steve n carol
Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- May 8, 2004
- Messages
- 459
Heard this on the radio and 6 pm news. A couple of years ago, there was this man who deceided to take a little criuse to Catalina Island, which is about 22 miles off of the So. Calif. coastline. There, there is a small town and everything you would need, kinda like an overpriced resort. On a wonderful day with some brisk breezes. Alone in his 20' sloop enjoying the salt air and spray. Atrip he has made many times. About half way there a gust snaps his mast and he is then w/o the power of the wind. After retrieving and storing the mess he figures no problem, I'll just fire up the engine and cruise home. A few minutes go by and the engine quits! He figures, no problem, I'll just have a look at this. So into the bildge he goes with a few tools in hand. A little time later he emerges from the bildge, repeatedly trying to start the little diesel, unsucessfully. He figures, no problem I'll just call the Coast Guard on my ship to shore radio. Good Idea, except that the battery/s are dead. he figures, no problem, Since this is a shipping lane, someone is sure to come by and help me.<br />Well, it's getting dark about this time....<br />4 months later....The man and his crippled boat is off of the coast of South America!!! The South American Authorites contact the US Navy Whom are in the area and inform them of this US citizen they have picked up. The story continues of how the sailors "piched in" to get the man a ride home! He lost 40 lbs and lived on fish and rain water......A three hour tour!....sl
