Forum Member's Boat and Daughter in Trouble off of Mexico

[atoll]

Originally Posted by letsgetsailing3

It's pretty clear that Eric made the choice without any pressure from the rescuers, and that there wasn't any doubt or hesitation in his mind as to what he was going to do.

One thing is for sure, I'm pretty impressed with that rescue unit.

her is part of the initial message from erics sister,before they abandoned the boat

quote

They also told me that they are not going to sink the Rebel Heart, but are going to tag it and leave it behind.

[Eumelia]

The US Coast Guard saves over 100 PEOPLE PER DAY using exactly the same resources that are involved in mandatory routine training. This rescue mission was actually a valuable exercise for the Coast Guard. I am so glad that everyone is safe. So sad and shocked that they had to lose the boat.

[Prairie Chicken]

Originally Posted by RainDog

This answers a lot of what people have asked in this thread. They basically say:

- There was no steering problem
- That boat had a very slow leak, but was in no way sinking (bailed for 3 minutes, twice a day)
- Long range coms were down, but other systems seemed fine
- When baby was sick, called for help. Baby was only focus.
- If baby was not sick could have sailed back home.
- Rescue crew has nothing but good things to say about RH crew preparation, attitude, and decision to call for help.
- Calling when they did was very smart and probably saved baby's life. If they had waited two more days it would have been bad.

Agreed RainDog. Thanks for the summary. I agree, and would add
- if you listen for the media questions, they were looking for dirt & the 129th responded with nothing but praise for the RH crew.
- the coast guard were involved in 1000 rescues (last year?) and the Nat'l. Park Service were involved in over 17,000 during the same period.
- that boat was pretty cozy with 8 on board.
- I got the impression from the 129th PJ Eric expected or planned to scuttle & go with the family.

If only Atoll could have spoken to Eric... but perhaps the navy still wouldn't have permitted an unmanned vessel out there.

[atoll]

just posted by eric and charlotte on their blog

A MESSAGE FROM REBEL HEART

First, we would like to express our profound gratitude for the 129th Rescue
Wing of the California Air National Guard. These people are true heroes,
along with Commander Alva and the crew of the USS Vandegrift. We will
remember them forever.

We have been happy with the maritime life we have been able to share with
our daughters. Even as we write this, several other boats are crossing the
same stretch of water that Rebel Heart was on, with families who seek to
show their children the world. Children have been sailing on boats for a
long time, and the modern cruising family dates back several decades.

To our supporters and those who also seek an adventurous path with their
families, we thank you for your kind words and support. From professional
rescuers, professional sailors, and other families at sea we have been
buoyed by your warmth and kindness. For those who are more critical, we ask
that you kindly await all the details. There have been many inaccuracies
reported through various media related to our daughter's health, the
vessels' condition, and our overall maritime situation.

While we are thankful for the unsolicited generosity we have received and
been offered, we encourage you to consider donating to That Others May Live
(That Others May Live Foundation ), which provides relief to the families of
members of the United States Air Force Rescue community when tragedy
strikes.

[letsgetsailing3]

Originally Posted by atoll

her is part of the initial message from erics sister,before they abandoned the boat

quote

They also told me that they are not going to sink the Rebel Heart, but are going to tag it and leave it behind.

Interesting. I guess that wasn't one of the options available?

[atoll]

Originally Posted by Prairie Chicken

Agreed RainDog. Thanks for the summary. I agree, and would add
- if you listen for the media questions, they were looking for dirt & the 129th responded with nothing but praise for the RH crew.
- the coast guard were involved in 1000 rescues (last year?) and the Nat'l. Park Service were involved in over 17,000 during the same period.
- that boat was pretty cozy with 8 on board.
- I got the impression from the 129th PJ Eric expected or planned to scuttle & go with the family.

If only Atoll could have spoken to Eric... but perhaps the navy still wouldn't have permitted an unmanned vessel out there.

thanks for that,no point in crying over spilt milk now, re rescues that never happened!

[Prairie Chicken]

FYI, Eric's blogged again.

[Randy]

As a mark of Eric's character, in that blog post he asked that these donations be directed to: www. thatothersmaylive.org
Check the blog out.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[letsgetsailing3]

Originally Posted by atoll

just posted by eric and charlotte on their blog

A MESSAGE FROM REBEL HEART...

...While we are thankful for the unsolicited generosity we have received and
been offered, we encourage you to consider donating to That Others May Live
(That Others May Live Foundation ), which provides relief to the families of
members of the United States Air Force Rescue community when tragedy
strikes.

Good move on his part.

[Reiziger]

First, I am very very happy this family is safe.

In my opinion we sail for our happiness and fun, I personaly sail without Sat-Phone, SSB or other means to contact the outside world when I am in problems. This is a choice, I don't want other people to risk their lives to save me. I take these risks as a yachtie.

In my opinion these rescue teams are there to save the lives of the ones that are on the sea for us. Fisherman etc.

Just my opinion about this incident

PS. Read more about the Dutch Man Sietse Hagen, He had the same opinion as I have. On the Dutch Sailors forum he said "when you don't hear from me in 2 month, please remove my Avatar"

[RainDog]

Originally Posted by Reiziger

In my opinion these rescue teams are there to save the lives of the ones that are on the sea for us. Fisherman etc.

Seemed to indicate in their press conference that saving fishermen and sailors are good training exercises for their real job, which is saving soldiers in war-zones.

[atoll]

Originally Posted by letsgetsailing3

Good move on his part.

i would hardly call it a move,probably more to do with something more basic...,some thing eric is not lacking in in my opinion.

INTEGRITY

Integrity - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[letsgetsailing3]

Originally Posted by atoll

i would hardly call it a move,probably more to do with something more basic...,some thing eric is not lacking in in my opinion.

INTEGRITY

I didn't mean to imply anything else. My wording was poor in that it didn't imply that he did that simply because it was just the right thing to do.

I meant "move" in the sense that he took the right action, and that his "rebel heart" is in the right place, not that it was a PR move or anything.

I should have used the word "gesture".

[Reiziger]

Originally Posted by RainDog

Seemed to indicate in their press conference that saving fishermen and sailors are good training exercises for their real job, which is saving soldiers in war-zones.

As I said, Just my opinion about this incident.

[dannc]

Originally Posted by Prairie Chicken

DVIDS - Video - Guardian Angels from the Rebel Heart Search

This press release by the 129th answers a few of the questions which have been speculated on here. Originally I picked it up in a tweet from Eric. It's 23 minutes long, but worth the watch.

Originally Posted by RainDog

This answers a lot of what people have asked in this thread. They basically say:

- There was no steering problem
- That boat had a very slow leak, but was in no way sinking (bailed for 3 minutes, twice a day)
- Long range coms were down, but other systems seemed fine
- When baby was sick, called for help. Baby was only focus.
- If baby was not sick could have sailed back home.
- Rescue crew has nothing but good things to say about RH crew preparation, attitude, and decision to call for help.
- Calling when they did was very smart and probably saved baby's life. If they had waited two more days it would have been bad.

Thank you two for posting the link and the summary.

Later,
Dan