumimum and watch the ocean go from 1 to 1-3 to 2-4; that's when I get movin, common sense. Actually, most of the accidents that result in drownings seem to occur right near shore, places where waves break, in heavy currents, etc. .
My .02,
Jon
I'm a little north of most of you guys, usually in coastal northern MA area; mabye the oceans different, but in my opinion, it really doesn't take much more than a seaworthy 18 footer to get out 20 miles. It takes some thought, experience, and common sense; the right safety equipment (GPS, radio, flares, lifejackets etc..), a sound boat and decent weather. I wouldn't launch anywhere I couldn't hit by swimming to shore, without the safety equip - two forms of comminication allways. You've allways gotta let someone know where and when, but beyond that, no problem.
****, mabye I just haven't learned better yet, but so far I've never seen things change that fast. I've been out 30+ miles in a 21 foot alumimum and watch the ocean go from 1 to 1-3 to 2-4; that's when I get movin, common sense. Actually, most of the accidents that result in drownings seem to occur right near shore, places where waves break, in heavy currents, etc. .
My .02,
Jon
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4,148 Posts
oh.. in addition
A couple other things I wanted to mention. The first is that every one of these smaller boats built since the early 70's has to have enough floatation to keep it above water in all conditions. Any one of these boats built since the early 80's must not only float when submerged, but must float upright or be easily spun over. I'm not saying to trust it.. just a comforting thought.
Single engine boats can be bad news, in agreement there, that's what I run, but I also carry a kicker that gets me 10 MPH. Don't me wrong about being prepared either, in addition to the double the required safety equip and basic electronics - two seperate fuel supplies, enough tools and misc parts/supplies to fix any possible electrical problem and most small mechanical issues, two batteries, 2 bilge pumps + an extra, multiple buckets, ****loads of rope, chain, 3 anchors, jumper cables - basic stuff, don't leave home without it.
Jon
A couple other things I wanted to mention. The first is that every one of these smaller boats built since the early 70's has to have enough floatation to keep it above water in all conditions. Any one of these boats built since the early 80's must not only float when submerged, but must float upright or be easily spun over. I'm not saying to trust it.. just a comforting thought.
Single engine boats can be bad news, in agreement there, that's what I run, but I also carry a kicker that gets me 10 MPH. Don't me wrong about being prepared either, in addition to the double the required safety equip and basic electronics - two seperate fuel supplies, enough tools and misc parts/supplies to fix any possible electrical problem and most small mechanical issues, two batteries, 2 bilge pumps + an extra, multiple buckets, ****loads of rope, chain, 3 anchors, jumper cables - basic stuff, don't leave home without it.
Jon
quote:
I'm a little north of most of you guys, usually in coastal northern MA area; mabye the oceans different, but in my opinion, it really doesn't take much more than a seaworthy 18 footer to get out 20 miles.
I'd say that the seas are indeed much different. Many 18 footers wouldn't even be able to handle our South Shore inlets with wind-against-tide conditions and a 3-4 foot sea.
Once offshore, most 18 footers wouldn't be able to do more than 10 or 15 knots in the same size seas in our area. Keeping the boat up on plane would also be an extreme challenge. Should the wind start to blow unexpected (as it often does in our area), you'd be royally screwed. There are often times when 18 footers can't make it back across the bay without getting knocked around when the seas kick up. Our ocean waters 20 miles out would eat up an 18 footer in a hearbeat.
quote:
The first is that every one of these smaller boats built since the early 70's has to have enough floatation to keep it above water in all conditions. Any one of these boats built since the early 80's must not only float when submerged, but must float upright or be easily spun over.
Federal requirements for "positive flotation" only apply to boats under a certain length. Anyone have those specifics?
I'm a little north of most of you guys, usually in coastal northern MA area; mabye the oceans different, but in my opinion, it really doesn't take much more than a seaworthy 18 footer to get out 20 miles.
I'd say that the seas are indeed much different. Many 18 footers wouldn't even be able to handle our South Shore inlets with wind-against-tide conditions and a 3-4 foot sea.
Once offshore, most 18 footers wouldn't be able to do more than 10 or 15 knots in the same size seas in our area. Keeping the boat up on plane would also be an extreme challenge. Should the wind start to blow unexpected (as it often does in our area), you'd be royally screwed. There are often times when 18 footers can't make it back across the bay without getting knocked around when the seas kick up. Our ocean waters 20 miles out would eat up an 18 footer in a hearbeat.
quote:
The first is that every one of these smaller boats built since the early 70's has to have enough floatation to keep it above water in all conditions. Any one of these boats built since the early 80's must not only float when submerged, but must float upright or be easily spun over.
Federal requirements for "positive flotation" only apply to boats under a certain length. Anyone have those specifics?
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Flotation Regs
According to what I've read, boats under 20 feet are required to have positive flotation.
I'm a very cautious boater, and I have a seaworthy 21' craft (with positive flotation - for whatever it's worth); the one trip I really want to do is to Block Island for a weekend, but I am very concerned about doing the 17 nautical mile run from Montauk to Block Island on my own. I wouldn't do it without a buddy boat/captain who has done it before, and it would have to be a perfect day weatherwise. I have been boating all of my life and have very good experience handling small boats under 30 feet.
Now I just have to find a buddy boat and a good day/window of weather!
I guess I'm just a chicken - but I'd rather be safe.
According to what I've read, boats under 20 feet are required to have positive flotation.
I'm a very cautious boater, and I have a seaworthy 21' craft (with positive flotation
- for whatever it's worth); the one trip I really want to do is to Block Island for a weekend, but I am very concerned about doing the 17 nautical mile run from Montauk to Block Island on my own. I wouldn't do it without a buddy boat/captain who has done it before, and it would have to be a perfect day weatherwise. I have been boating all of my life and have very good experience handling small boats under 30 feet.Now I just have to find a buddy boat and a good day/window of weather!
I guess I'm just a chicken - but I'd rather be safe.
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322 Posts
Follow up on original story
A Coast Guard search of 1000 miles of ocean, utilizing a 41-foot search and rescue boat, a 110-foot cutter, a helicopter, a Falcon jet, and manpower was "...no big deal at all." This from the captain who didn't even have a working radio on board! You would expect that this captain and these men could show some expression of gratitude or something - but they just somehow "expected" to be rescued. I have a few words for these guys: moronic, inconsiderate, selfish, and **** lucky!!
NEWSDAY, September 21, 2002
STRANDED FISHERMEN RESCUED
By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher
When fisherman William Stelfox found himself stranded on a stalled 25-foot fishing boat 20 miles southeast of Fire Island, he never doubted that help was on the way.
Engine problems had turned an ordinary fishing trip into an overnight sea drift, but Stelfox, 29, of Melbourne, Fla., said there was little to do but wait to be rescued. And, of course, to do a bit more fishing to pass the time.
"When the starter on the engine wouldn't start, we kept on fishing," he said. "I thought they'd just find us eventually."
A Coast Guard jet saw flares from Stelfox's boat at about 6:30 a.m. Friday and the fisherman, including Stelfox's uncles Thomas Stelfox, 51, of West Islip, and Jim 51, of Babylon, and his cousin Thomas 29, of Brightwaters, and their boat were later towed to shore.
The fishermen embarked on their adventure at 8 a.m. Thursday, headed for a mako shark fishing spot some 43 miles off Fire Island.
When they didn't return by 8 p.m. as expected, their wives called the Coast Guard at about 11:40 p.m. said Coast Guard Lt. Tim Haws, operations officer of Group Moriches.
With enough moonlight, plenty of turkey and ham sandwiches and a sense of humor, their main concern was that their wives would forbid them from any future fishing trips, William Stelfox said.
So far there have been no such directives and the men were joking about taking another trip on Sunday.
Yesterday, feeling a little seasick, the men were a little surprised at all the media attention their rescue received.
"It was actually no big deal at all," William Stelfox said.
The call from Thomas Stelfox's wife, Judith, Thursday night led to an extensive Coast Guard search of 1,000 miles of ocean, Haws said. The Coast Guard used a 41-foot search and rescue boat, a 110-foot cutter, a helicopter and a Falcon jet.
The boat's radio was old and didn't work because the men were too far from shore, Haws said.
"There's a very vast ocean out there and to find a small boat in thousands of miles of ocean requires a lot of luck and skill," Haws said.
Winds from the south blew the boat closer to Long Island, even though they were a significant distance from land. It took about four hours to tow the boat to shore, Haws said.
"They were all in good health," Haws said. "They were a little anxious but feeling fine."
Judith Stelfox said she wasn't too worried because her husband is an experienced fisherman. With each trip, he leaves her with details of where they're headed and when they plan to return, which helped the search.
"Everyone is making this a bigger issue than it was," she said.
A Coast Guard search of 1000 miles of ocean, utilizing a 41-foot search and rescue boat, a 110-foot cutter, a helicopter, a Falcon jet, and manpower was "...no big deal at all." This from the captain who didn't even have a working radio on board! You would expect that this captain and these men could show some expression of gratitude or something - but they just somehow "expected" to be rescued. I have a few words for these guys: moronic, inconsiderate, selfish, and **** lucky!!
NEWSDAY, September 21, 2002
STRANDED FISHERMEN RESCUED
By Jennifer Sinco Kelleher
When fisherman William Stelfox found himself stranded on a stalled 25-foot fishing boat 20 miles southeast of Fire Island, he never doubted that help was on the way.
Engine problems had turned an ordinary fishing trip into an overnight sea drift, but Stelfox, 29, of Melbourne, Fla., said there was little to do but wait to be rescued. And, of course, to do a bit more fishing to pass the time.
"When the starter on the engine wouldn't start, we kept on fishing," he said. "I thought they'd just find us eventually."
A Coast Guard jet saw flares from Stelfox's boat at about 6:30 a.m. Friday and the fisherman, including Stelfox's uncles Thomas Stelfox, 51, of West Islip, and Jim 51, of Babylon, and his cousin Thomas 29, of Brightwaters, and their boat were later towed to shore.
The fishermen embarked on their adventure at 8 a.m. Thursday, headed for a mako shark fishing spot some 43 miles off Fire Island.
When they didn't return by 8 p.m. as expected, their wives called the Coast Guard at about 11:40 p.m. said Coast Guard Lt. Tim Haws, operations officer of Group Moriches.
With enough moonlight, plenty of turkey and ham sandwiches and a sense of humor, their main concern was that their wives would forbid them from any future fishing trips, William Stelfox said.
So far there have been no such directives and the men were joking about taking another trip on Sunday.
Yesterday, feeling a little seasick, the men were a little surprised at all the media attention their rescue received.
"It was actually no big deal at all," William Stelfox said.
The call from Thomas Stelfox's wife, Judith, Thursday night led to an extensive Coast Guard search of 1,000 miles of ocean, Haws said. The Coast Guard used a 41-foot search and rescue boat, a 110-foot cutter, a helicopter and a Falcon jet.
The boat's radio was old and didn't work because the men were too far from shore, Haws said.
"There's a very vast ocean out there and to find a small boat in thousands of miles of ocean requires a lot of luck and skill," Haws said.
Winds from the south blew the boat closer to Long Island, even though they were a significant distance from land. It took about four hours to tow the boat to shore, Haws said.
"They were all in good health," Haws said. "They were a little anxious but feeling fine."
Judith Stelfox said she wasn't too worried because her husband is an experienced fisherman. With each trip, he leaves her with details of where they're headed and when they plan to return, which helped the search.
"Everyone is making this a bigger issue than it was," she said.
Here goes a even more dramtic rescue at sea:
By James W. Crawley
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
September 24, 2002
Adrift in his damaged sailboat for 31/2 months, a Long Beach man was found alive by a San Diego-based warship off the coast of Costa Rica ? more than 2,500 miles from his home port.
Richard Van Pham, 62, was rescued a week ago by the frigate McClusky and turned over to U.S. officials in Guatemala on Sunday, Navy officials said yesterday.
He survived by catching fish, seabirds and turtles for food and collecting rainwater, said Navy crewmen who found him Sept. 17. Despite losing about 40 pounds and being heavily suntanned, Van Pham was in good condition when found, they reported.
"He's a tough old bird," said Cmdr. Gary Parriott, the McClusky's skipper, in a satellite phone interview yesterday. "I'm not sure I would have fared as well as he did."
Van Pham was dropped off in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, on Sunday when the frigate stopped for a port visit. Efforts to locate him in Guatemala City were unsuccessful last night.
The McClusky's crew collected about $800 to pay the hapless mariner's air fare home.
The incredible story of bad luck and survival began as a short cruise from Long Beach to Catalina in Van Pham's 26-foot sailboat Sea Breeze. A storm broke his mast. His outboard motor and two-way radio also failed.
For unknown reasons, Van Pham was not reported missing by friends, and he told officials he has no family. No search was conducted because no missing persons report was filed, Coast Guard officials said.
Van Pham was spotted 275 miles southwest of Costa Rica when a U.S. Customs Service P-3 drug-hunting plane saw his derelict vessel and asked the McClusky to check it out.
When the warship's boat neared, they saw a man cooking a sea gull on a makeshift grill ? the ship's wooden trim supplying the fuel. A jury-rigged sail flapped from a splintered mast.
Hailing the boat in Spanish, Petty Officer 3rd Class Elias Nunez said he was surprised when Van Pham answered, "I don't speak Spanish. I speak English."
Van Pham was equally surprised when the sailors told him what month and day it was and where he was, Nunez said.
The ship's corpsman, Petty Officer 1st Class A.J. Davis said Van Pham was in exceptional health.
Davis spent hours talking to Van Pham, who described bashing sea turtles with a bat as they swam near the boat, hauling the carcasses aboard and then cooking part of the meat while using the remainder as bait for seabirds that would roost on the broken mast.
"This is an amazing story of survival," Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Lance Jones said yesterday. "But it also shows the importance of filing a float plan with friends or family."
If the Coast Guard had known he was missing, a search might have found him much earlier, said Jones.
The most poignant moment came when Van Pham left the Sea Breeze.
"He waved goodbye to his sailboat," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Slaight. "He was upset (that it would be scuttled) and said he was going to miss it."
Unable to fix the sailboat, Van Pham approved its sinking. Crew members torched the Sea Breeze, sinking it in 8,700 feet of water.
"We did it while he was below decks to lessen the blow," Parriott said.
Simply amazing, heyTom Hanks, get ready for your next role...
By James W. Crawley
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
September 24, 2002
Adrift in his damaged sailboat for 31/2 months, a Long Beach man was found alive by a San Diego-based warship off the coast of Costa Rica ? more than 2,500 miles from his home port.
Richard Van Pham, 62, was rescued a week ago by the frigate McClusky and turned over to U.S. officials in Guatemala on Sunday, Navy officials said yesterday.
He survived by catching fish, seabirds and turtles for food and collecting rainwater, said Navy crewmen who found him Sept. 17. Despite losing about 40 pounds and being heavily suntanned, Van Pham was in good condition when found, they reported.
"He's a tough old bird," said Cmdr. Gary Parriott, the McClusky's skipper, in a satellite phone interview yesterday. "I'm not sure I would have fared as well as he did."
Van Pham was dropped off in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, on Sunday when the frigate stopped for a port visit. Efforts to locate him in Guatemala City were unsuccessful last night.
The McClusky's crew collected about $800 to pay the hapless mariner's air fare home.
The incredible story of bad luck and survival began as a short cruise from Long Beach to Catalina in Van Pham's 26-foot sailboat Sea Breeze. A storm broke his mast. His outboard motor and two-way radio also failed.
For unknown reasons, Van Pham was not reported missing by friends, and he told officials he has no family. No search was conducted because no missing persons report was filed, Coast Guard officials said.
Van Pham was spotted 275 miles southwest of Costa Rica when a U.S. Customs Service P-3 drug-hunting plane saw his derelict vessel and asked the McClusky to check it out.
When the warship's boat neared, they saw a man cooking a sea gull on a makeshift grill ? the ship's wooden trim supplying the fuel. A jury-rigged sail flapped from a splintered mast.
Hailing the boat in Spanish, Petty Officer 3rd Class Elias Nunez said he was surprised when Van Pham answered, "I don't speak Spanish. I speak English."
Van Pham was equally surprised when the sailors told him what month and day it was and where he was, Nunez said.
The ship's corpsman, Petty Officer 1st Class A.J. Davis said Van Pham was in exceptional health.
Davis spent hours talking to Van Pham, who described bashing sea turtles with a bat as they swam near the boat, hauling the carcasses aboard and then cooking part of the meat while using the remainder as bait for seabirds that would roost on the broken mast.
"This is an amazing story of survival," Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Lance Jones said yesterday. "But it also shows the importance of filing a float plan with friends or family."
If the Coast Guard had known he was missing, a search might have found him much earlier, said Jones.
The most poignant moment came when Van Pham left the Sea Breeze.
"He waved goodbye to his sailboat," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Joseph Slaight. "He was upset (that it would be scuttled) and said he was going to miss it."
Unable to fix the sailboat, Van Pham approved its sinking. Crew members torched the Sea Breeze, sinking it in 8,700 feet of water.
"We did it while he was below decks to lessen the blow," Parriott said.
Simply amazing, heyTom Hanks, get ready for your next role...
positive floation is a joke
if your thinking your boat has positive floation and cant sink
ok yeah, in a test pool the boat will swamp and not sink even if you cut a hole in the bottom with a chain saw
add a few little waves to the test tank and the positive floatation turns into positive center of gravity
this means your boat goes ass down and your left clinging to the bow as the motor drags the stern down
now if this is the great south bay or the mighty alantic ocean in any smallest chop you got about 3 minutes before the only thing of your boat showing is the bow
now this is better than nothing, but still life threating
hey even the best, most sea worthy off shore boats sink at the dock
something to think about as the college graduate marketing landlubbers tell you all they want about unsinkable boats, remember the titanic(not the hollywood movie) oceanliner
only the onions from the galley were left foalting
dino
if your thinking your boat has positive floation and cant sink
ok yeah, in a test pool the boat will swamp and not sink even if you cut a hole in the bottom with a chain saw
add a few little waves to the test tank and the positive floatation turns into positive center of gravity
this means your boat goes ass down and your left clinging to the bow as the motor drags the stern down
now if this is the great south bay or the mighty alantic ocean in any smallest chop you got about 3 minutes before the only thing of your boat showing is the bow
now this is better than nothing, but still life threating
hey even the best, most sea worthy off shore boats sink at the dock
something to think about as the college graduate marketing landlubbers tell you all they want about unsinkable boats, remember the titanic(not the hollywood movie) oceanliner
only the onions from the galley were left foalting
dino
20 OFF
Previously, I posted that I've been running offshore in a 20' cc when conditions are good. Some people may think this is reckless. I do not. Some may choose to stay much closer inshore, and that is a fine, respectable decision which I am not trying to talk anyone out of. However, I would like to re-address a few points. I don't want to encourage people to do anything unsafe or irresponsible.
When we run 20 miles off, in a 20' boat, it is in a two or more day weather window. This does not mean the forcast is calling for 1-3's today, with sea's building tonight. It doesn't mean a nice day with wind increasing overnight. It means the forcast calls for stable, calm weather for two days.
We always carry a back-up handheld GPS and VHF, battery powered. (I do need to upgrade to a submersable VHF.) We carry an epirb, and all other regular safety equipment. We do not carry a life raft. I would not run out in cold water with out a raft or a suit.
Most important is always being aware of what is going on around you. Listen to your radio once in a while for weather updates. We usually establish radio contact with someone in the area and wish them good luck in fishing. Watch the water. Watch the wind and sky. If the noaa weather is wrong and you are in 3-5' seas, you should have realized this before you decided to run out. If you were out, you should have noticed the waves building and headed in while you could still run fast. Also, 2-3 foot seas can still be bad. Last Saturday it was 2-3's, but the sea was very choppy, confused, and snotty. I wouldn't have gone in a 20' CC. I was out in a 23' WA Proline, and we were fine, although we pounded a lot. We make the decision to run once we are a few miles past the inlet. You can judge the seas better there. If it doesn't look very good, despite the forcast, pass.
Again if you stay alert, and you have a two day weather window (usually within a three day high pressure system), then you can run in to safety with ease, should something come up. The real risk we are taking is if we loose power, we are getting a large bill from SeaTow.
If you are new to this, you MUST have all the safety equipment. Just as important, you need experience and alertness. Gain your experience a little at a time, so you slowly feel more and more comfortable as you push your own personal envelope. If you can communicate, and know your position, you will be found fast, should you loose your engine. If you pay attention, you won't wind up in any other situations where you need to be found.
It absolutely pays to be cautious. It also pays to have fun and adventure. You can do both at once. Thats my story, and I'm sticking to it.
...mocean
Previously, I posted that I've been running offshore in a 20' cc when conditions are good. Some people may think this is reckless. I do not. Some may choose to stay much closer inshore, and that is a fine, respectable decision which I am not trying to talk anyone out of. However, I would like to re-address a few points. I don't want to encourage people to do anything unsafe or irresponsible.
When we run 20 miles off, in a 20' boat, it is in a two or more day weather window. This does not mean the forcast is calling for 1-3's today, with sea's building tonight. It doesn't mean a nice day with wind increasing overnight. It means the forcast calls for stable, calm weather for two days.
We always carry a back-up handheld GPS and VHF, battery powered. (I do need to upgrade to a submersable VHF.) We carry an epirb, and all other regular safety equipment. We do not carry a life raft. I would not run out in cold water with out a raft or a suit.
Most important is always being aware of what is going on around you. Listen to your radio once in a while for weather updates. We usually establish radio contact with someone in the area and wish them good luck in fishing. Watch the water. Watch the wind and sky. If the noaa weather is wrong and you are in 3-5' seas, you should have realized this before you decided to run out. If you were out, you should have noticed the waves building and headed in while you could still run fast. Also, 2-3 foot seas can still be bad. Last Saturday it was 2-3's, but the sea was very choppy, confused, and snotty. I wouldn't have gone in a 20' CC. I was out in a 23' WA Proline, and we were fine, although we pounded a lot. We make the decision to run once we are a few miles past the inlet. You can judge the seas better there. If it doesn't look very good, despite the forcast, pass.
Again if you stay alert, and you have a two day weather window (usually within a three day high pressure system), then you can run in to safety with ease, should something come up. The real risk we are taking is if we loose power, we are getting a large bill from SeaTow.
If you are new to this, you MUST have all the safety equipment. Just as important, you need experience and alertness. Gain your experience a little at a time, so you slowly feel more and more comfortable as you push your own personal envelope. If you can communicate, and know your position, you will be found fast, should you loose your engine. If you pay attention, you won't wind up in any other situations where you need to be found.
It absolutely pays to be cautious. It also pays to have fun and adventure. You can do both at once. Thats my story, and I'm sticking to it.
...mocean
Joined
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5,139 Posts
Your Choice
Mocean,
I am not saying it can not be done and you seem very cautious about weather and conditions and that is your choice. I hope that you never have to use all the eguipment you have on your boat but with all the senceless stuff that has gone on this year I amy be a little more cautious, thats all I meant.
I enjoy this site and we have had some good debates here just don't want to read about someone I chat with.
Bill
Mocean,
I am not saying it can not be done and you seem very cautious about weather and conditions and that is your choice. I hope that you never have to use all the eguipment you have on your boat but with all the senceless stuff that has gone on this year I amy be a little more cautious, thats all I meant.
I enjoy this site and we have had some good debates here just don't want to read about someone I chat with.
Bill
~~~~~
Thanks Bill, Its not that I disagree with you, I just perceive the danger zone a little different. But thanks for that previous post. It gave me a "sinking" feeling that I might have been encouraging people to go farther than there comfort zone. So I just wanted to repost and make clear the exteme importance of safety and cautiousness, and to stay within your comfort zone.
It sure has been a bad year, and the last thing I want to do is in any way add to that. I'm sure many people will continue to run far, even too far; Hopefully they will at least prepare better and use sound judgement.
Smooth seas.
...mocean
Thanks Bill, Its not that I disagree with you, I just perceive the danger zone a little different. But thanks for that previous post. It gave me a "sinking" feeling that I might have been encouraging people to go farther than there comfort zone. So I just wanted to repost and make clear the exteme importance of safety and cautiousness, and to stay within your comfort zone.
It sure has been a bad year, and the last thing I want to do is in any way add to that. I'm sure many people will continue to run far, even too far; Hopefully they will at least prepare better and use sound judgement.
Smooth seas.
...mocean
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