ARC 2019: Death mid way across the Atlantic

[HighTemp]

For those who followed this years ARC, many of you may have already heard about the tragic passing of one the participants approximately half way across the Atlantic. I can not imagine the heartbreak and anguish that his family felt as he had his wife and young son along. I have nothing but heartfelt sympathies for his wife and son. I am just thankful that they had additional, well seasoned crew on board to get the boat safely across.

However, this horrible event has caused me to wonder just what is the proper procedure when something so unfortunate occurs. One can only imagine that the deceased's remains would become a health hazard to the others in short order. I have read that an impromptu burial at sea can cause some serious legal issues, up to and including standing trial depending upon how the authorities at the next port of call choose to handle the situation.

So what is the best procedure? Trying not to be too dark, but I would like to have a contingency plan in place when we make long passages so that the survivor knows exactly what to do.

[Paul L]

Procedures are covered in the International Medical Guide for Ships
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...PJfQoPpaBjUawJ

FYI the ARC death was from natural causes.

[a64pilot]

I know it’s gruesome, but I have a Military body bag on board, it takes up little space and is supposedly liquid and gas proof.
But I agree a week or two in most any weather and a body will become very much a health hazard, to say nothing to having to watch a family member’s body go through that.
Burial at sea would be most logical if the remaining crew can handle that both mentally and physically, but can you imagine the legal concerns.

[Saleen411]

This may help..........http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ea-121773.html

[malbert73]

Really sad.
https://www.worldcruising.com/newsar...ID=266297&src=

[JPA Cate]

When someone whom you care about has just died, you feel pretty tender for a while. I'd like to send my condolences to the sailors who lost their skipper.

For those of you who want to discuss what to do with decedents, could you open one of the old threads about it, and we can talk about it over there, please? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ea-121773.html

Thank you,

Ann

[tarian]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

When someone whom you care about has just died, you feel pretty tender for a while. I'd like to send my condolences to the sailors who lost their skipper.

For those of you who want to discuss what to do with decedents, could you open one of the old threads about it, and we can talk about it over there, please? http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ea-121773.html

Thank you,

Ann

Agreed , some may be on these forums , and let those grieving have their space and time .
If really interested google it but not on a forum

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

When someone whom you care about has just died, you feel pretty tender for a while. I'd like to send my condolences to the sailors who lost their skipper.

I agree with Ann. In the circumstances my concern is for the crew. We know they have long-range comms since the ARC requires of it and we have heard of the skipper's passing. Is the ARC or anyone else providing advice and counsel for their continued safe passage? I would hope the ARC has that sorted. I'd certainly volunteer my time to help. Any info before I start cold-calling ARC?

Has anyone talked to their comms provider (Iridium, Globalstar, Garmin, Sailmail, Winlink, whatever) to get them relief on comms caps?

[alansmith]

On the flip side of the coin.....he went out....while sailing. Lucky guy. Maybe he would have survived if he had gotten medical intervention...i.e. heart attack...stroke....but none the less...I would rather pass while out sailing then mouldering away in a hospital. Hope his wife and son can understand that. Any one know how the gentleman was?

[01kiwijohn]

Originally Posted by alansmith

On the flip side of the coin.....he went out....while sailing. Lucky guy. Maybe he would have survived if he had gotten medical intervention...i.e. heart attack...stroke....but none the less...I would rather pass while out sailing then mouldering away in a hospital. Hope his wife and son can understand that. Any one know how the gentleman was?

Exactly, Alan. "lost at sea" sounds a lot more appealing to me than "lost a long battle with.......in the ......nursing home"
As a heart attack and stroke survivor, I'm with you on this

[DenverSailors]

Originally Posted by Paul L

Procedures are covered in the International Medical Guide for Ships
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...PJfQoPpaBjUawJ

FYI the ARC death was from natural causes.

Thanks very much for this link!