Log of an ocean rescue

[SimonV]

Thought this might interest a few here. I met Cameron Slagle the owner skipper of yacht Timella in Rarotonga. He had been on the hard doing repairs before continuing his circumnavigation. This appears to be the end of that adventure.

log of the rescue

[camaraderie]

Wow what a story Simon. Very tragic about Timella but the Conti's should get some kind of award for bravery and embodiment of the BEST ideals of the cruising community. GoodonTHEM!!

[bubb2]

Thanks Simon, A very good read!

[sailingdog]

Good read. I am a bit curious as to how Timella ended up on a charted, at least from the post I read, reef???

[CharlieCobra]

Thanks Simon, tough to lose a boat but a boat can be replaced.

[SimonV]

I agree Cam, just shows how alone you can be out there in the central Pacific. There were so many incidences about rescues/assistance of cruisers by cruisers from all over. When I was in the Marqueasas, a catamaran with no steering was towed in by a number of other boats taking it in shifts for more than 200 miles, during the night when towing became too dangerous they sat of the stricken Cat and resumed towing at first light.

[SimonV]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Good read. I am a bit curious as to how Timella ended up on a charted, at least from the post I read, reef???

I believe from what I have read from other reports, they may have lost the engine, (I dont know this for a fact) but there was mention elsewhere that Cameron had sustained 2nd degree burns from and earlier attempt at repairing the engine. I hear he is back home in Brisbane Australia so I will be trying to get in contact with him, he’s not adverse to a chat or excuse for a drink.

[Rockter]

Brave crew. Well done.

[sailingdog]

Keep us posted Simon.

[billyruffn]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Good read. I am a bit curious as to how Timella ended up on a charted, at least from the post I read, reef???

Dog,

**it happens! Captain's been injured (burns), crews tired (days at sea, middle of the night), charts possibly in error, etc.... All kinds of reasons. It's a big bad ocean out there.
-----

Simon,

Thanks, it's a great story. I'm going to save it and include it in my required reading for crew. It sounds as if everyone performed admirably -- really cool heads all around.

The point above on being alone out there is spot on. In most places in the world there is no one to come get you but your fellow cruisers. If you wander far from the US or European coasts you really have to be prepared to help yourself, and those you encounter along the way.

I think the story shows how critical it is to have multiple means of communications and as much redundancy as you can afford. The crew in the water would have really benefited from a waterproof, hand-held VHF. It seems from the narrative that it would have been very easy for them to have gone unseen.

Nice to see a rescue story where everyone lives to sail another day. Well done, crew of Ocealys.