A large inscription with the distress signal ‘SOS’ probably saved the life of a 64-year-old sailor who was shipwrecked off an island in the Bahamas. The Dutchman had to stay on a deserted island for three days in a homemade shelter until his rescuers noticed him.
Off the uninhabited island of Cay Sal, the elderly gentleman’s sailboat began to sink – apparently he could still maneuver it in shallow water. Photos taken by the Coast Guard show the stranded vehicle in the immediate vicinity of the coast.
The 64-year-old saved himself on the uninhabited island. However, he was unable to notify the Coast Guard of his plight – so he wrote “SOS” in large letters in the sand, hoping someone would notice. And indeed, a few days later a Coast Guard plane flew by. The Dutchman also fired flares when he saw the plane above him.
Aircrews dropped food and radio
The crew eventually spotted the stranded man and dropped food, water and a radio. The man could tell that he had been on the island for three days. He was eventually rescued in a boat by the Coast Guard. He was also taken to a hospital just to be on the safe side. However, according to the rescuers, the sailor was in good condition.
The Coast Guard praised Mann for his safety equipment
“We are proud to have saved this man’s life. This case is a perfect example of why you need to have the proper safety equipment on your ship,” Coast Guard Officer Dev Craig said after the rescue. The letters alone may not have been enough: “Without the flare, the case might not have been successful,” the official said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
