Thread: Do they get a bill?

Never let facts interrupt a good BMW (Bitch Moan Whinge)

SAPOL made the call to rescue them, not them.
Was a Government decision based on weather and kids safety.

Wasn’t just a fired off Epirb either, they sent a “Spot” type message announcing they had become stuck to family. The family then raised it with authorities who went to check.

As for HF comms, of all the long distance tourers/adventurers I know - only one has a HF fitted now (was several) and most don’t carry Sat Phones as they’re hit and miss also.
They carry messaging beacons and do regular log ins.

Ummm, don't travel remotely, alone!

Solo trips seem to be the latest fad, up there with "ICONIC" tracks and destinations.

SAPOL made the call to rescue them, not them.
Was a Government decision based on weather and kids safety.

The decision to pull them out was based more on the media frenzy surrounding this more than the safety factors

Originally Posted by Saitch

Ummm, don't travel remotely, alone!

Solo trips seem to be the latest fad, up there with "ICONIC" tracks and destinations.

We have done mainly solo trips for decades,to some of the most remote places in the country,no issues at all.

Maybe we were just lucky,who knows.

We used to carry a sat phone,but like Tombie said they are hit and miss,and pretty hopeless in some areas,particularly where one can’t get away from trees,such as some areas on the Cape.

Originally Posted by trout1105

Fireing off an EPIRB just because the kids are getting dirty is pathetic.
These devices are to be used in life threatening situations (Mayday) only and with at least 2 weeks supply of food and water with access to air conditioned accomodation these people were Not in any immediate danger.

In your opinion .

In fact, in the guys first interview on being rescued, he said he activated his PLB because of the expected high temperatures forecast for this week and the authorities clearly agreed with this decision - noting they had been bogged for a few days before the PLB was activated. (I appreciate Tombie has mentioned the use of a messenger but the guy did not mention that in his interview - doesn't matter as the alert was given one way or the other)

I suspect the issue of dirty kids and lack of water - noting there was standing water everywhere, is probably just something made up by the media.

Hmmm

So we now own a PLB and Sat Phone……that will be with us for our two year trip.

These decision to buy both wasn’t based vehicular based touring in remote areas…which we plant to do.

PLB was primarily purchased for our planned through hikes……if we were not taking a through hike packs we would not have brought a PLB for the trip.

Sat phone was primarily purchased so that we can catch up with family when there is no reception. If we didn’t want to catch up with family I doubt we would have purchased a day phone to sit in the car for 700 days and not be used.…….even though we are planning some remote drives.

But by default we will now have both available if there is a need outside the primary reasons for purchase.

Does that mean if we get stuck in mud I won’t be billed….

Originally Posted by W&KO

Hmmm

So we now own a PLB and Sat Phone……that will be with us for our two year trip.

These decision to buy both wasn’t based vehicular based touring in remote areas…which we plant to do.

PLB was primarily purchased for our planned through hikes……if we were not taking a through hike packs we would not have brought a PLB for the trip.

Sat phone was primarily purchased so that we can catch up with family when there is no reception. If we didn’t want to catch up with family I doubt we would have purchased a day phone to sit in the car for 700 days and not be used.…….even though we are planning some remote drives.

But by default we will now have both available if there is a need outside the primary reasons for purchase.

Does that mean if we get stuck in mud I won’t be billed….

You'll be fine, mate!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/aulro-s-o...eakdown-only-/

so, I'm seeing some here using the abbreviation PLB.....what is it?

I am completely familiar with Epirb though.

An Epirb is not a Mayday transmitter , a Mayday is personally declared through a radio and spoken in standard words and phrases to a receiving operator and relevant information is obtained.

Setting off an EPIRB is not a declaration of a Mayday, nor a Pan.

It's purpose is to assist in determining the geographical location of survivors in a search and rescue operation.

In this situation the survivors did the correct thing and the search and rescue authorities went to their aid. Perfect operation....