Kinageo WHERE

[a1fisher]

I know a fishing report in this section, read on and you'll see why.
Well my day was on a bad footing from the get go, I had planned a days fishing on my day off when at the last minute I had a small job on that would scupper my day long session.
So the job was done and I was home for 2 o'clock hardly worth going Know I thought, but as it was giving a poor forecast for the next few days so I thought to hell with it a short session was in order.On getting ready My gps was missing and after a good search it didn't turn up, it wasn't in the car or tackle box either No big deal I thought sure I had a rough idea where the mark was .
I got to my launch site and it was lovely flat calm and just wright for a short session off shore. So off I went and tied to a crab buoy about a half mile off shore, Lines down and it was glorious great to be out, and as I fished a head of fog appeared like a cream topping on a cake and sat on top of the hills and thats as far as it normally comes actually I never seen it come any low than that before, but it did today .
I sat there and watched over the next 2 or 3 mins as it seemed to pour over the water and a minute after that visibilty went from miles to about 20yrds, this was around 5 o'clock. I thought no, damn it but sure it will clear soon. I stayed where I was and watched closely for a break in the fog. I was quiet happy that I was in no imediate danger so I was comfortable to sit where I was till it lifted . 7 o'clock came and the fog was no better so our fine Coast guard got a call to say where I was and what I was planning to do.
They said they would send out the rescue boat wright away. I was reluctant to have them come out as I was close to shore and really should be able to get in. so I asked them to hold off for 10 mins while I'd try and get hold of one of the lads on shore to beep the horn on shore so I could get my bearings and head in. But no not a sound could I hear. Now the land was on my right hand side when I tied on to the crab buoy and as far as I was concerned the tide had not turned while I was out so I had thought.
So I was about a 15 mins paddle from the shore so I headed the direction I believed the land was and paddled for about 10 mins in the direction that land should be but after 10 mins there was no sign of land and the fish finder was showing that the water had gotten 12 feet deeper. But I know this area well and there is no deeper patch between where I was and the land. So anchor down and back on to the coast guard. I told them what the craic was and that I did need assitance.
Now I did have a digital compass on the phone and it worked fine a few times when there was no fog but today as I moved off it twice told me to recalibrate it and seemed to be all over the place so that was that out the window.
Help was on the way and I sat tight. At this stage it was 8 o'clock and as I sat the land appeared about a mile away in the oppisite direction . Anchor up in record time and I was away like a mad thing for shore. I was about 300yards from shore when the coast guard came zipping along so I sat on to thank them for there speedy response and to say it was myself that had called them and I was sorry for wasting there time. They were very decent and said it was the wright thing to do and that if your indoubt get on to them. They even towed me the short distance to shore. So a big thanks to Malin head radio and the lads and lady from Greencastle coast guard that gave up there evening up to come to my aid. They are a fantastic volintary service that make life on the water alot safer for us all.

[Smiliejp3]

good call,you were lucky you were watching the depths and knew you were heading out the way.we were in fog monday and only had a 5 mile spin to the islands but as soon as we were in the fog i was way off course and got the gps going.its best to be safe than sorry,we also had no phone signal between the islands.ive been listening to the vhf when out but i never tried to chat to anyone because i havent the money sent in for the licence yet,ive the course done alright,i must check it out no point having one if i cant reach anyone i suppose.

[big c]

bloody hell graham, that could have turned nasty mate. glad to hear it ended well.

[septicsac]

A close shave Graham, but fair play for posting it, just goes to show the importance of the nav gear. Going to move this to the safety at sea section

[Rosco1959]

Nothing worse than thick fog while out at sea. You did the right thing in letting the coastguard know Graham, better safe than sorry.
I've been caught out in fog a few times and despite having 3 gps units and a compass your mind starts playing tricks and you start to doubt the navigation aids and think you are going the wrong way. Plus you are in constant fear of getting run down by another larger vessel. Glad it ended up ok

[congereel]

wouldnt fancy that good to know the rescue services are always there when needed

[Yappo]

Guess the best lesson to learn is to always have a compass. Electronic wizardry can always let us down at some stage but it is essential to know you are heading in the right direction. Brought my son out once until we had no sight of any land and started fishing, then asked him which direction we should head to go back in, he was gobsmacked when I showed him the compass as he was pointing directly out to sea, lesson learnt.
Glad everything worked out and you made all the right decisions every step of the way.
Our coast guard services are a cracking bunch of volunteers.


Yappo

[noels ark]

glad all worked out for you graham , you've given me food for thought mate as i'd be the first to admit i rely to much on my gps .

[a1fisher]

Cheers for the none critical responses lads, I was reluctant to post as I thought the boating side of the comunity would be thinking bloody kayaks . But I have a magnetic compass in the post now F K the digital compass. Gps recovered from the back of the shed The wife found it after me nearly pulling th place apart.

[rooster76]

Nasty tale indeed,glad all worked out well in the end for you

[Fish Magnet]

Here's for the happy ending. Fog is scary, give me a rough tumbling sea any day.

[screeming reels]

Hi
Great post, and i wish more people would pass on these close calls, as it provides great knowledge and learning to others who may find themselves in the same situation.
Obviously if things go wrong, there is a great fear of embarresment that you have ended up in this situation, we all like to think we are perfect and only a fool would let this happen, not so, it CAN and WILL happen to the best prepared people.
As you did, call the coastguard early,if its close to darkness, it makes our job 10 times harder to find you!! explain the exact situation that you are in, they are not judgemental ,when they ask questions, give them the truth ( you would be amazed how many people tell porkies because they think they will get a bill !!!!) they want to prevent an incident becoming an accident or worse, that is our job.
Well done on a safe resolution in this case, Yes a good compass would have made a difference, but even with one, being in fog at sea in a small craft is not nice to say the least,If the Gut tells you it feels wrong, it is ! we have all been there !!! often its the only time the sea is calm , especially this year!!!!
On the rescue chopper ,We have just been issued with a FAST FIND PLB 210/11 , a personal locator beacon, its the size of a packet of fags, a great bit of kit that will get you found very quickly, ( RESCUE SERVICES WILL BE ALERTED WITHIN 3 MINS) approx £200, lasts 5 years is waterproof and made by mcmurdo, i am about to buy one for my boat. just google it for specs
Flea bay appears best price, approx £190, have checked with company, after five years , new battery and service costs approx £70.
regards
screeming