Search for sub on the minds of many along the waterfront
SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-The Santa Barbara waterfront is busy during Wet Wednesday races.
Many people watching and taking part have been following the international search for missing OceanGate Submersible Titan that was on an expedition to the Titanic off Canada.
"Actually I work for a company that does deep sea diving so it kind of brought it to my attention it just scary I hope they find them, " said Frank Tacadena, who took a sunny day off to enjoy the waterfront with his family."
The owner of TowBoat U.S. in the Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors said during the summer months when the weather gets nicer they see an increase in boating accidents father offshore.
"Most recently a 45 foot commercial fishing vessel hit the island and ultimately sank in about 50 feet of water at one of the most popular anchorages at Santa Cruz Islands," said Capt. Carson Shevitz."
TowBoat U.S. helped with the rescue of the Sea Jay crew and towed the vessel back to shore.
"Know Before you go," is a saying used to remind boaters about safety.
"If you understand the dangers of boating and what can go wrong out there we think you will be in a much better position to respond if something ever does happen," said Shevitz.
Boaters should know how to operate their VHF radio and how to put out a distress call out.
If boaters know how to read out their GPS position responders can come to their rescue quickly.
First responders will also want to the know the name, make, length and color of the boat, the nature of the problem and how many people on board.
He recommends have a float plan that allows people on land to know when you plan to go out and when you plan to come back to shore.
Shevits said boaters should thinking of their anchor as an emergency break.
The search is also on for a cargo ship crew member who fell overboard near Point Conception.
Santa Barbara Harbor Ryan Kelly said boaters need to practice using their flairs and other safety gear.
And they should remember the basics such as wearing life vests.
Kelly said young children are required to wear them at all times.
A recent safety presentation called Suddenly in Command presented at the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club taught dozens of boaters how to contact the U.S. Coast Guard for help.
That class is offered by the CG Auxiliary Channel Islands Harbor. (wow.uscgaux.info)
Competitive sailors say they pay attention to the changing conditions.
Brian Zimmerman races his sailboat named Fenced in.
He said life jackets are a must in rough or windy conditions, especially when he sails fare away from shore.
What is happening with the sub is putting the spotlight on maritime safety.
Tacadena said his family has been praying for the five people on board the missing sub.
