Channel 16
18 October 2012 | Port San Luis
Captain Lori
It is habit for us to always have our VHF radio on the local hailing channel. Here that is channel 16. With 4 years of cruising and living aboard the boat, we have found it is always good to be able to get a hold of some one or have them be able to get a hold of us in case of an emergency.
Last night I heard a call out from a sailing vessel to the Coast Guard on channel 16. The sailing vessel was calling to find out how long it would take for the Coast Guard to come out to Point Conception and rescue them if the wind did not pick up so they could sail around and away from the "Horn of California". This area is known to be extra windy and have churning waters as the currents collide and the wind gets compressed. Though, too much wind was not the problem last night. There was no wind and the vessel had lost its engine. The sailors were husband and wife and they were calmly figuring out their options. The boat was 7 miles off shore and the present current was pushing them towards the rocks. They figured that they had 8 hours before they would hit anything hard. The Coast Guard kept in contact with them through out the night.
This morning I heard the Coast Guard call out to them again. Now they were 3 miles off of the coast. Another vessel broke into the conversation telling the sailing vessel to use their halyards to help secure the rigging (the wires that hold up the mast). I did not hear anything else about other things on the boat being broken but it did not sound pretty. The radio transmissions are more garbled and scratchy so I am having a hard time following what is happening. I could tell that both of the voices of the husband and wife were strong and not scared, but a bit tired. Hopefully, I will be able to hear more but as they turn the corner the VHF will not be able to pick them up.
As long as their masts stay up and the wind is not too strong they will make it into Cojo anchorage under their own power...but if it turns ugly the Coast Guard will be standing by to pull them off of their boat. This is a nightmare for any boat owner--the possibility of losing ones boat, house, dream... is all too real. My hopes and prayers are with them.
If I am able to hear more I will post an update.