[GordMay]

Originally Posted by GreyRaven

So far, what I’ve tried to do is point out what is technically possible...
I’ve described several satellite related capabilities which would get the missing yacht into one of several data streams, either commercial or military...
The point I am making concerns the apparent paradox that the yacht has presumably been recorded in one or several data streams but that all the remaining dots remain unconnected. Which brings us to what is doable.
What needs to be done is have that raw data processed...
I’m saying that due to the formidable resources which are already in place the data is probably there, the tools to process it successfully exist but the necessary evaluation just isn’t taking place. The resources on board are not being utilized as they could be...

Or we cruisers could take a little responsibility for our own safety, and utilize the existing capabilities of the SARSAT “EPIRB” units, readily available, and effective.

Under the COSPAS- SARSAT international satellite aided tracking system, polar orbiting satellites are able to detect distress signals from radio beacons onboard aircraft, boats and from hand-held personal locator beacons.
Aviators call their radio distress beacons ELTs (Emergency Locator Transmitters, mounted permanently in the aircraft) or PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons, which are portable and carried on the person).
Mariners call their beacons EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) and the main difference being that an EPIRB, unlike an ELT, is designed to float upright in water with its antenna pointing upright.
COSPAS-SARSAT Rescues as of: November 02, 2007
Number of Persons Rescued (To Date) in the United States: 313
-Rescues at sea: 232 people rescued in 65 incidents
- Aviation rescues: 28 people rescued in 18 incidents
-PLB rescues: 53 people rescued in 25 incidents
Worldwide – Over 22,058 People Rescued (since 1982)
United States – 5,709 People Rescued (since 1982)