|
| "Pirates" Escape Atlantic Sinking |
 Passengers on board the Treasure Seeker, a 65-foot pirate ship replica, lost all possessions in a recent Bahamas storm. Had it not been for some good samaritans coming to their rescue, all five passengers on board would have been lost to the Atlantic.
On its way from St. Petersburg, Florida to a new location in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, the diesel powered ship, weather beaten ship began taking on water in stormy seas. Rising waters in the bilge were found the next morning and could not be fixed. The captain of the ship then activated their Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon (EPIRB) that was rented from the BoatU.S. EPIRB Rental Program.
The BoatU.S. Foundation for Bearing Safety and Clean Water rents EPIRBs to vessels that cannot rationalize purchasing the $900 equipment for the occasional long distance journey. According to their website, the program is part of the non-profit's mission to "reduce accidents and fatalities [while] keeping boating a safe, accessible, and enjoyable pastime."
These EPIRBs are linked to satellites which broadcast a unique SOS signal. Critical information, including location and boat description is then routed to ground rescue units.
The affordable and reliable assistance was recently honored a "Best of the Year" award from Motor Boating magazine. During his acceptance speech at the Miami International Boat Show, EPIRB Program Manager David Carter stated that "since 1997, EPIRB's have played a role in saving 49 people in 21 activations."
Five more lives saved can be added to that list from the Treasure Seeker. The U.S. Coast Guard received the SOS distress signal from the the ship and immediately contacted local mariners in the area. The dive boat SV Juliet diverted 45 miles to the sinking ship's location and, soon after clearing the ship of people, watched as the Treasure Seeker sank below the waves.
The captain on board the Treasure Seeker said his mayday calls went unanswered. The rented EPIRB, which is available at just $40 per week, prevented a potential tragedy on board the now sunken ship.
To see previous Spotlights in our new, easier to read Spotlight archive, click here, or discuss this story on our new message boards.
|
|
|
|
 "Click for larger image")