Life, Luck and the Benefits of Being Prepared

[likwid]

Originally Posted by Elmo

It might be better as a separate thread but I would be curious to know what others have on board or carry in terms of additional safety gear or a ditch kit? When I was in the CG years ago we also carried a damage control bag of sorts with items to plug a hull breach, fittings, pumps, etc....

I don't carry a spare bilge pump (have a hand pump) but I will now. Maybe even wire and fit it so it can go straight to a battery and pump over the side without having to mess with a burnt out one? I am sure some of you guys have great ideas for a quick fix to a serious situation on the water. I for one would be happy to hear them.

If you have the room for it, Whale manual crash pump mounted on a board.

[JackK]

Thank you all for your well wishes.

Ross, I took your advice and contacted OTW. Might end up in an upcoming article on safety and awareness (or in our case, the lack thereof!).

One thing I should have added is how important my training was during this ordeal. I've been through multiple offshore survival trainings for work, and I can't stress enough how much of a difference it made. It really made me not panic- instinct just kicked in on what to do. A free course is offered in New Bedford- Check out New Directions Southcoast at New Directions Southcoast :: New Directions South Coast. The course is FREE. Definitely more of a commercial tilt to it, but if you spend a decent amount of time on the water it could save your life.

For those that missed the Fox broadcast, here's the link. There are two different videos- the one that plays automatically, and a different one that you can click to below it. I'll get up the GoPro footage once John has finished editing it.

3 rescued south of Martha?s Vineyard after mayday call

[JackK]

And here is the footage.