There are for sure lots of 30 footers that COULD sail through a hurricane. So much has to do with how the the boat is equipped. How well is the mast stayed? Are there appropriate sized sea anchors with good fixing points? Etc. etc. This guy was desperate and went for it. Honestly I'm not even sure he's dead. He was certainly having second thoughts but I wouldn't be totally shocked if he survived and makes it to his destination.