In two separate incidents in California this week, three sailors died by falling or being swept overboard from their sailboats. Just off San Francisco's Ocean Beach, a couple in their 50s drowned after ending up in the water off their 33-foot sailboat headed for the Golden Gate. Conditions were rough, but no one knows how the husband and wife both ended up in the water, their bodies later washing ashore. It was not reported whether they wore PFDs, although the implication is that they had not, or they might perhaps have been rescued by the Coast Guard boat that arrived soon at the scene. Their boat remained afloat until being blown ashore later.
In Los Angeles, a man sailing solo back from Catalina Island is presumed dead after apparently falling off his sailboat, which sailed itself onto the beach near Santa Monica - as of this writing his body has not yet been found.
Like all sailors, I hate to hear such stories. I take no pleasure in passing along this news - but I do think it's important for us all to pay attention to situations that are, at least sometimes, preventable. As one who often sails alone, falling overboard is my worst nightmare. These stories are a continued reminder to wear a PFD and tether when there's any risk at all.
Comments
can’t stress it enough……always wear a pfd!!
Wearing an auto inflatable is not such a inconvenience that it can not be done all the time. Many sailors have the wrong headed attitude that they will put on their life jacket if they “need” it. That is like putting on your seat belt when you need it. A small mishap with a PFD might be deadly without one.
Tom, we have enjoyed sailing numerous blue water miles together and apart. As you know, when sailing hundreds of miles off-shore, be it day or night, you have to assume that anyone who goes overboard is dead. To think otherwise is pure fantasy in normal or sever sailing conditions. Mother Nature has a way of negating survival and safety equipment. The only way to escape her death grip is to do everything possible to stay aboard, period! The beauty of blue water sailing is second to none. As a trade-off for the adventure we assume the ultimate risk of failing overboard, death.