First rescue I've heard of in along time where a flare appeared to be the primary method of signalling distress. Will be interesting to see if that was the case.
The RYA last month reduced its recommendation to carry flares, instead saying modern tech was probably a better option and they way i read it saying flares were more useful for the last mile locating. I guess an EPIRB would have achieved the same but at £300 its maybe a tad more expensive.
I was out when that Mayday came over airwaves, send a chill down just thinking about it. Fisherman had a boat sinking fast and in conversation with Solent coastguard stated taking to water with lifejacket and handheld. was asked to take a flare to be located for air support they had scrambled. Think he was 12 miles south of IOW, scary moments and long wait for all OK
Out of date flares?! literally just had a clear-out 5 mins ago, and checked the date, they vary from 5-10 years out of date.... time for a change methinks
oops!
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I always apply maNthematics to my purchases - tell her it cost a chunk less than it did, then tell her I got a chunk more than I really did for the one I sold... The new purchase seldom costs a penny...
So at this point how many of us would take the out of date one?
The point of my thread was to try and persuade everyone to check their kit and replace it if necessary. The search time saved, even if only a very few minutes could literally be the difference between life and death..... £100 .... Pritty cheap methinks!!
Tornado
