By now you probably already know about the tragic demise of the sailboat Aegean in the Newport-Ensenada Race two days ago. The bodies of three of the four crew were recovered, as well as some wreckage of the boat. The latest report is that the Coast Guard has suspended its search for the fourth man, presumed also a fatality. The evidence suggests the 37-foot Hunter was destroyed in a collision with a much larger vessel, and the investigation continues into checking on ships in the area. The evidence also suggests the crew had no advance warning of impending disaster, since apparently no radio call was made and the three crew found were not wearing lifejackets.
Together with the disaster in the Farallones sail race in Northern California only two weeks, ago, there have now been 10 fatalities just off California alone in April. Over the last four years, in contrast, there were an average total of 25 sailing fatalities across the entire U.S. - so clearly this is an anomaly, although a tragic reminder of the need to practice sailing safety at all times, not just when some danger is foreseen. Would those sailors have been found alive if they had been wearing PFDs? If the boat was equipped with and they were using radar or AIS tracking? Things to think about before going offshore at night. There are no guarantees, but there are things you can do to increase your odds.
