Adrift And Boat Types: What You Need To Know

The story of a boat adrift is often one of survival, adventure, and mystery. From the 2018 film Adrift, based on a true story, to real-life accounts of sailors facing the challenges of a broken rudder or the tragic discovery of a boat with no survivors, these narratives showcase resilience, courage, and the unpredictable nature of the sea. Whether it's a couple facing a hurricane in the Pacific or migrants embarking on a dangerous journey across the Atlantic, each tale highlights the unique struggles and triumphs of those adrift, offering a glimpse into the human experience of facing adversity on the open waters.

Surviving a hurricane

Before the Hurricane:

• Plan ahead: If your boat is in a hurricane-prone area, don't wait until a hurricane is imminent to start preparing. Develop a plan and checklist for securing your boat well in advance.
• Monitor weather conditions: Stay updated on weather forecasts to anticipate potential hurricanes. This will give you time to make necessary preparations and, if possible, move to a safer location.
• Move or protect your boat: If your boat is trailerable, haul it out of the water and relocate it away from tidal waters and toppling trees. If it must remain in a marina berth, double all lines, rig cross spring lines fore and aft, and attach lines high on pilings.
• Prepare your boat: Take down sails and canvas coverings to reduce wind resistance. If in a marina, consider removing them altogether. Ensure all lines are covered to prevent chafing.
• Secure valuable items: Mark and secure valuable items on the boat. Consider creating a photographic or video record of the boat and its contents for insurance purposes.
• Understand your insurance policy: Review your insurance policy to know what is covered and your responsibilities and liabilities in the event of a hurricane.
• Consider hauling out: Some boatyards offer emergency haul-out services, but they may require advance payment and spots may be limited.
• Find a hurricane hole: If you cannot move your boat to a safer location, look for a hurricane hole—a place that offers more protection from the wind.
• Do not stay onboard: During a hurricane, winds can exceed 100 mph, and tornadoes are often associated with these storms. Your chances of survival are much higher if you evacuate the boat and find shelter on land.

During the Hurricane:

• Stay calm and conserve energy: If you find yourself caught in a hurricane, stay calm and conserve your energy. Avoid panicking, as it can lead to accidents, injury, or exhaustion.
• Monitor communication channels: Keep a close eye on weather broadcasts and communication channels to stay updated on the hurricane's progress and any instructions from local authorities.
• Be cautious of electrical hazards: After a hurricane, be cautious of potential electrical hazards, such as downed wires or submerged outlets. Do not enter the water, and check for gas leaks by smell only.

After the Hurricane:

• Check for damage: Once the hurricane has passed, carefully inspect your boat for any damage. Pay close attention to the engine, sails, and anchoring systems.
• Contact emergency services: If you require assistance, contact emergency services or local authorities. They can help you navigate safely and provide necessary support.
• Assist others if possible: If nearby boats are in distress, assist them if you can. However, be cautious of potential scams, as some people may intentionally neglect their boats to claim insurance money.

Finding a lost partner

Being lost at sea is a terrifying experience, and finding a lost partner in such a situation can be extremely challenging. Here are some steps and strategies to consider when trying to find a lost partner in this situation:

• Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Take a moment to gather your thoughts and evaluate the circumstances. Is your partner missing from the boat? Did they fall overboard? Are there any signs of a struggle or any clues as to what might have happened? Staying calm and thinking clearly is crucial in these situations.
• Alert the Authorities: Contact the coast guard or the local marine rescue organization immediately. Provide them with as much information as possible about your location, the circumstances of your partner's disappearance, and any relevant details about your partner, such as their physical description, the clothing they were wearing, and any unique identifying features.
• Use Appropriate Signaling Devices: If you have access to flares, mirrors, or other signaling devices, use them to attract attention and indicate your position. This can help rescue teams locate you and potentially spot your partner if they are in the water nearby.
• Search the Surrounding Area: If your partner is missing from the boat, thoroughly search every part of it, including cabins, storage areas, and any other spaces they might have accessed. If they fell overboard, scan the water for any signs of them and, if possible, deploy a lifeboat or life raft to conduct a more thorough search.
• Utilize Communication Devices: If you have a functioning radio, VHF, or satellite phone on board, use it to broadcast a distress signal and communicate with rescue teams. Provide them with updates on your location and any changes in the situation.
• Consider the Environmental Conditions: Take into account factors such as currents, wind patterns, and tidal movements. These can impact the direction your partner might have drifted in if they fell overboard. Additionally, consider the water temperature and the potential for hypothermia, as this will influence the urgency of the search and rescue efforts.
• Deploy a Diversionary Tactic: If possible, create a trail of floating items that can help indicate the direction your boat is moving in. This can be done by tying objects to a line and letting them drift behind the boat. This tactic can be especially useful if your partner is in the water and you want to guide them toward your location.
• Stay with the Boat: Unless absolutely necessary, it is generally advisable to stay with the boat. It provides a larger target for search and rescue teams and can serve as a base for your own search efforts.
• Prepare for a Long-Term Survival Scenario: If the search extends over an extended period, ensure you have access to food, water, and any necessary medications. Take measures to protect yourself from the elements, and conserve your energy as much as possible.
• Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude: Staying positive and hopeful is crucial for your own well-being and can increase your chances of a successful outcome. Believe that your partner is still alive and focus on doing everything you can to support the search efforts.

These steps and strategies are by no means exhaustive, and each situation may present unique challenges. Remember to stay resilient and never give up hope. The will to survive is a powerful force, and your partner might be doing everything they can to stay alive until help arrives.

Navigating without modern tools

Understanding Direction and Position

• Finding North: Knowing how to find north is a fundamental navigation skill. During the day, you can determine north by observing the position of the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun's highest point is directly south, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is directly north. At the equator, you can use sunrise and sunset to identify east and west.
• Using the Stars: At night, you can locate the North Star by finding the Big Dipper constellation and imagining a line connecting its two leading stars. Following that line will lead you to the North Star, which remains relatively stationary while other constellations circle around it.
• Reading Topographical Maps: Topographical maps provide valuable information for navigation. Learning to read and interpret these maps allows you to visualise the landscape in 3D, including hills, water flow, landmarks, and elevation changes.

Using Natural Landmarks

• Identifying Landmarks: Almost every landscape has distinctive natural or man-made features that can help you determine your position. Examples include rivers, lakes, mountains, trails, towers, and changes in forest composition. Knowing these landmarks can help you track your location and direction.
• Following Waterways: Water is a significant shaping feature of landscapes. Learning the names and flow of creeks, rivers, or lakes in your area can be a valuable navigation tool. Understanding topography can also help you navigate by following waterways.
• Creating Mental Maps: Develop your own mapping skills by exploring and memorising landmarks, waterways, hills, and other distinctive features. This mental mapping can help you navigate and find your way back if you stray from your intended path.

Other Techniques

• Walking in a Straight Line: It can be challenging to walk in a straight line in nature due to terrain variations. To navigate accurately, use three objects in a straight line, positioning yourself in the centre and walking towards the middle object. Repeat this process to maintain a straight path.
• Awareness and Observation: Pay attention to your surroundings, including distinctive trees, vegetation, and terrain features. Regularly stop and observe all directions, noting changes in elevation and your direction in relation to the trail. This awareness can prevent you from getting lost.
• Emotional Control: Fear and adrenaline can impair your senses and lead to rushed decisions. Stay calm and avoid panicked movements that may reduce your ability to observe and listen effectively. Focus on gathering information and making thoughtful choices.

Surviving alone at sea

Before Setting Sail:

• Ensure your boat is well-maintained and equipped with the necessary safety gear, including emergency supplies, navigation equipment, and a working radio.
• Stock up on non-perishable food and drinking water, as well as any medication you may need.
• Familiarise yourself with the common struggles boats face on the open sea, and be prepared to handle them.
• Let someone on shore know your planned route and expected time of arrival. This will help rescuers narrow down the search area if you go missing.

If You Become Stranded:

• Stay with your boat if possible. A boat provides more protection from the elements and is easier to spot than a person in the water.
• Conserve your energy. Avoid strenuous activities that may lead to injury or exhaustion.
• Stay hydrated and nourished. If you have limited food and water, ration them carefully.
• Be vigilant for potential dangers, such as sharks or other predators.
• Create a daily routine to maintain your sanity and structure your time. This can include working out, reading, or keeping a journal.
• If possible, work on signalling for help. Use flares, mirrors, or other visual signals to attract the attention of potential rescuers.

Navigation:

• If you have navigation equipment, use it to determine your location and plot a course toward land or a populated area.
• Take advantage of wind and currents to help propel your boat. Use sails or paddles if available.
• Be aware of potential hazards, such as reefs or strong currents, and navigate around them if possible.

Emergency Repairs:

• If your boat is taking on water, try to locate and fix the source of the leak. Use whatever materials you have on hand to plug the leak or bail out water.
• In the event of a serious emergency, such as a fire or sinking ship, abandon ship and deploy your life raft or inflatable raft.

Mental Resilience:

• Stay positive and don't give up hope. Surviving alone at sea is mentally challenging, and maintaining a strong will to live is crucial.
• Keep yourself occupied to avoid spiralling into negative thoughts. Focus on the tasks at hand, such as repairs, navigation, or signalling for help.
• Accept that you may be at sea for an extended period. Prepare yourself mentally for the possibility of a long journey home.

Examples of Real-Life Stories:

• Steven Callahan, an American sailor and naval architect, survived 76 days adrift in the Atlantic Ocean after his boat sank. He constructed a miniature ecosystem to ensure he had enough food and water, and he faced challenges such as shark attacks and raft punctures.
• José Salvador Alvarenga, a fisherman, survived 438 days adrift after a storm blew his boat off course. He survived on rainwater and caught sea animals for food.
• Tami Oldham Ashcraft survived 41 days alone at sea after her boat was damaged by a hurricane. She navigated towards Hawaii and was eventually rescued by a Japanese research vessel.

Recovering from trauma

The 2018 film Adrift, based on a true story, depicts a young couple, Tami and Richard, who find themselves adrift in the middle of the Pacific Ocean after a hurricane ravages their boat. Tami, alone and traumatised, must navigate the damaged boat with no radio and no one but Richard, who is badly injured, for company. She must find their way to Hawaii, all while battling the elements and her own trauma.

Trauma can be defined as any event that causes a threat to our safety and the safety of others. It can cause high levels of emotional, psychological, and physical distress, which can disrupt a person's ability to function normally in their day-to-day life. It is normal to experience strong reactions following a distressing event, and these reactions can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical, mental, emotional, and behavioural responses.

Common Reactions to Trauma:

• Feeling on high alert and constantly vigilant.
• Emotional numbness or a sense of shock.
• Emotional upset, fear, anxiety, and panic.
• Extreme fatigue and tiredness.
• Stress and anxiety.
• Protectiveness over loved ones.
• Not wanting to leave a particular place.

Strategies for Coping with Trauma:

• Recognise that you have been through a distressing experience and that your reactions are normal.
• Accept that you will not feel like your usual self for a while, but it will pass.
• Remind yourself that you are managing, and don't be too hard on yourself.
• Avoid self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.
• Don't make any major decisions or life changes until you feel better.
• Face what has happened and gradually confront your feelings.
• Talk to someone who can support and understand you.
• Try to maintain your normal routine and stay busy.
• Make time for self-care and relaxation, such as yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises.
• Express your feelings as they arise.
• Seek professional help if your reactions are severe or persist beyond a few weeks.

Support and Resources:

• Reach out to friends and family.
• Join a support group to connect with others who have had similar experiences.
• Contact a mental health professional or counsellor.
• Utilise helplines and support services, such as Lifeline or GriefLine.

Frequently asked questions