Boat Sank, PLB did not send signal, man found by passing boat

[PBcatfish]

A boater out of Canaveral was picked up more than 80 miles off shore by a passing cargo ship, after his 32' boat sank & left only the bow above the water. The occupant of the stricken vessel tried to dive to get his ditch bag several times but was unable to get it. His EPIRB/PLB did not activate. At this time, I am not able to find information on which EPIRB/PLB he had.

VHF 16 recording with rescued man & USCG
USCG audio with M/V Angeles & Stuart Bee

Missing Boater Rescued 86 Miles From Shore Clinging To Capsized Boat: ‘I thought that was it’

Missing boater found clinging to capsized vessel 86 miles off Florida

When did Stuart Bee go missing and how was he rescued?

 

[letterboy]

Was his beacon in his ditch bag?

If so and it was underwater would it matter if it activated or not? Since wireless transmissions don't work well underwater?

 

[tridacna]

CMIIW but I think that the MV Angeles is a 225 meter vessel NOT 225 feet.

 

[Biotech Diver]

Don’t get lost!

 

[Marie13]

How common is it for people to have portable PLBs rather than one permanently installed on the boat?

 

[letterboy]

CMIIW but I think that the MV Angeles is a 225 meter vessel NOT 225 feet.

Meh, units don't matter...

IMO: 9399791
Name: ANGELES
Vessel Type - Generic: Cargo
Vessel Type - Detailed: Container Ship
Status: Active
MMSI: 636018151
Call Sign: A8SF5
Flag: Liberia [LR]
Gross Tonnage: 32901
Summer DWT: 35376 t
Length Overall x Breadth Extreme: 225 x 31.3 m
Year Built: 2010
Home Port: MONROVIA

 

[CuzzA]

Was his beacon in his ditch bag?

If so and it was underwater would it matter if it activated or not? Since wireless transmissions don't work well underwater?

And do you test it periodically? Did you change the batteries when they were due?

Lots of possible reasons for failure.

 

[letterboy]

And do you test it periodically? Did you change the batteries when they were due?

Lots of possible reasons for failure.

I blame the iguanas.

 

[CuzzA]

How common is it for people to have portable PLBs rather than one permanently installed on the boat?

Most commercial vessels will have auto deploying EPIRBs that release from their holder when wet and float to the surface and turn on automatically. If they are installed in a wheel house they are no longer automatic because they would obviously get stuck and go down with the vessel.

PLBs (mini EPIRBs) are typically used by recreational vessels, often stowed in ditch bags.

 

[Marie13]

Most commercial vessels will have auto deploying EPIRBs that release from their holder when wet and float to the surface and turn on automatically. If they are installed in a wheel house they are no longer automatic because they would obviously get stuck and go down with the vessel.

PLBs (mini EPIRBs) are typically used by recreational vessels, often stowed in ditch bags.

Thanks for the clarification.