Maydays and motor boats

[Harrier]

Two weeks ago, my wife and I where making a sail up the CT river when I heard witness to my first mayday.  It was a helpless feeling, listening to the Captain describe to the Coast Guard how his boat was "taking on water fast", all the while you could hear screaming and crying in the background.  Fortunately, another boater was on the seen within minutes and assisted in getting everyone off safely, 5-10 minutes later, the Captain of the other boat announced that the vessel was submerged.  I later learned that four of the passengers on board were the Captains grand children.
I spent a good deal of my morning that day cursing motor boats at the mouth of the CT river.  It was a busy day, and we were getting tossed by all of the traffic.  This in contrast to the relief I felt knowing that crew of the sinking boat was so quickly rescued by another boater. 
If you've not heard the cry of mayday before, it certainly can give you goosebumps.  So, if motor boater "road rage" (is there an equivalent for on the water?) ever begins to get the best of you, just remember it is likely one of those boaters who would be there to help you first and I was thankful that in this event that was the case. 

Just thought I'd share that moment of reflection.

[jthatcher]

thanks for sharing...   I imagine that was quite the experience!   let's hope that none of us ever have to utter that word into the mic of our radios!    jt

[capt_nemo]

As an owner of both types (mostly sail) with thousands of cruising miles under my keels, I find that there's enough room for all of us out there on the water. This is especially relevant when a fellow "Boater" calls for aid.

However, that doesn't mean that I haven't been upset by inconsiderate boaters (of BOTH types) on a number of occasions.

capt_nemo

[MKBLK]

Thank goodness all were rescued. I can't imagine taking water on so quickly that the inevitable is about to happen. As I explain to my passengers/crew every time we sail, "either keep the PFD on or sit on the cushion - just in case." Com-Pacs are sturdy little craft, but put a serious hole in one and she's going down if not checked. Should the weather turn rough, always wear the PFDs, close the hatch (and the vent), make sure the lazarette is secured. Filling the cockpit with water isn't terrible, filling the cabin is certainly what you don't want. If you find too much water in the cockpit, check the scuppers. And, lastly, always have a bailing bucket. Don't rely too much on the bilge pump. I know, I'm preaching to the choir!

I sail fairly frequently on a recreational lake (man-made) shared by canoes, rowboats, paddle boats, powered duck boats, and kayaks. Since most of the craft are supplied by a concessionaire, their only interest is the profit involved. Many people simply have no clue how to behave on the water. Rules of the Road... forget it! I have to be extremely careful when leaving and returning to the ramp/dock. Usually, it is necessary to motor in for maximum control and safety.

My biggest complaint is how jet skis are handled. Some people just don't care.

Safe Boating,

Marty K.

[Bob23]

We may sometimes forget that while we are having fun on the water, there are 2 forces in conflict the entire time. Gravity would love to pull us to the bottom while bouyancy holds the upper hand (as long as the hull is intact and the waterline stays on the outside). I read an account of a family cruising on a 38' sailboat in the south pacific and after leaving the Galapagos Islands, the hull was holed by a killer whale. It only took 1 minute from the time of the impact to the time they saw the top of the mast disappear below the surface. Yikes! That's a bad day.
Bob23

[Koinonia]

Personally my biggest fear is hitting a container lying just below the surface of the water, thousands of those things get lost off ships every year and some take a long time to sink.   I think it was a BOC round the world race when a guy with an open 60 hit a submerged object and luckily was able to close off the bow area of the boat.  Hauling the boat out revealed the hole, in the shape of a perfect triangle.  He most likely found one of these and nailed the corner.