ex Elly 197 Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 German sailor survived using jeans as flotation, after being knocked overboard near Gisborne. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12211137 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harrytom 648 Posted March 9, 2019 Share Posted March 9, 2019 one very lucky person Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ex Elly 197 Posted March 10, 2019 Author Share Posted March 10, 2019 He was delivering a yacht from NZ to Brazil. He got thrown overboard by the mainsheet, in 2-3m seas. Wasn't wearing a harness or lifejacket. Used his jeans as a flotation device for 3 hours. When they brought the yacht into Gisborne it was hauled out, as someone spotted fan worm on it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fish 0 Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 And the motor had 'exploded' apparently... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
SanFran 12 Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 Heard of a US millitary sailor going overboard in the Indian Ocean who kept afloat for three days using this method until he was rescued. Several years ago now. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
raz88 96 Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 We learned and practiced this (using jeans as a flotation device) at intermediate school as part of a waterwise program. Seemed to work ok from memory but it was over 25 years ago so my memory of it might not be 100%. The air does gradually escape so you have to keep "refilling" them, which worked in the pool but would probably be difficult if it was rough. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Dtwo 157 Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 Surprising that OSH hasn't outlawed the "ripped jeans" look 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Romany 162 Posted March 10, 2019 Share Posted March 10, 2019 its an extension of Darwinism - only the best genes see you thru. I've always found it best practice not to go in the piss though Quote Link to post Share on other sites
waikiore 400 Posted March 11, 2019 Share Posted March 11, 2019 His brother seemingly didnt come back for him -they were sailing after all. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,239 Posted March 11, 2019 Share Posted March 11, 2019 I read it as his brother tried, but engine failure. No ideas why he couldn't sail back... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrWatson 378 Posted March 11, 2019 Share Posted March 11, 2019 its an extension of Darwinism - only the best genes see you thru. This made my day, thank you Quote Link to post Share on other sites
waikiore 400 Posted March 12, 2019 Share Posted March 12, 2019 The engine was seized a month ago at Bayswater, seems it hasnt fixed itself Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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