OFF ROAD

Explorer Saved by Ocean Signal’s rescueME PLB1 from Critical ATV Incident

My brother, an avid mountain climber, gave me an OceanSignal rescueMe PLB1  with the instructions, “Don’t go without it”!

I have a dear friend named Bill, and we’ve been exploring old mining roads and trails in the wilds of Eastern Oregon since the 1980s. One fateful day, on May 25, 2023, we found ourselves deep in a canyon in the high country. Bill, who was riding his ATV, suddenly lost control and it flipped over, trapping him underneath. Panic surged through me, but I remembered my brother’s advice, and without a second thought, I activated my PLB1.

BOATING

rescueMe EPIRB1 Activated after Mast Breaks During Atlantic Crossing

The calm of the evening was shattered by an ominous sound – a resounding snap that jolted our senses. Idun’s gaze fixated on the mast, which had begun leaning leeward. In disbelief, she called out to us, and together, we gathered in the cockpit. What we saw left us astounded and fearful: the mast had dramatically broken just above deck, its massive form now sprawled alongside the hull, mercilessly banging against it with the relentless rhythm of the waves.

In that instant, we knew we were in dire straits.

Swiftly, we set into motion a frantic but coordinated effort. With determination, we severed all lines, ensuring that everything ran free. Simultaneously, we activated the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon)

HIKING

rescueME PLB 1 Saves Tramper from Health Scare atop Remote New Zealand Mountains

They noted the telltale signs – my ashen face and cold sweat – symptoms often linked to heart problems. Yet, as quickly as it happened, I seemed to recover, prompting no immediate action, aside from our vigilant nurse intermittently checking on me throughout the night. Then, it happened again.

With a sense of urgency, one of our companions initiated my rescueMe PLB 1 and positioned it on a bench in front of the hut. Time hung heavy as we waited for help, surrounded by nature’s silent grandeur. About half an hour later, a helicopter descended into the valley and touched down in front of the hut. A paramedic onboard conducted a thorough assessment, reassuring us that immediate treatment was unnecessary.