Sailboat sinks 3 rescued Key West

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

Depending upon ones angle of approach, the profusion of lights at the entrance at night can be pretty confusing, even when one knows the channel. It is relatively asy to loose situational awareness at night, particularly when one is tired. Moreover, for the last several days its been blowing like stink which would make a passage fairly exhausting. N'any case, I'm glad those guys were picked up. Thank goodness the water is realtively warm.

FWIW...

Lights confusing because of all the different lighted marker and buoys or because you're losing the nav lights in the lights of Key West in the background? Looks like it's far enough out that the city lights wouldn't be too big a problem but?

I totally agree that dark and stormy with a little tired makes it very easy to lose perspective. Been there a few times. However, nothing like a submerged hazard to get the adrenaline pumping and get ones awareness perked up a little.

Yes could have been much worse. Any update on the situation? Were they picked up off their boat or did it break up?

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by skipmac

Lights confusing because of all the different lighted marker and buoys or because you're losing the nav lights in the lights of Key West in the background? Looks like it's far enough out that the city lights wouldn't be too big a problem but?

Exactly that at night! I have probably 100 transits of that channel... from an 8' Achillies inflatable to 175' of Towboat/Barge... Most recently delivering mikepmtl's Beneteau. That trip had us in 40kt winds and 6' seas, and thankfully broad daylight! KW Northwest Channel - YouTube