GL: Man lost in the Gulf - some lessons

[John & Judy Gill]

Joe Manelis of Forever Young asks if there are (is) any other advise  
from seasoned skippers.

YES.  Before we departed on our America's Great Loop Cruise, my  
cousin who is a Tow Boat Captain with an unlimited tonnage license  
and a Kings Point gradate, sent us his best wishes for a safe journey  
and a special safety package.  Inside were 4 ea SOSuspenders, 4  
pealess whistles and 4 clip on battery operated strobe lights, both  
attached to the inflatable life vests.  They are comfortable and  
could save your life -- is there something about that you don't  
understand!!!

If the man lost at sea had been so equipped, he might have had a  
chance of survival or at least his next of kin would have been able  
to give him a decent burial.  Inflate the life vest, give the whistle  
5 blasts, turn on the strobe light and keep repeating the 5 whistle  
blasts (you can not yell louder than the engine noise, but a whistle  
might be heard).

I couldn't agree with Joe Manelis more,  when in doubt, stay in port  
or on the hook.  If you can't have two people at the helm station --  
don't cruise at night and certainly not in foul weather!

John Gill
Two J's V
AGLCA Loopers