You don't often see this caught on video. Over the weekend, a couple of sailors went overboard and were rescued in Puget Sound. I don't know the details (other than what is written in the article), but many of us carry the Lifesling. So, it's kind of nice to see it put into action in a real emergency. These folks did a good job in less-than-ideal conditions. Well done, lads!
I will say, if you've never practiced with the Lifesling, don't be fooled by this video into thinking it is always this easy. This situation had several things going for it. First, the skipper had obviously taken some time to familiarize with how the Lifesling works before actually having to use it - fair play skipper! Second, both victims were conscious. It is a very different situation, if that isn't the case. Third, the rescue boat had plenty of crew. If only the skipper or even the skipper and one crew member remains on board, there is a LOT of work. Fourth, the open transom was a huge benefit. Getting hypothermic victims over even modest freeboard is really difficult. And finally, conditions were not as bad as they often are when an actual rescue is necessary. It looks like they got a little relief from the waves at just the right time.
We were out that day, but a bit farther north. It got pretty rough where we were, and it looks like they got as much of the same. Not that waves were that high (about 3-4 feet for the most part), but they were packed really close together. We spent our day beating upwind against them for hours and really took a pounding. So, no criticism to the overboard crew - it was bouncy! I'm completely speculating that was the reason for the MOB, but judging from our conditions, that seems about right.
I am confused about the maneuver of the Absolutely toward the end of the video. I want to avoid armchair skippering because a) I wasn't there and b) the video only tells a sliver of the story. But, it looks like it was in the wrong place at the wrong time - in no position to be of any help and only limiting the maneuverability of the Lodos, as well as being unnecessarily close to the line in the water. No harm done, as it happens, and to reiterate, I wasn't there - so this isn't criticism - just commentary on what appears in the video.
Was anyone here in that race or know anyone who was there?
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattl...e-overboard-sailors-rescued-from-puget-sound/
I will say, if you've never practiced with the Lifesling, don't be fooled by this video into thinking it is always this easy. This situation had several things going for it. First, the skipper had obviously taken some time to familiarize with how the Lifesling works before actually having to use it - fair play skipper! Second, both victims were conscious. It is a very different situation, if that isn't the case. Third, the rescue boat had plenty of crew. If only the skipper or even the skipper and one crew member remains on board, there is a LOT of work. Fourth, the open transom was a huge benefit. Getting hypothermic victims over even modest freeboard is really difficult. And finally, conditions were not as bad as they often are when an actual rescue is necessary. It looks like they got a little relief from the waves at just the right time.
We were out that day, but a bit farther north. It got pretty rough where we were, and it looks like they got as much of the same. Not that waves were that high (about 3-4 feet for the most part), but they were packed really close together. We spent our day beating upwind against them for hours and really took a pounding. So, no criticism to the overboard crew - it was bouncy! I'm completely speculating that was the reason for the MOB, but judging from our conditions, that seems about right.
I am confused about the maneuver of the Absolutely toward the end of the video. I want to avoid armchair skippering because a) I wasn't there and b) the video only tells a sliver of the story. But, it looks like it was in the wrong place at the wrong time - in no position to be of any help and only limiting the maneuverability of the Lodos, as well as being unnecessarily close to the line in the water. No harm done, as it happens, and to reiterate, I wasn't there - so this isn't criticism - just commentary on what appears in the video.
Was anyone here in that race or know anyone who was there?
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattl...e-overboard-sailors-rescued-from-puget-sound/
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