Swimmer!

[Butler]

Just listening to traffic, vhf chnl 14 getting into my bunk (2300) and a vessel just checked in to let the crew up there know that they are escorting a swimmer from Catalina to Pt Fermin in San Pedro at 1.5 knots !! The operator: " Roger that skipper ... please be advised that there are several vessels inbound for Los Angeles from the north. We will stay in touch". Holy s*#t. They will be clear of the precautionary area but will have to cut across the inbound/outbound seperation zone.
Otta make the controller's shifts interesting.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Pelagic]

Before the 1997 handover in Hong Kong, we used to get many Chinese swimmers nightly, crossing the traffic lanes..

[Butler]

That must have been fun!

[gamayun]

You should read Lynn Cox's book, Swimming to Antarctica. She did her early training in that area. It takes an intense and focused person with the physiology to handle the cold water and big swells not to mention the boat traffic. Lynn talks about getting separated from her chase boat one time and having to deal with a large ship heading toward her. Not fun...

Having done some (day time) open water swims near Half Moon Bay (south of San Francisco), I just can't imagine doing that swim, especially at night!

[Butler]

Thx for the book referral. Long distance, open ocean swimmers amaze me.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G530AZ using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app