UK sibber drifts to Ireland

[willk]

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c748z9mvzm9o

Any of you lads need to tell us something?

[Fenlander]

One of those stories that is missing info that might help it make sense. A guy described as an experienced and well prepared sailor/adventurer leaves his tent/camp in a Welsh bay and ends up after 'some engine trouble" and some 65Nm on the water walking into an Irish police station two days overdue.

Meanwhile an extensive eight lifeboat, coastguard aircraft, coastguard teams/police search was undertaken in the area he was believed to be in around Fishguard.

Obviously the outcome everyone wanted but unforgivable in my book not to have the means to call for help or at least inform family/authorities of intentions.

Even worse, in the multiple reports I've read not one mention what pitch prop he was using.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

Even worse, in the multiple reports I've read not one mention what pitch prop he was using.

Looks like a Merc 9.9hp 4 stroke, so my guess is a 7.5p, could be wrong and he may have stuck with the std 8p - and that could be why he ended up on the East Coast of Ireland!

[willk]

Despite his lack of comms and the ensuing faff, he had a 70 mile crossing/drift in a very small SIB. Out of sight of land and without motive power and comms, it will have been a lonely and difficult time - glad he made it this far!

[Fenlander]

>>>Out of sight of land and without motive power and comms, it will have been a lonely and difficult time.

Indeed and I do hope there is further info over time as it's all very curious and may have lessons for sibbers and other smallcraft users.

[smallribber]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

One of those stories that is missing info that might help it make sense. A guy described as an experienced and well prepared sailor/adventurer leaves his tent/camp in a Welsh bay and ends up after 'some engine trouble" and some 65Nm on the water walking into an Irish police station two days overdue.

Meanwhile an extensive eight lifeboat, coastguard aircraft, coastguard teams/police search was undertaken in the area he was believed to be in around Fishguard.

Obviously the outcome everyone wanted but unforgivable in my book not to have the means to call for help or at least inform family/authorities of intentions.

Even worse, in the multiple reports I've read not one mention what pitch prop he was using.

Or indeed what launch wheels he used and their colour and fixing method

[spartacus]

3 days drifting across the Irish Sea won’t have been fun.
https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024...ng-to-ireland/

Says details are vague, but sounds like maybe spontaneous decision to launch and probably unprepared. I carry too much kit every time I go out. Things happen, even with engines that are serviced within an inch of their lives. I’ve had a pattern part Tohatsu fuel connector ‘o’ ring dislodge before which starved the engine of fuel. Process of elimination and 20 minutes later and I was underway again, but I had auxilliary engine and radio if it all went south.

Another reason to carry VHF or even a battery bank for a mobile phone.

Anyway, I’m glad the guy is safe and well.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by willk

Despite his lack of comms and the ensuing faff, he had a 70 mile crossing/drift in a very small SIB. Out of sight of land and without motive power and comms, it will have been a lonely and difficult time - glad he made it this far!

Obviously pleased he's safe and well, but I think it highlights the need for a good means of communication, preferably 2 forms of communication - VHF as well as a mobile with a battery backup.
There have been numerous posts when people have been advised to get a radio, only to say as they are not going far off shore they don't need one, they will be in mobile contact and don't need anything else.
It's making me consider a PLB.

[Fenlander]

>>Says details are vague.

Yes it seems all the media outlets have the same sketchy info and have expanded it to a story with differing bias... such as some say drifted to Ireland and others say got motor going and continued journey. I can't think anyone would set up their tent/camp on the Welsh coast if they were planning to go to Ireland. I wonder what, if any, navigation aids/plans he had?

[Pikey Dave]

Did he claim asylum?

[Voodoo]

He only went for a Guiness...

[beamishken]

It all looks a bit suspicious to me the pictures show what looks like a reasonably well equipped set up & I find it difficult to believe he set off without a vhf & a means to charge his phone. With the little info given I'm thinking theres more to this than meets the eye.
Maybe I'm just suspicious but something doesn't ring quite true here.