Usually when we think of a “boating fail” it’s centered on a boater making a blunder that spreads like wildfire through various social media channels. However, gear, electronics and even vessels can fail, oftentimes without warning. In this case, a 21-foot boat began taking on water and forced four teenagers and four adults to abandon ship about 12 miles off Molokai, Hawaii. Thankfully, they had an EPIRB on board (and life jackets for everyone), and the Coast Guard was able to dispatch a rescue helicopter to their exact location within hours. Remember, it’s not just human error that can interrupt a serene day of boating. Proper planning will help keep you and your crew safe regardless of what caused the catastrophe.
