We often mention PLB's and other survival gear here at ETS, most of which these mariners probably did not have. I wonder how often people in this area travel between islands in open boats and don't make it to their destination.

In my USN retired mindset I was thinking about getting a boat and thinking a 30' sloop was too small even if it was designed and equipped for blue-water. Then I read about folks who live there going out in a 19' open skiff. That 30' sloop deserves a second look.