There are so many questions remaining about this incident, most of which I would believe were caused by lack of preparation on many levels. None of we responders were there, we have no idea about the background of the OP or of his
boat and while it may be wrong to second guess or not to try to be compassionate or considerate about his loss, there are just way too many questions. The answers to these questions may instruct all of us in some helpful manner. I would guess, and respectfully, it is only a guess, that the
fuel tank was severely contaminated by either the awful stuff that grows in the fumes, by
salt water or other crud in the
fuel, there was a leak in the tank or the lines or the filters or somewhere that allowed fuel to escape and air to infiltrate. How could this have occurred or been prevented? But beyond that, we have a highly buoyant and stable boat with not one but two engines, and has already been mentioned--Sails! Why the Pan Pan call? What was the urgent
danger? Why did the owner not secure the hatches himself? At that point this was not a Manifestly Unsafe Voyae (See the CFR 46) and the Coast Guard did not have authority to force the vessel into tow. Why not get clean
diesel from that jerry jug and simply dip the fuel intake into that jug? Why add the good
diesel to the apparently bad diesel? But the irony remains--it took an hour of shooting that boat full of machine gun bullets to finally sink it. If it was that buoyant and stable and had been afloat and sailing, what was the
danger? If the fear was sailing into Cuban waters, then remain in contact with the USCG and then get out a
sea anchor. I am serious not snarky. Can we get some answers or more information here please? Otherwise we concerned and sympathetic sailors can only speculate. Thank you.