Survivor stories Archive - Page 5 of 45

Boating

Boaters Stranded 50 Miles Offshore Saved by PLB and Quick Rescue Effort

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Keaton

The Mobile Coast Guard was preparing to launch both an aircraft and a vessel to provide assistance. They told us the boat was approximately two hours away. Since we were already on a boat and located just over 40 miles from their last known GPS position, we figured we could reach them within an hour. Although we were low on fuel for what would be a more than 100-mile round trip, we decided to make the run anyway, given that we didn’t know the nature of the emergency.

Off-road

Adventure Gone Wrong: Quick Thinking and Heroic Efforts Save Injured Biker in Outback Australia

Posted on September 18, 2024 by Shane

Without wasting time, we activated our ResQLink 400 PLB and a Spot Tracker to call for help. As we tended to Shane, trying to make him as comfortable as possible, it became apparent that his condition was worsening. His breathing was labored, and the pain was intensifying. In the isolation of the outback, where time feels slower and every minute counts, we were desperate for help to arrive.

Water-sports

Lost at Sea: How a Locator Beacon Reunited a Family After a Kayak Mishap

Posted on September 4, 2024 by Felix

Panic set in as I paddled frantically to find him. I searched in widening circles but couldn't spot him behind the big waves. Horrible thoughts raced through my mind—why did we go out in these conditions? The weather had turned bad. Had a shark attacked him, or had he hit his head and drowned?

Snow sports

From Adventure to Emergency: How a PLB Helped Save My Friend’s Life in the Wilderness

Posted on August 26, 2024 by Jordan

Unfortunately, things took a turn when my friend hit a hidden stump, launching him into the air. The impact resulted in a broken femur and a dislocated shoulder. He was in excruciating pain, and with only a few hours of daylight left, I knew we wouldn’t be able to get him out on our own.

Fishing

Near-Fatal Boating Accident in Marathon: A Father's Life Saved by Sons' Swift Actions

Posted on August 15, 2024 by Jason

Two of my sons immediately recognized how serious the injury was and fashioned a tourniquet from a dock line, placing it on my upper left thigh to prevent blood loss. My other son activated the GlobalFix V6 EPIRB and used the UHF radio to call for assistance from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Hiking

Storm Approaches as Stranded Hikers Activate Emergency Beacon in New Zealand’s Tararua Forest Park

Posted on August 13, 2024 by Patrick

However, near the bottom of the spur, my knee gave way again, this time with intense pain, making it difficult to move. Fortunately, we had already navigated the steepest section and were close to the hut. With my friend taking on a lot of my pack weight, we managed to reach the hut before nightfall.

Hiking

Dramatic Rescue on Kenelty Mountain: Father's Near-Fatal Fall Saved by Son's Quick Action

Posted on August 2, 2024 by Doug

The trail was steep and slippery, and we soon had to stop to catch our breath. I sat on a convenient trailside rock, and I don't remember much of what happened after that. Apparently, I fainted and went rag-dolling down the steep mountain slope.

Water-sports

Caught in High Surf: Surfer's Terrifying Near-Drowning Experience in Oahu

Posted on July 24, 2024 by Vadym

However, all that experience did not help me this time. The short wave period kept creating more and more white water, reducing my buoyancy and ability to swim. The realization of helplessness while sinking in the low-density water, saturated with air bubbles, made me scared. Being so close to losing my life due to drowning triggered my brain to involuntarily play scenes of my family and friends facing the reality of my death. I was really scared.

Fishing

A Girlfriend's gift, a Viral video, and 5 lives saved: How a last-minute PLB played a critical role off the coast of Mississippi

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Easton

As the boat sank, Connor quickly activated the beacon. “I saw it react and then went into the water,” said Connor, noting the reassuring green light indicating a satellite fix.

Survivor stories