Although the sea environment is very harsh, human beings have accumulated considerable experience in sea survival and created many amazing survival miracles. Some people in distress were rescued after floating for a long time. For example, three American pilots of the Pacific Fleet were rescued after floating on rubber lifeboats for 34 days; three others were floating in the South Atlantic for 83 days.
Experts pointed out that there are several elements for survival at sea:
Lifesaving equipment
If a survivor at sea does not have lifesaving equipment, So the hope of surviving in the vast sea is obviously very weak. According to statistics, about 80% of the ships sank within 15 minutes after the accident, and only about 1/3 of the life-saving equipment could be put down in time before the sinking, thus causing many people to drown to death. And 94 percent of those who climbed on the lifesaving equipment were rescued. It can be seen that once you climb on the lifesaving equipment, the chances of survival are greatly increased.
Self-rescue knowledge
It is very important for those in distress at sea to have some self-rescue knowledge. This knowledge includes the use of life-saving equipment and basic requirements, measures to be taken in emergency situations, reporting of the crash site and actions after abandoning the ship, methods of calling for help and transmission of signals, etc.
Sustainable diet
For survivors, fresh water is more important than food. Nutrients are stored in the human body, and as long as appropriate fresh water is given every day, life can be maintained for a long period of time. But without fresh water, it is difficult to maintain for a long time.
The food in the lifeboat can last the rated crew for 7 days, and the food in the liferaft can last for 3 days. You can temporarily stop eating for 24 hours after abandoning the ship, and then eat a fixed amount every day to save as much as possible. If you are drifting at sea for a long time, you can catch fish, birds and collect seaweed to supplement when food is insufficient. But if you don’t have enough fresh water supply, you should avoid eating these things, otherwise you will consume a lot of water in your body.
Will to Survive
Experts believe that the cause of premature death of people in distress at sea is not hunger and thirst, but fear. Therefore, an important factor for the survival of survivors at sea is to have a strong will that is not afraid of difficulties and a firm belief in survival. Therefore, first of all, we must overcome despair and fear, and secondly, we must be able to withstand the test of hunger, cold, thirst, and seasickness.
When you are in distress at sea, if you are not afraid of danger, busy but not chaotic, and you are fully prepared in advance, you can increase your hope of being rescued.
Traveling by boat should be mentally alert, prepared, and think ahead about what to do in the event of an emergency. Know where to store spare life jacket
s, lifeboats, and life rafts. Know the ship’s passages, entrances and exits, cross passage routes, and the nearest escape to the deck, so that you can quickly leave the dangerous place in an emergency.
If there is no life-saving flotation tool for those in distress at sea, there is a possibility of drowning. This is especially true in the case of strong winds and inclement weather. Therefore, the first thing for people in distress at sea is to float and prevent drowning.
The main methods to prevent drowning are:
First, use floating tools, such as life jackets, lifeboats, etc.;
Second, Learn to swim and prevent flooding.
