Message-ID: <3C047717.BF08A67@home.com>
Date: Tue, 27 Nov 2001 23:33:11 -0600
From: Harry League <harryleague@home.com>
Organization: @Home Network
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To: lancair.list@olsusa.com
Subject: Re: flotation
References: <20011126051623.AAA13108@pop3.olsusa.com> <006601c17679$4ce23ca0$1a6eaccf@oemcomputer> <001301c1768d$3259d960$0b01010a@compuzone.net>
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I would be especially careful of such advice and get all the over water gear you
can safely carry.   I say this because I have a friend who was on a 6 passenger
charter and the professional pilot had to ditch because of engine failure in the
twin engine plane, which was enroute from Nassau to Miami.

Two people died, my friend had to drown the dog to keep from being drowned
himself, and he had to swim approximately 30 miles to get help because no one
found them or even came within hailing distance.   If they had not had the life
vests, the rest of the passengers would not have survived.   The only reason he
was able to swim for safety and help was the forethought he had to bring fins,
snorkel and mask, which he retrieved by free diving for them after the plane
sank.   Keep in mind, my friend was in very good physical condition,  is very
knowledgeable about matters nautical (he runs several fishing boats), had no
assistance from the other passengers (who were older and not physically fit
enough to dive), and he had to dive without the benefit of eye protection or an
anchor line to steady himself in the current.

The two who died drank sea water, then essentially went mad and separated
themselves from the others they were tied to.   This means that there was a lot
more going on than merely taking an afternoon swim.   Remember, it is not nice
to fool (with) Mother Nature and she doesn't give a damn if you can swim.   All
suffered hypothermia and severe exposure requiring hospitalization- some for
over a week afterwards.

One other thing contributed to this tragedy.   They did not think to bring
potable water that could survive the ditching.

This whole disaster was widely reported in the Miami press and also on
television.   I have seen the tapes of those who survived and can confirm the
verbal report of my friend.


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Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.
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