"lost" in the gulf.....

[Bill D.]

I'm relating this story from a local captain in Orange Beach. This happened about 3 weeks ago.It seems they were headed back in and were 51 miles out when a 20 something CC came in from their starboard. The guy at the helm of the CC was waving his arms and pointing, so they went to idle and the guy pulls up along side. He yells, "which way to shore". They ask him if he has a compass and he replies, "Yes, and it's working." They give him the heading to perdido pass and before they can finish by asking if he has enough fuel, water, and to tell him he can follow them in the CC roars off heading due east. As he heads away they see a large "boom box" sitting right in the center of the console. There were two adult males and 3 teenage males in the CC. Their manner had that "just short of full blown panic", but at least the 3 boys had PFD's on. A reprot was made to the CG and there was never a story about a boat lost so it's assumed they managed to get to shore at some point. Still 51 miles out, no VHF, and large speakers next to your compass is no way to go fishing in the gulf. I relate this story mostly because it is not all that unusual. I've had "lost" boaters come up to me, even on a sunny day. When people get "lost" they often lose their common sense. They won't use the sun and some even believe their compass, that really is working, has gone bad. They guy in this story, had he waited just a couple of seconds, would have been offered water, cold drinks, food, and even a tow, while he and his crew sat in a AC cabin....

 

[gcolton]

It does not necessarily take brains to make enough money to own a boat.

You would think that a boat owner in the Gulf would at least know that if you head North you are going to go ashore somewhere.

George

 

[stmbtwle]

quote:

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Originally posted by gcolton

It does not necessarily take brains to make enough money to own a boat.

You would think that a boat owner in the Gulf would at least know that if you head North you are going to go ashore somewhere.

George

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+1

 

[bobh]

I was in the Delawarer river yesterday and a 28' cruiser waved me down. When I pulled alongside the captain asked me which direction was the Delaware Bay. I pointed and said "it's about 40 miles that way". It's pretty bad when you don't know the difference between North and South on a river.

 

[Bill D.]

Some people get stressed and can no longer think rationally. North is no longer "North", the sun is not where it should be, they don't believe their compass. There are people who get lost driving their car and go into a panic. There really are people who should not be out in a boat....

 

[Flutterby]

One thing I was taught early on: "Always trust your instruments". I ignored that one time and went around in a circle in the dark trying to figure out where I was and where I wanted to go. After that, I got a floodlight.... GPS wasn't available yet.

 

[Thudpucker]

Twice boats were intercepted by well meaning folks as the fairly small craft were heading NW on thier way out of Cook Inlet toward the open water. Next stop the Aleuitians! Japan!
People know those little boats dont carry that much fuel.
So they try to help.
Sitting next to the Compass, up on the Dash, is the .22 Cal Pistol used to shoot Halibut with.
Even the Small boating course would have eliminated that mistake. High School science too.