lml@lancaironline.net Mailing List Archive

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> << Lancair Builders' Mail List >> <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<--->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 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. LML website: http://members.olsusa.com/mkaye/maillist.html LML Builders' Bookstore: http://www.buildersbooks.com/lancair Please remember that purchases from the Builders' Bookstore assist with the management of the LML. Please send your photos and drawings to marvkaye@olsusa.com.