She had all of the modern equipment, so it wasn’t like the search for the French airliner that went down between Brazil and Africa. That’s why she was picked up so quickly. Compare this search to one for a day sailor who got caught in a storm out from a local harbor and was reported missing by a friend or family member. Those searches take a lot more time and resources.
That French fishing boat responded because it had to, whether it wanted to or not, and they were in the same area. It’s what you have to do if you want to sail on the ocean, no matter what your reason, or mode of power.
]]>LETTER FROM THE AUSTRALIAN SEARCH & RESCUE
Can you put a message on your blog informing your readers that the Australian government has not requested any recovery cost for Abby’s search and recovery. In fact the Govt here has been in the media and stated that fact several times. I doubt this got coverage in the US.
Australia like the US have always responded to requests for help and have provided whatever resources are required. At no stage have we asked for cost recovery. Likewise domestic search and rescue have never requested payment for services. If a person wishes to make a contribution to the costs then that is their call. It is not expected or asked for.The cost recovery stuff is a beat up by the media. They do it every time. Don’t get sucked in by it. Unfortunately some of the comments I have read on some blogs seems to paint Australians as a bunch of tight arses who will only rescue people if they have a cheque book. This has never been the case as you have found out.
Let’s not let the media hijack a good story. Likewise don’t become a victim of it by playing into their hands.
Bottom line is, don’t get sucked in by the media. I would like a clarification on your blog just letting your readers know that the Australian Government has not requested payment nor would they. Let’s not let the media portray the many groups that were involved in Abby’s rescue as a bunch of people motivated and driven by money. This is not the case.
Yup!! That is 100% spot on!! Last night in our News, Quantas has stated that they haven’t billed the Gov for the use of their aircraft or time, nor do they intend to (and Quantas *ARE* (usually) tight-arses! I guess even a tight-arse knows when it’s good PR to do the right thing!) 😉 😛
]]>People just piss me off most days! 🙁
Bah!
]]>The US is a nation that sends 18-year-olds off to war after a few months of training, but freaks out because someone who has been sailing for years is “only 16”.
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Within a few minutes of being on board the fishing boat, I was already getting calls from the press. I don’t know how they got the number but it seems everybody is eager to pounce on my story now that something bad has happened.There are plenty of things people can think of to blame for my situation; my age, the time of year and many more. The truth is, I was in a storm and you don’t sail through the Indian Ocean without getting in at least one storm. It wasn’t the time of year it was just a Southern Ocean storm. Storms are part of the deal when you set out to sail around the world.
As for age, since when does age create gigantic waves and storms?
I keep hitting the wrong keys and am still trying to get over the fact that I will never see my Wild Eyes again. So Ill write more later.
So sad… If you have a heart and soul, you can feel her pain. You can hear how disappointed, and angry she is! And rightly so… I can’t help thinking “Poor kid!” Even though she isn’t a *kid* any more. She may be young in age, but she’s just leaped 20 years in experience! As I read that, I see a lot of wisdom as well as the anger and disappointment. And that’s a good thing. 🙂
You know, with all the experience I have and all I’ve seen and read and heard… I generally hate Humanity. But, thanks to people like Abby, and even Brian and others here and there… I think that some of the individuals are OK! 😉 🙂
]]>It’s pretty simple for me. I’ll respect and support anyone, of any sex, age, race, whatever who has the gut’s and determination to *have a go*! So long as they understand the risks, and prepare for the worst, and still want to go… achieving their goal and even winning is simply the icing on the cake. They are already several rungs above most of Humanity in my book, simply because they damned well tried, and had the guts to do so knowing the risks! The rest of humanity seems content to be afraid of every shadow! They make me totally sick and annoyed that I have to be part of the same race as them! I’ve done it, and anyone can. I’ve succeeded, and I’ve failed. But I always did my very best, and even beyond. Nobody can do better than that.
BTW, I don’t just mean you have to do extreme sports or take insane risks either! Not everyone can do that, heck I’d salute anyone for having a go at something that others might consider simple, but for that person is outside the norm. 🙂 Sometimes, you have to succeed in small steps before you can succeed big! The thing with Jess and Abby for me is they attempted to do something huge and way outside a normal teen’s comfort zone! Which is why I am so proud of them, even though I have never met them, and probably never will. 🙂
]]>Dame Ellen is all of 5’2″ and took the solo around the world record at 28. Being from Derbyshire, which is landlocked, Dame Ellen had to wait to start sailing.
I fail to see why you can be gold medalist in the Olympics at 16, but sailing is too dangerous.
]]>It’s OK if you are a boy…but not OK if you are a girl.
It’s only “girl power” if you can buy it, wear it and look sexy doing so. It’s not “girl power” if you actually try to accomplish something in your life.
Geez.
]]>You’re right, Ellroon, the message we send to children is don’t do anything, because everything is too dangerous, and then we are on their case because they are out of shape.
I think the pirates have better sense than to attempt the southern oceans in their boats. It would be one long haul from Somalia across a whole lot of nothing. Of course, most Americans have almost no knowledge of anything south of the Equator. 😉
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