Search for missing Rib crewman called off
Tuesday 19th May 2009, 11:30AM BST.
The father and two sons who survived the Rib tragedy off the Roches Douvres were found sitting on the upturned hull of their craft. This picture is from video footage shot from a French search and rescue helicopter. (Picture courtesy of Marine Nationale) 0774111
A search for a Frenchman who fell in the sea from a Rib off Les Roches Douvres has been called off.
He was one of four family members who were on a fishing trip at the weekend.
Three others were treated in Guernsey for hypothermia, having spent the night on their upturned craft. They have been released from hospital.
French media named the missing man as Jean-Michel Pinedo, 51.
His brother, Oliver, 48, and Oliver’s two sons, Gaetan, 18, and Lucas, 14, were spotted at 8.20am on Sunday.
Early indications are that Mr Pinedo fell into the water before the boat capsized.
He was last seen swimming towards rocks and then disappeared. He did not have a lifejacket on.
The Rib has been taken back to France. It apparently contained a bag with three lifejackets in it.
The French Coastguard at Brest has started an investigation.
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This just shows that no matter what happens your chances of survival are greatly increased if you remain with your vessel. Just think back to the ship off of Lihou, the whole crew abandoned ship only to drown, when the boat itself remained above sea level. I am not perfect myself but people need some basic sea sense, perhaps there needs to be some sort of leaflet posted out from insurance companies with the insurance certificate for the boats. Education is the key to saving lives.
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Interestingly, I passed the crew of the Lion’s Pride SAR aircraft on the way to the airport. They all had their green lights flashing away as they struggled through heavy traffic and were, as usual, completely ignored! The same was also true for the lifeboat crew several months ago. Could somebody tell me why it is that these valid emergency services are reduced to the same level of urgency (no blue lights or sirens) as the GSPCA, who also use a green light? Who knows what a flashing green light means anyway – do you?
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Good point by Martini. Why can’t SAR and lifeboat crew have blue lights? No doubt some silly law that was written years ago.
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