March 2009    Download the Entire Issue (PDF)

Vol. 24, No. 3   What's this?

Stranded At Sea? Buy Yourself Some Time

from the March, 2009 issue of Undercurrent  

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Undercurrent frequently reports on divers stranded at sea. Those who are fortunate to get rescued report extreme hypothermia and dehydration, both of which contribute to delirium, incoherence, and the inability to make good decisions. Brad Bowins (Toronto, ON), one of our loyal readers, has read our many pieces, and tells us how he prepares himself should he be so unfortunate as to find himself adrift.

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The article in the August 2008 Undercurrent, “Rescue Devices for Saving Your Bacon,” concisely summarizes options for being spotted when adrift. While certain devices such as flashlights, mirrors and folding fluorescent yellow flags are of assistance, nothing guarantees you will be spotted and picked up sooner, later, or at all. However, there are precautions one can take to stay alive and coherent for two to three days while lost at sea, which theoretically will significantly increase the probability of rescue or reaching land. Here are my suggestions for a $20 practical and reliable survival kit....