Rogue-wave tragedy at the Farallons

[markpierce]

Rogue waves washed all eight crew off off a sailboat racing near the Farallon Islands yesterday. One died, three were saved, and four were still missing.

One dead, four missing in Farallones sailboat race

[Ram]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Rogue waves washed all eight crew off off a sailboat racing near the Farallon Islands yesterday. One died, three were saved, and four were still missing.

One dead, four missing in Farallones sailboat race

"It's a tragedy of unbelievable proportions! But my guess is it was no rogue wave- sounds like they were in close near the rocks and likely in some shallow water and the waves went steep on them-

[markpierce]

A different news report mentioned that the two waves causing the accident were larger than the other waves.

[mbianka]

There was a discussion here a couple of months back about an area west of San Franciso where waves come out of no where due to the topography of the bottom. I wonder if this incident was in that area.

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by markpierce

Rogue waves washed all eight crew off off a sailboat racing near the Farallon Islands yesterday. One died, three were saved, and four were still missing.

One dead, four missing in Farallones sailboat race

Not to be picky but those really aren't rogue waves. Media reports tend to call anything bigger than a 4' swell a "rogue wave".

[markpierce]

Yes, but/because it catches the reader's interest.

[roverhi]

This is pretty much the same information with the addition of a video of the rescue. Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

Looks like they were cutting it close to the island to save time as all racers do.
Got hit by a breaking wave in the relatively shallow waters. If the remaining crew turned into the island in their attempt to rescue those overboard, that would have put the boat in danger.

Doubtful whether they'll find the rest of the crew alive. Water temp is probably around 50 degrees. Survival, even in a poopy suit, isn't very long in waters that cold. Sad situation.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by mbianka

There was a discussion here a couple of months back about an area west of San Franciso where waves come out of no where due to the topography of the bottom. I wonder if this incident was in that area.

Believe you are refering to the notorious "potato patch". That is quite some distance from the Farallones, just N of the Golden Gate.
These "islands" are really just some big jagged rocks sticking out of the ocean. Anyone who has been there knows swimming ashore would be iffy at best. Bad situation.

[David M]

Keep in mind the accuracy of initial reports. I would betcha they passed too close.

[markpierce]

Strangely, the owner of the subject sailboat isn't listed.

Vessel Documentation Query

[susanna reiter]

the names have yet to be released....the area of this accident is treacherous at best...the Pacific is anything but.. West of the Golden Gate it gets real dicey and the Farallons are for the most experienced of sailors...

[markpierce]

Public-accessible USCG boat documentation records are separate from news reports.

[susanna reiter]

The name of the owner Captain James Bradford was just released.....the others pending notification of family....there were eight aboard, including one woman, all very experienced sailors, 4 remain missing.

[Chuteman]

Entire Crew Details:
A rare tragedy at sea hits SF's sailing community - San Jose Mercury News

Condolences to Family and Friends

[markpierce]

I'm intending to boat/sail to the Farallons if I can convince a buddy-boat to accompany. Had already decided this would be during late summer or early fall when the winds/waves are usually benign. Don't require wind to do it. ... Oh, there's another sailboat race to/from the Farallons scheduled in May. There are several scheduled every year. Always in the spring, sometimes early fall, but never with such tragedy.