Kankama said..
I am concerned that they broadcast a Mayday. This seems to have led to the crew being forced to evacuate. The skipper should have broadcast a Pan Pan message and then would have had more options. A Mayday is used in imminent danger, and seeing as the boat floated with no crew, the danger was not imminent. The worrying part of this is that this story shows that some boaters are not self sufficient and do need close supervision. I love the idea that we can go offshore in our boats free from zealous government oversight
But this story makes it harder to defend the line that we are all responsible and self reliant on all but the most exceptional circumstances.
In my opinion the skipper made the correct call.
1. The skipper is responsible for the rest of the crew.
2, The boat is totally disabled and filling with water. Who knows if it will stop.
3. Condition were not good with a low developing in the Tasman.
4. There is no need to endanger crew waiting to see if the boat sinks.
5. When it come to safety the words "Should be OK" are not in my vocabulary. By calling May Day it means all the crew will be O K.
6. At ocean race briefings AMSA tell you never be afraid to call May Day. Better to be safe than sorry.
It's great to know we live in a country that if we get into trouble, someone will help use to safety at no cost.
This incident could have all gone wrong. Good call skipper.
