Sobering statistical risk of MOB

Staying onboard is the best method to avoid drowning, but how prepared are we when trouble occurs? George Day of the Cruising Compass is curious:

In this week’s Survey, we are asking you to let us all know about wearing PFDs while sailing and when and where you consider wearing a PFD essential. According to the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Board, in a sampling of 308 reported man overboard (MOB) incidents between 2015 and 2023, 47% resulted in fatalities. While 56% of the fatalities were in the commercial fishing fleets, the second highest group was recreational boaters.

The waters around the UK are cold, so hypothermia sets in sooner than it does in more temperate and tropical climes. Still, it is sobering to realize the statistical risk to one’s life should you fall off the boat. That’s why we’re coached repeatedly that it’s ‘One hand for the ship and one hand for yourself’.

Personally, I have been sailing my whole life, did not grow up wearing a PFD and, probably stupidly, do not wear one routinely when sailing now, except in dinghies. We do wear them at night offshore or in bad weather and when going on deck to change sails.

Please take a moment to fill out the survey and if you have an MOB story you’d like to share, you can email it to me at george@bwsailing.com.