Updated: Coast Guard Calls Off Search for Missing NFL Players

Well from a boating site that I check out some have people in that live in that area said the seas kicked up pretty strong at times. I believe the first night they went missing the seas hit 12 to 15 feet and that could have been what causeed them to be seperated from the boat. It could have been that the boat was getting tossed around so much from the seas they thought it caused more of a danger then it provided help. The said part is that for about $700 to $1200 the boat owner could have purchased an epirb which would have giving out a major distress signal and their location. Most of the time when one goes off its just a matter of either a ship, boat or the time for the cost guard to get the choppers in the air and heading their way. I also think if they just had the cheap lifejackets they would be tough to use for men of their size and their size probably worked against them.If you have ever seen the Most Deadlest Catch when a boat sinks you hear them talking about searching in the area where the epirb signal is picked up.

Yea I didnt think about the life jacket to size ratio, good point. I lived in SW FL for 30 years and yes the gulf is like that. Ive been caught in storms many times when it looked clear and sunny with calm water 30 minutes prior. So that is true. Hog1 lives in Naples Fl. He said it was very windy that day. I just cant imagine these guys tried to swim for it. I wonder if they knew how far out they actually were. Or they did and fear and adrenaline took over. They should make the epirb law after this. I cant stop thinking about what those guys must have went through. Lord Bless their families.

God bless their families. Life should never be taken for granted. It is a gift.

How long can it be before a few attorneys get involved and bring an action against the boat owners estate for negligence in causing the other's death?

Sad ending to this story. I can't imagine going out like that.

It is amazing that the 2 men we would perceive as the strongest were the first to give up, take off their lifejackets and float away. It just goes to show that without mental strength physical strength wont go too far. Sad ending to the story.

I cant beleive they gave up hope of being rescued after just a couple hours. that doesnt make sense at all. i wonder if they were intoxicated and that played into their willingness to give up so easily.

Man, this is pretty gut wrenching.

ProFootballTalk.com - REPORT: THE THREE MISSING BOATERS TOOK OFF THEIR LIFE VESTS (http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/03/04/report-the-three-missing-boaters-took-off-their-life-vests/)

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Can people stop sourcing PFT so much?


I thought he man they recovered told authorities they had all been together and were wearing life jackets?

Yea I didnt think about the life jacket to size ratio, good point. I lived in SW FL for 30 years and yes the gulf is like that. Ive been caught in storms many times when it looked clear and sunny with calm water 30 minutes prior. So that is true. Hog1 lives in Naples Fl. He said it was very windy that day. I just cant imagine these guys tried to swim for it. I wonder if they knew how far out they actually were. Or they did and fear and adrenaline took over. They should make the epirb law after this. I cant stop thinking about what those guys must have went through. Lord Bless their families.

I believe Epirbs are required for any type of boat that carries passengers for pay but not for private owners. I don't have an Epirb on my boat but I do have the proper equipment to signal for help for the areas I us my boat. If I took my boat out 30 miles or more on a regular bases then I'd probably have an Epirb. If they just had a standard VHF radio and had listened to the weather for any time they would have heard plenty of marine warning about the front moving into the area. They usually start the warnings 24 hours ahead of time so boater out much farther have plenty of time to find a safe place to go. The problem with boaters is in most states you can buy a boat of any size and head out on the water without any training or lic.. I know alot of people who have boated for years who still have know clue about safty.

I cant beleive they gave up hope of being rescued after just a couple hours. that doesnt make sense at all. i wonder if they were intoxicated and that played into their willingness to give up so easily.

Never thought of that BHA. That may indeed be the main contributing factor of why their judment seems off. Because it does'nt make sense to me either. You may be right.