Foiler Crash Leads to PLB Activation in Victoria

4 lives saved

Crash or collision

Medical emergency

Ocean

Water sports

Wind

What happened?

A crew of four downwind foilers and I set off from Point Roadknight for a 20-kilometre downwind journey to Torquay. During the run, another foiler and I unintentionally got too close to each other due to a sudden change in the wind, resulting in a collision.

Following the impact, I lost consciousness and sustained a dislocated jaw. I don’t recall the incident or much of what happened afterwards; however, I was informed that I remained unconscious for approximately five minutes.

The other foiler reacted promptly and effectively after surfacing and finding me unresponsive in the water. He ensured I could breathe until I regained consciousness and then quickly sought assistance. He retrieved my life vest and activated the Personal Locator Beacon (rescueME PLB1), which alerted rescue services to the accident.

We established contact with emergency services, received valuable instructions, and were informed that help was on its way. They provided a plan to follow until their arrival. Shortly after, police and ambulance helicopters arrived to assist.

Words of wisdom

PLB wont prevent an accident but do increase your survival when an accident happens. You don’t need to be a professional athlete to have an accident.

Thank you note to the Ocean Signal team

Thank you to Victoria Air Ambulance and Police.