Coasties Rescue Two from Passing Wind II

The two crew aboard the 38-ft sailboat Passing Wind II were rescued by the Coast Guard yesterday after they were dismasted about 40 miles off Pt. San Pedro. The Coasties received an EPIRB alert around 10:15 a.m. and immediately dispatched a helo and plane. They spotted the disabled boat being tossed around in 10-12-ft seas around 1:20 p.m. The two crewmembers then jumped into the water and were hoisted to the helo with the aid of a rescue swimmer. They were treated at an area hospital for mild hypothermia. No word on the fate of Passing Wind II.

While we’re thrilled the crew were rescued safely, we’re frankly a little stumped as to why they went out yesterday at all. For days NOAA forecasts had warned of a gale that would pass through the area on Thursday — with predicted 40-knot winds. We’re not sure what the winds were doing where they were, but the small craft advisory that is still in effect suggests it wasn’t pretty. We can’t stress enough the importance of listening carefully to weather forecasts and planning your voyages accordingly.