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The coast guard was not risking their lives any more than they do every day. They train to do what they do as safely as they can. If it was a risk of there lives then they would not have done it.


They do risk there lives sometimes in rescues like these more than they do in training. Sometimes conditions are worse than they train in and can deal with terrified and unpredictable people whom may further endanger there lives through their actions whilst being rescued. The 98 Sydney to Hobart race saw upto 90 knot winds and 80 foot waves...... these are not the conditions you train in.

However the CG will way up the risks of the mission and abort if they feel it will likely cost the life of a fellow CG....... but sometimes there judgment can be wrong.


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If you feel sailing in high wind is wrong because it may require the coast guard to do exactly what they are paid to do and volunteer to do and choose to do then don't do it.


With the conditions these guys were out in it was not MAY NEED ASSISTANCE but will VERY LIKELY NEED ASSISTANCE.

My thoughts on this is if you plan to put yourself into a highly dangerous situation..... have your own stand by assistance ready such as a mate on a power boat.