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EPIRB Helps to Save Three Sailors

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McMurdo Smartfind Plus G5 EPIRB Helps To Save Three Sailors When Rig Comes Crashing Down

A McMurdo Smartfind Plus G5 GPS Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) recently helped to save the lives of three sailors off the coast of North Carolina when the mast and rig on their 36 foot catamaran came crashing down to the deck.

The mishap also resulted in the loss of the catamaran’s VHF radio antenna, so Jon Rodnon, owner of Cata-Tonic, activated the McMurdo EPIRB, which he had rented for the voyage from the nonprofit BoatU.S. Foundation. McMurdo has been supplying EPIRBs for the BoatU.S. Foundation rental program since 2007.

According to BoatU.S., within minutes of its activation, the McMurdo EPIRB had set the wheels in motion for response by the US Coast Guard. Within 45 minutes, a Coast Guard cutter arrived on the scene to assist the crew of Cata-Tonic in cutting away the tangled mess of the fallen mast, rig and sails. Then, the captain started the engine and the catamaran was able to make its way back to port for repairs.

“The EPIRB saved us and I can’t think of anything more important than having an EPIRB when going offshore,” Jon Rodnon told BoatU.S.

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*Read our featured article on man overboard/seach & rescue

*Image courtesy of McMurdo

*For more information about the McMurdo Smartfind Plus G5 GPS EPIRB and other McMurdo emergency location products, visit: www.mcmurdomarine.com
*For more information about the BoatU.S. Foundation EPIRB rental program, visit: www.BoatUS.org/epirb

 

 


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