Cruising couple looses dinghy and are separated in storm...

[MedSailor]

Here is a self-account of a couple who got separated (one in the dinghy and one in the yacht) in the sea of cortez. Apparently it happened while trying to retrieve a dinghy being towed.

(I HATE towing dinghys)

From the tone of the account it sounds like they are both writing soon enough after that the adrenalin is still flowing. The guy doesn't seem to understand (in this post) just how close to fish-food he came. I wonder also if his poor wife who had to drive away and leave him for dead is going to have PTSD? As always, glad everything turned out okay.

The Rescue | Lucky Fish

MedSailor

[Barquito]

So, lets skip past the choice to tow the dinghy. What would be some reasonable ideas for fetching that critter in those seas (safely).

Would it be crazy-dangerous to tether yourself to mothership with a long line and go in the water to re-tie the dinghy?

Maybe bring a ditch-bag with you as you leap to the dinghy?

[tommays]

In 15' to 20' seas i think not that would be given a rescue swimmer a beatdown

[sailingdog]

I wonder how they were towing the dinghy. Were they using a bridle? Were they using polypropylene line? There are a lot of details missing. The guy is very lucky not to have earned a Darwin. A dinghy isn't worth your life.

[eherlihy]

So, lemme try to get this straight;

This guy and his significant other are in their sailboat in 15 foot seas when the tender breaks loose. He notices it in time to turn around and go back to retrieve it.

Somehow, he manages to jump into* his tender and start the motor while his SO tends the helm of the sailboat. She maintains course and speed.

He is trying to keep up with her when a wave flips him. She maintains course and speed.

After a while she decides to look back, but the tender is out of sight. She maintains course and speed, but she does call for help.

Did I miss something, or does anyone else here read this the same as me?

* I have a simple rule about jumping when I am in charge of a boat - DON'T

[Architeuthis]

I can see that happening when such situations are not considered before hand.

It is an example of why at min the deck monkey wears a PFD, which has pockets (with stuff). It would have been very different if he had a radio and flares.

Then again it is a stinkin' dink, let it go.

[Architeuthis]

Originally Posted by Barquito

Would it be crazy-dangerous to tether yourself to mothership with a long line and go in the water to re-tie the dinghy?

If my rescue diver with the Navy brother in-law suggested it I might say yes but other wise that line can get wrapped around limbs all too easily. Also if it does get wrapped around a leg will those left on the boat haul you aboard while it slices into you?

I think it can work but not worth the risk. Lose the dinghy and mark it up to lesson learned about towing.

[jarcher]

Of course hindsight is 20/20, but I think I would have let it go and been glad that was the only loss. I don't see myself leaving my wife alone in those conditions to go after a dinghy.

[sailingdog]

Another question is why were they TOWING a dinghy in those conditions???

[bloodhunter]

With that much sea running, wondering just how he planned to get back aboard if he did get the dink tied off.