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Subscribe to RSSThree sailors were hoisted to safety after they were swept off their yacht by a super wave during a race. One person was killed and four others remain missing. Msnbc.com's Dara Brown reports.
Rescuers halted the search for four sailors missing after they were swept overboard from their yacht by powerful waves off the coast of San Francisco, raising the likely death toll from the accident to five.
"An air and sea search was suspended indefinitely around sundown and we will not go back tomorrow," U.S. Coast Guard spokesman Caleb Critchfield told Reuters late Sunday.
"We kept searching 12 hours past what we consider the survivability window. We extend our deepest sympathy and our hearts go out to the family and friends of the victims," he added.
The 38-foot yacht, called Low Speed Chase, was competing in a race Saturday around South Farallon Island with 48 other yachts.
Officials said a large wave swept four sailors into the water, and when the yacht tried to turn to go back for them, another wave hit the boat, pushing it onto rocks.
Shortly after the accident, three people were rescued and the body of Marc Kasanin, 46, of Belvedere, California, was found.
San Francisco Yacht Club, where the Low Speed Chase was based, said the missing sailors were Alexis Busch of Larkspur; Alan Cahill of Tiburon; Jordan Fromm, 25, of Kentville; and an additional crew member whose identity was being withheld because his family had yet to be notified.
One dead, four missing after California yacht race
A Facebook page, called In Memory of Low Speed Chase, was set up, and it posted the words to the hymn "Eternal Father, Strong to save," also known as "For Those in Peril on the Sea" or the "Navy Hymn."
"My goodness - my heart is broken by this loss of Alan and Marc. I pray and have hope - but not much," one person wrote on the page.
"Pray in sorrow for the five poor souls lost in this tragedy... pray in thanks for the fortunate three still with us," another said.
The Associated Press reported that the entire crew was believed to have been wearing life vests and foul weather gear, and that had made rescuers optimistic they might find survivors.
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OH My God ! What the hell people doing there racing yacht in the Seal Colony of Farallon Island ?? a known place where White Pointers ( great white's) gathered and hang out looking and hunting for Seal most of the years.. that place is soo rugged and steepy the surrounding waters infested by sharks looking for prey.. always waves from Farallon is surging high and it is dangerous frolicking there near the shore coz' you may have ShipWreck in the reefer's rock..
I dont think the shark population is very significant off SF in April. The months that the white pointers are in that area is more like august to october. Right now, I believe the sharks are either hundreds of miles south and/or off the the hawaii shore area. SF waters are too cold this time of year. But, honestly, I thought the exact same thing you did at first when I heard these guys were lost off the Farrallon islands area..
theres 95% probability a man cannot survive within 6 hrs in the Sea of Farallon island without the Shark detecting them.. Rest in Peace !
They freeze to death first. The water is much too cold to last long even with a floatation device and no sharks in the area. Too bad.
How come four rich guys who were pleasure sailing get more attention in the press than our service members who are serving in a war?! I clicked on the story because the word "sailors" meant to me Naval personnel.
Is this what our country has come to? And to risk Coastguardsmen for 12 extra hours for the SAR for this just shows where our priorities lie in this day and age.
Mom I hope one of your kids never gets lost in the backyard! Or your house doesnt catch fire! Thats why we pay for a these services! The wars are no longer popular now that the people realize that we are being scammed by the banksters in collusion with our own government.And we are fighting something once again with no intention of doing what it takes to win. If a man wants to sail and can afford to sail let him go, and mind your own buisiness. He had to pay taxes for the fifty percent who dont,Thats the real news!
Well said ssmike. Voted your comment up!
Chill Mom! Here in Ohio we get daily reports on our military personnel as I am sure most of the country does. I'm glad our country still values the life of all its citizens, rich and poor.
Momx... I had to re-read your comment several times to try and understand what you're trying to say, and it still makes no sense. Every day, we hear stories of what's going on overseas regarding the Iraq/Afghanistan war and the sadness that all Americans feel about the loss of life concerning any service member. I think that there's news for all types of stories on this site, including this.
Suggestion: Smoke 'em peace pipe...chill out and relax...don't get too bent outa shape about what stories are being reported on within a news Internet site!
Lastly... very sad to read about this... Rest in Peace Sailors!
I think she is upset by the use of the word sailors which to most people means US Navy sailors. I thought it was about US Navy sailors as well when I clicked on the story. It is how it was written in the headline which in a sense sounds misleading in a way as if they were military and not folks in a yacht race.
AGREED. There is far too much attention given to rich people enjoying their toys. I am always sorry when someone dies but, lets face it, these guys still had more life insurance than many people get in an annual salary...if they even still have jobs to draw salaries. They died having fun.
You two are bitter. Who cares how rich they were? Wouldn't you be outraged if the coastguard wasn't called because they were just some stupid poor people? Give me a break. By the way, they were not necessarily "rich". We rent yachts (big boats) and take disavantaged teens out to learn how to sail. It teaches them teamwork, work ethic, and makes them feel like part of a worthy project. Few end up back in Juvie or jail. The program works. Don't judge until you know all the details. As far as soldiers, we do hear reports and it is very saddening. There is a difference though. We assume when soldiers go to war, some won't be coming back. You don't typically make the same assumption when people go out sailing, but it happens. Both are sad and tragic. Guess what, the world is not a zero-sum game you think it is - grief over sailors means no grief over soldiers, or a person being rich must mean they made someone else poor. This is just simply not a true. Get a life.
My heart goes out to the families that may or have lost there loved one. No where in the article states these men were rich. These men were enjoying a sport of sailing and racing.. I have been there myself racing in regattas. My concern were they wearing life jackets?
You do realize that family and friend of the deceased are going to read this? You do not have the right to comment on their wealth and then say they deserved it or served them right for playing with their "toys". You have no idea who these people are, you have no idea how hard working, rich or poor they were, you do not know their families or friends, you have never stood in their shoes. Your words are hurtful. There is no one to blame, this did not happen because of lack of intelligence, skills, or even improper use of equipment. It was a freak accident. I understand that you were deceived by the title, but that gives you no room speak out of line. Keep your hateful words to yourself.
Momx4at35 -
sail·or
Noun:
These were human beings who were loved by their families and friends and will be deeply missed. Please take your misdirected anger elsewhere, preferably offline or to a counselor or some sort.
First of all, My husband is a Coastguardsman, and has been for almost 30 years. So we know who gets called out when there is an emergency at sea. Second of all, my kids can't get lost in the backyard, because it is not that big. Just shows you who is commenting about the rich, it is the rest of the rich. And yes, rich people and their toys get more press than the actual fighting men and women in this country. Just because you pay taxes ( the lowest taxes since the income tax was introduced) does not give you the right to put the rescuers in jeopardy. Or have the 99% feel sorry for your when the 1% have a boating accident in their yacht. And the most laughable comment is that I didn't know that these men were "rich", from the other regatta sailor. Anyone who owns or races on these boats is rich. Do you think that not defining yourself as rich makes it so?
Oh, by the way, less that 2% of the citizens of this country serve in the military. If you are so concerned about your own safety, and the safety of this country, sign up to serve. It gives you a whole different view of the world.
Most crew on racing boats in rough or dangerous water connect themselves with a life line to prevent getting washed overboard.
How is it the captain of the sailboat didnt require the crew to be tethered, especially in rough seas or dangerous waters?
Perhaps the captain is uneducated or maybe just plain stupid. i have always thought the captain is the captain and assumes the responsibilities of the position. If the captain is just plain stupid, well, let the lawyers work it out.
Rest in Peace!
Only the homeless don't pay taxes. It may be time to learn spelling and sentence structure. Bless those lost at sea.
R I P to those guys.... I don't know anything about the ocean, but with 40-some boats in the race, you would think another vessel would have been close enough to help. Also, did they have life-vests on?? My heart goes out to their families.
I'm sure they had life vests on but that won't protect you from sharks or waves beating you against rocks. I don't know how the whole story played out but I'd think once your in the water there is little chance of survival.
Like all other extreme sports, the participants know what the consequences are. People take risks everyday in attempt to live their dream and accomplish something that seems impossible. Sometimes they die doing what they love. I drag race a car for weekend entertainment. Always pushing the envelope to attain that seemingly impossible number. I know the risks,I have had a few close calls. They can be considered warnings to some,to me it's another reason to try harder. Launching a 2600lb car @ 7000rpm may sound like a bad idea to some but I get a great feeling of accomplishment making a 150mph pass at 9 seconds. Like a lot of extremists these men died doing what they love just as men of war. So instead of throwing a fit over who has the most exposure why don't we support them in their efforts. Best wishes to to all involved in this tragedy. Rip brothers.
Because I've seen a couple of them die. It's painful for all involved. I spend time with my daughter as she wonders if her husband will join that group where the best that can be said is, "He died doing what he loved." Too bad they didn't love their wives/children as much.
What a stupid thing to say "Too bad they didn't love their wives/children as much." Just where did you get that bit of knowledge?
I kinda agree with AnotherTexan, John. Not stupid at all... If you truly bothered to read and understand his comment. He clearly stated that his daughter is married to an extremist who participates in daredevil activities with little regard for survival. He most likely hears from her on a regular basis on why her husband continues to do those things knowing fully well that he could die. When a husband and father loves the thrill of taking death chances in extreme sports and the inevitable happens, that's when the surviving spouse will say, "At least he died loving what he loved."
How would you expect her to feel?
Anothertexan- Did she marry him knowing who he is and what he loves to do? A good wife will support him in what he loves to do. She must have loved him enough to marry. Women are extremists to.
There is a lot of value in "pushing the envelope" and I appreciate a challenge as well, however I wonder about people who have spouses and children who do these sports. I wonder if it is not just a bit selfish considering the risks. To me, the responsibilities of being a parent and a wife superceed my need for an adrenalline rush. I am sorry for these spouses and their children.They will surely have enough money to live but, they woun't have their husbands and fathers. That is one thing no amount of money can compensate for. Just because you CAN do something, it doesn't mean you SHOULD do it. I wouldn't stop my husband but, I would hope he would consider us and how I would feel if he died. That is what marriage is all about. placing your beloveds needs ABOVE yours.
sad deal, it happens, you want to pay attention when sailing, things happen fast and most often in a sequence,,as we can see,, sharks aside, the water temp there is very!! cold, very!, the cold northern current streams right by the Farralones,,this is why "GOD" ahem? made sailing harness,s.. skippers job to ensure all are safe,,.and if they didnt have room to wear ship? then they were too close to shore,,Ya know, I am going to take the time to blow this "rich yachtsman" rumour out of the water![sorry for the pun, really! ha ha],.. none of my sailing friends could in any way be described as rich,, in fact,rrrrather the contrary,,We just love to sail and most often, make huge! sacrifices so we can have a decent boat and do the thing we love,[car is a rust bucket, lawn never gets cut and wives spend lots of time alone, not sure why that last one, but it is true],so,, NOT RICH!, NOT YACHT CLUB MATERIAL,NOT SOME KIND OF SNOB,AND DEFINITLY NOT!! "HIGH CLASS"... JUST SOME SAILORS, DOING THEIR THANG, so be it,..most of my friends take people out on their boats for free[they crew], and some take disabled kids out year after year, again and again,.. so pleeeeease!!.. give it a break,,it is too bad really, but very few military "sailors" actually know how! to sail,,they are more mechanics really,, so lets put that one to rest too shall we??,.. as for this disaster?? skippers job! his!! responsibility,,, it is no place for amateurs,,as we can see,no??, should have had jack lines in place and harness hooked on at all times when it gets rough,,this is basic stuff,,every real sailor knows this at the get go,,If they dont? the skipper soon puts them right, as is his job! to do,..anyways,, sad to lose some more,, every year its a few more,,the sea can be a dangerous place, it doesnt "play" games,, it is for real at all times,, always ready,, and KISS, the sailors motto!..
maybe the wives aren't spending time alone. maybe they don't mind their husbands being gone for long periods of time. just saying.
This race has been around since 1907. Sailors improve skills by sailing, just like all professionals. This was a job for them - so they can pay their taxes. They were wearing cold-water gear and life vests. I cannot speak for all, but this activity did not remove their love for their wives and children. The one I know left behind two children, a wife, parents, siblings, and many friends. His wife sails, but he told her that she could not go with him because this was a job. We went to his wedding party last year in Ireland when he married our niece. We met his friends, family, and acquaintenances. He will be sadly missed. He was not just a rich guy doing a thrilling fun thing. Had he been a rich man, why could he not do a fun thing on a Saturday? Four men and a 25 year old woman are dead, leaving behind mourning loved ones. What does money have to do with this conversation?
There was another yacht nearby whose sailors watched the entire episode, but they were unable to assist in the 15 foot waves and strong current near the rocks. The Coast Guard said that sharks had not been observed in this area after the accident. Survivability is about six hours in the conditions in that place at that time. And this information is available for anyone who reads before commenting.
Shirley, so sorry for the loss of your friends, may they rest in peace, condolences to all concerned. I also feel for the other sailors helpless to assist their mates without putting themselves in extreme danger also.
I'm so sorry for your loss and I'm also sorry that you had to read some of these truly insensitive comments.
It is not the lack of love for mate or child that these men/women go to sea, it is the call of the ocean that no love could match.
Some know, most do not understand, but when she tugs, (rich or poor) you go.
Then don't promise another human being forever if your true love is of the ocean. Marry the sea and stay at sea like albatross. Leave other human beings out of the equation.
I am petrified of the ocean...and this solidifies my reason for fearing it. RIP.
Shirley, I am sorry for your loss.
For momx4 wondering why the Coast Guard "wastes" resources rescuing "rich" yachters....where is your common sense? Where is your empathy? How has your moral compass gone so far astray? This is what the Coast Guard does! It is their job. I am friends with a member of the Coast Guard, who would be quite puzzled by a comment such as yours. Would you have such a cynical view if it was a local Super Stock car driver who crashed his car at the track and died? (I say this having an Uncle who raced) Using resources such as the police, fire, paramedics and hospital? THOSE cars are expensive....why waste resources on someone like that? Do you see how callous your comment was?
As a person commented above, many many sailors scrimp and sacrifice to live a life where they are able to sail. Perhaps the boat owner is well off, I don't know. So? You are a sailor because you love it. It is not easy. Crew members are often young people who are not rich, but love boats and the sea.
And to momx4....by the way....Naval personnel that I have known, at least those in shipboard positions that actually deal with the ocean and navigation, etc., have respect for other sailors, military or no.
My comment on the CG was that they spent an extra 12 hours on the rescue past what they normally would have. It stated that in the story. The bend of the story seemed to suggest that anyone is rescue-able, which is not true. And yes, the CG can be put at risk, as can all rescuers, while they are out doing their jobs.
My negative comments were directed at the press, and the fact that the country spends more time on " bread and circus" to distract us from this 10 year war. Maybe I did not express that very well. But it was so enlightening to see all of the comments. Just goes to show that the rich don't really think their lifestyle affects the rest of us, and how self centered they are.
sad day for the loved ones of the 4 sailors, I was a commercial fisherman for 12 years on small an large vessels it can be rough when the wind kicks up you have to be on your guard all the times. I've seen 30 ft waves vcome right over the bow and sweep deck hands over the side luckily we retrived them but it can be scary...
It's hard to love someone who lives for the thrilll of "_(insert extreme or dangerous activity here").
It's even harder to grieve for the loss in the glare of publicity.
Very sad, they were doing everything right by wearing life vests and were prepared for extreme weather, yet this wasn't enough. They died doing what they loved, but their families will still be hurting for a long time.
I send out a prayer of Nam Myoho Renge Kyo to the 4 lost men at sea, I pray that when they retun in their next life that they be attracted to the same chant that Tina Turner did to overcome her obsticle. that they will decide to devote themself to world peace and the happiness of all human-kind. Those that are lost at sea are Blessed. May they have a natural Love for the ordinary peole of the world. Please acfcept this blessing from me. To the family .. I hope that you will get ahold of the SGI-USA center In SF and chant Nam Myho Renge Kyo to chant your family Karma of having to loose your loves ones in such an Accident. It is possible to change your Karma and become happy in this life time. Blessings.