Man Overboard (MOB) is the nightmare scenario every sailor fears but few genuinely prepare for. The statistics are sobering: between 40-47% of MOB incidents result in the loss of life. In cold water, there may be less than 11 minutes to recover someone before they become unresponsive. Understanding these risks is essential—not to frighten, but to honor those we’ve lost by learning from their experiences and preventing future tragedies.
What Is Man Overboard?
Man Overboard (MOB) occurs when a crew member falls from a vessel into the water, whether during routine deck work, heavy weather, or catastrophic incidents like capsizing. Unlike controlled swimming or diving, MOB victims are unprepared, often clothed in heavy gear, and facing immediate threats from cold shock, waves, and separation from their vessel.
The term “Man Overboard” is gender-neutral maritime terminology inherited from centuries of sailing tradition—it applies to any person, regardless of gender, who goes over the side.
The Global Statistics: Understanding the Risks
United States Data (2000-2011)
A comprehensive study analyzing U.S. Coast Guard data from 2000-2011 found:
- 271 lives lost in sailing-related incidents over the 11-year period
- 70.1% of these tragedies occurred after falling overboard or capsizing
- Fatality rate: 1.19 per million sailing person-days (higher than alpine skiing at 1.06 per million)
- 73.1% were lost to drowning
- 81.6% were not wearing life jackets
MOB-Specific Statistics
From 2003-2007 in the United States:
- 749 lives lost in man overboard incidents out of 3,133 total boating fatalities (23.9%)
- Only 17-25% of people who go overboard are successfully recovered
UK Maritime Data (2015-2023)
Maritime Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) data shows:
- More than 40% of MOB incidents reported to MAIB resulted in the loss of life
- 47% of pleasure craft MOB occurrences were fatal
The Sobering Reality
Nearly half of all people who fall overboard do not survive. Even with modern safety equipment and trained crews, these incidents remain extremely dangerous. Each of these statistics represents someone’s loved one—a parent, child, partner, or friend—and serves as a reminder of why prevention must be our highest priority.
December 2, 2024: Remembering Dag Eresund
At 2:30 AM on December 2, 2024, during the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), Swedish sailor Dag Eresund, 33, went overboard from the Volvo 70 racing yacht Ocean Breeze in the mid-Atlantic.
The Incident
- Vessel: Ocean Breeze, Austrian-flagged Volvo 70 with storied Volvo Ocean Race history
- Event: ARC 2024 rally (820 people, 140 yachts, 2,700-mile Atlantic crossing)
- Equipment: Dag was wearing an automatic inflatable lifejacket with personal AIS beacon
- Search: 19 hours of intensive search coordinated by U.S. MRCC Norfolk, Virginia
- Assisting vessels: Vismara 62 Leaps & Bounds 2, 88m superyacht Project X
- Outcome: Search was eventually called off due to worsening weather and fading daylight; Dag was not recovered
Lessons from This Incident
Dag Eresund did everything right:
- ✅ Wore automatic inflatable lifejacket
- ✅ Had personal AIS MOB beacon
- ✅ Was aboard a professional racing yacht with experienced crew
- ✅ Fell overboard in an organized rally with nearby vessels
- ✅ Triggered immediate 19-hour search involving multiple vessels
Yet this tragedy still occurred.
This heartbreaking incident illustrates how challenging MOB situations remain, even with proper preparation. Distance from land prevented air search assets. Weather deteriorated. Darkness fell. Despite extensive efforts by fellow sailors and rescue coordinators, Dag was not found. His loss reminds us that the ocean presents risks that even the best equipment and most experienced sailors cannot always overcome.
October 17, 2025: A Remarkable Survival Story
In a more hopeful account from the Mini Globe Race 2025, Eric Marsh, 72—the oldest skipper in the race—went overboard during Leg 3 but managed to save his own life through determination and preparation. His experience demonstrates both the unpredictability of MOB and the critical importance of proper safety equipment.
The Incident
- Sailor: Eric Marsh, 72 years old, oldest competitor in the race
- Boat: Sunbear
- Date: October 17, 2025 (overnight)
- Activity: Stowing spinnaker on the bow
- Cause: Large wave struck the boat, sweeping him overboard
- Equipment: Tethered to vessel, wearing auto-inflating lifejacket
- Outcome: Self-rescued by dragging himself back aboard over port quarter
In His Own Words
Marsh’s account is sobering: “I honestly thought it was all over for me. After many attempts, I finally dragged myself back on board.”
He contacted his safety team immediately after recovery, reporting he was “wet and still very shaken” but with no serious injuries. Race organizers advised monitoring his condition, noting adrenaline can mask injuries.
The Equipment Challenge
Marsh’s auto-inflating lifejacket significantly hampered his recovery efforts—the very equipment meant to save him nearly prevented his self-rescue. Race organizers Don McIntyre noted the challenge:
“If the tether is going over the rail, it sags on the lifeline. It’s very hard to drag yourself back.”
The incident prompted race organizers to investigate fleet-wide equipment choices, recognizing the safety equipment paradox: inflatable lifejackets provide flotation but create massive bulk that makes climbing back aboard nearly impossible.
A Story of Perseverance
At 72, Eric Marsh survived an incident that many younger, stronger sailors do not. He had to overcome cold water, wave action, exhaustion, and equipment that worked against him—then haul his own bodyweight back aboard a pitching boat. “After many attempts” suggests this wasn’t a quick recovery. Each failed attempt drained more strength, yet he persevered. His story is a powerful reminder of why we must never give up, and why proper preparation can make the difference between life and loss.
Alone on Deck: The Recreational Sailing Reality
Eric Marsh’s incident highlights a critical difference between professional racing and recreational cruising:
- Solo sailing: No crew to initiate rescue maneuver, throw MOB gear, or assist recovery
- Tether becomes lifeline: Without crew, tether is your only connection—but also a potential challenge
- Self-rescue mandatory: Either you get back aboard, or survival becomes extremely unlikely
- Equipment bulk: Inflated lifejacket provides flotation but makes climbing aboard nearly impossible
- Physical strength: Must lift your own soaked bodyweight repeatedly until successful
Marsh survived because he was tethered, strong enough to self-rescue despite age and equipment obstacles, and refused to give up after initial failed attempts. His preparation and determination saved his life.
The incident also reveals an important truth about recreational sailing: crews are often alone on deck, and a simple slip can result in immediate life-threatening crisis. Unlike professional racing with multiple crew on deck, recreational boats frequently have solo watchkeepers handling sails, lines, and sail changes with no backup.
The Critical Time Factor: Understanding What Happens in the Water
Cold Shock Response (0-3 Minutes)
The moment you hit the water, your body experiences involuntary cold shock:
- Gasping reflex: Involuntary inhalation, potentially inhaling water
- Hyperventilation: Respiratory rate increases 600-1000%
- Cardiac stress: Heart rate and blood pressure spike
- Peak danger: First 30 seconds, lasting up to 2-3 minutes
20% of MOB victims are lost within 2 minutes from cold shock alone
Cold Incapacitation (3-30 Minutes)
If you survive cold shock, muscle function begins to fail:
- Muscle cooling: Dexterity reduced, grip strength lost
- Effective muscle strength: 10-15 minutes in icy water
- Swimming ability: Rapidly degrades, making self-rescue impossible
Critical insight: MAIB research shows crews have less than 11 minutes to recover someone in cold water before they become unresponsive. In some documented cases, this window shrinks to just 4-5 minutes in rough seas or colder temperatures.
The MCA is explicit: “Unless a person is rescued within 5 minutes, it is highly likely that they will be either unable to help themselves or unconscious.”
Hypothermia (30 Minutes+)
Core temperature drops, leading to:
- Mild hypothermia (<35°C): Shivering, confusion, impaired judgment
- Moderate hypothermia (<32°C): Shivering stops, severe confusion, drowsiness
- Severe hypothermia (<28°C): Unconsciousness, life-threatening
Survival time in cold water varies dramatically with temperature:
- 0-5°C (32-41°F): 15-45 minutes
- 5-10°C (41-50°F): 30-90 minutes
- 10-16°C (50-61°F): 1-6 hours
- 16-21°C (61-70°F): 2-40 hours
- >21°C (>70°F): 3 hours to indefinite
Recovery Time Reality Check
MOB recovery maneuvers take time:
- Williamson turn: Approximately 11 minutes
- Anderson turn: Faster, but still several minutes
- Quick-stop method: 2-4 minutes to return (if executed perfectly)
Add time for:
- Realizing someone went overboard (30 seconds to 2 minutes)
- Initiating maneuver (30 seconds to 1 minute)
- Locating person in waves (1-5 minutes)
- Maneuvering alongside (1-3 minutes)
- Physical recovery from water (2-10 minutes)
Total realistic recovery time: 8-25 minutes minimum
In cold water, you may only have 5-11 minutes before unconsciousness. This narrow window makes prevention critically important.
The Tether Paradox: Understanding Safety Equipment Limitations
Safety harnesses and tethers are designed to prevent MOB by keeping crew attached to the boat. However, they can create a different hazard: being dragged through the water at boat speed.
Documented Tether Incidents
Christopher Reddish (2011): Skipper of Reflex 38 Lion was lost while tethered and wearing a lifejacket after going overboard from the foredeck at night. Despite being recovered within 16 minutes, he did not survive—towed at 9 knots by his 1.8-meter tether, pinned against the leeward side of the boat.
Chicago-Mackinac Race: Sloop WingNuts capsized in a storm. Captain Mark Morley and his girlfriend Suzanne Bickel were lost while still tethered to their boat. A survivor stated he would not have survived had a fellow crew member not cut his tether free.
1999 Doublehanded Farallones Race: Harvey Schlasky was lost while being dragged by his tether.
1998 Sydney-Hobart Race: Phillip Skeggs was lost entangled in lines and at the end of his tether when the IMS racing boat Business Post of Naiad capsized.
2011 delivery yacht incident: 35ft yacht hit by swell entering port. Skipper and two crew washed overboard. The two who were clipped on were lost. The skipper, wearing neither lifejacket nor harness, survived.
The Physics of Tether Drowning
Testing with weighted dummies revealed concerning results:
- At 5 knots: Tight tether pulls torso up, head forced underwater
- At 6 knots: Head acts as aquaplane, driving body completely underwater
- Time to unconsciousness: As little as 1 minute when dragged at speed
The UK MAIB report documented four additional cases where sailors tethered to boats were unable to get back aboard, even with crew assistance.
The Difficult Choice
Being tethered means you stay with the boat—but you may lose consciousness before recovery. Being untethered means you separate from the boat—but you have breathable air and might survive long enough for rescue. Neither option guarantees safety. Understanding these limitations helps inform better prevention strategies.
Quick Release: The Challenge
Theory: Tethers should have quick-release mechanisms so crew can detach if being dragged.
Reality:
- Australian testing: Quick-release clips (“load off devices”) range from very difficult to impossible to operate under load
- Accidental release: One sailor reported quick release unexpectedly detaching twice during critical moments—while handling sails in a gale and securing jib in storm—vowed never to use again
- Accessibility: Reaching harness knife or release while being dragged, twisted, and submerged is “difficult and problematic”
The Knife Solution
Sailors are advised to carry a sharp knife and know how to use it blindfolded and hanging upside down. But:
- Jackets, harness, tether, and gear get tight and twisted, making knives inaccessible
- Harness knives often blocked by layers of clothing and equipment
- Regular knife in outside pocket more reliable than specialized harness knife
- Green River sheath knife severed tether instantaneously in testing—if you can reach it
Bottom line: In the panic, cold shock, and chaos of being dragged underwater at 6 knots, successfully locating and deploying a knife to cut yourself free is extremely challenging.
Waiting for Rescue: Challenges in the Water
If you go overboard untethered (or cut yourself free), you’re now floating in the ocean waiting for your boat—or another vessel—to rescue you.
Separation Distance
Even in “immediate” MOB response scenarios:
- Person goes overboard at night, unnoticed for 30 seconds
- Boat traveling at 6 knots = 300 feet separation before alarm raised
- Quick-stop maneuver initiated, takes 3 minutes to return
- Boat has now traveled 1,800 feet (0.3 nautical miles)
- Locating person in 2-meter waves: additional 2-5 minutes searching
In rough seas or at night, visual contact is lost almost immediately. Your boat may pass within 50 meters and not see you.
Rescue by Other Vessels
In organized rallies or busy shipping lanes, nearby vessels might assist. Dag Eresund’s incident during the ARC showed this best-case scenario:
- 140 yachts participating in rally
- Immediate alert via AIS MOB beacon
- Multiple vessels diverted to search (Vismara 62, 88m superyacht)
- U.S. MRCC coordinating 19-hour search
- Result: Dag was not recovered
Mid-ocean, distance from land prevented air search. Weather worsened. Daylight faded. Despite extensive efforts and everything going as well as possible, this tragedy still occurred.
Now imagine the same scenario but:
- Not in an organized rally (no nearby vessels)
- AIS beacon malfunctions or isn’t detected
- Solo sailor or couple (no one left on boat to coordinate search)
- Night, storm conditions, poor visibility
The challenges multiply significantly.
MOB Recovery Technologies: What Actually Works
1. AIS MOB Beacons
How they work: Personal AIS beacons worn on inflatable PFDs. When PFD inflates (water-activated), unit extends antenna and broadcasts unique MOB identifier on AIS frequencies. Any vessel within range with AIS receiver gets audible alarm and GPS position.
Leading devices:
- Ocean Signal rescueME MOB1: AIS + DSC, 24-hour battery, first alert within 15 seconds
- Ocean Signal rescueME MOB2: AIS Class M + VHF DSC, sends alert within 15 seconds, broadcasts precise location
- ACR AISLink: Personal AIS beacon with DSC capability
Manufacturer claims vs. reality:
- Advertised range: 5-10 nautical miles
- Real-world testing: 3.5 miles in open water with 14m receiving antenna height
- Typical range: 2-4 nautical miles with rail-mounted VHF AIS antenna
- Heavy seas: Wave troughs, spray, and breaking seas reduce to 2-3 miles or less
- Best performance: Calm winds, flat seas
2. PLBs (Personal Locator Beacons)
How they work: Transmit on 406 MHz distress frequency monitored by COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. Alert relayed to nearest Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC).
Advantages:
- Global coverage via satellites (not dependent on nearby vessels)
- RCC coordination of professional search and rescue
- Effective in remote ocean areas
Disadvantages:
- Activation delay: Can take 45+ minutes for satellite detection and RCC notification
- Air asset deployment: Hours for helicopters/aircraft to reach mid-ocean positions
- Distance from land: May be beyond helicopter range (as in Dag’s incident)
Critical insight: PLBs alert professional rescuers globally, but response time is measured in hours, not minutes. If you need rescue in under 11 minutes (cold water), PLBs won’t save you—only your own boat can.
3. DSC (Digital Selective Calling)
How it works: VHF radio emergency alert with GPS position. Some AIS MOB beacons also broadcast DSC alerts, increasing number of boats alerted (boats without AIS but monitoring VHF receive alert with lat/long).
Effectiveness: Increases alert coverage, but limited to VHF range (similar to AIS: 2-10 miles depending on conditions).
4. EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons)
Vessel-mounted vs. personal: EPIRBs indicate location of the boat. If you go overboard, EPIRB stays with the boat. You need a PLB (personal EPIRB) or AIS MOB beacon to mark your location separately.
The Technology Hierarchy
Best chance of survival: AIS MOB beacon (immediate alert to own boat within 3-4 miles, rescue possible in 5-15 minutes)
Secondary backup: PLB (satellite alert to professional rescue, response time hours)
Tertiary: DSC (extends alert range to VHF-equipped boats)
Critical point: In cold water, only AIS MOB beacon provides fast enough alert for survivable rescue window. PLBs are backup for warm water or if own boat cannot recover.
What Can Actually Be Done?
Prevention (The Most Effective Strategy)
- Jacklines: Centerline jacklines minimize swing if you fall, reduce dragging distance
- Three points of contact: Always maintain three-point contact when moving on deck
- Avoid foredeck at night: Highest risk area for MOB
- Reef early: Reduce sail before conditions require dangerous foredeck work
- Tether length: Use shortest tether possible to minimize dragging if you fall
- Non-slip surfaces: Maintain deck grip, clear lines and trip hazards
Equipment Layering
- Layer 1: Inflatable lifejacket with integrated AIS MOB beacon (automatic activation)
- Layer 2: PLB as backup (satellite alert if AIS fails or boat cannot recover)
- Layer 3: Accessible knife (outside pocket, tested for tether cutting)
- Layer 4: Strobe light, whistle, signal mirror (visual/audible location aids)
Crew Training
- MOB drills: Practice recovery procedures regularly, time them, identify weaknesses
- Night drills: Practice at night (when most MOB occurs), with strobes and searchlights
- Dummy recovery: Practice physically hauling weighted dummy from water (harder than you think)
- Solo/shorthanded scenarios: If sailing with 2 people, practice single-handed recovery
Boat Modifications
- Boarding ladder: Permanent or deployable ladder at stern (exhausted person cannot climb vertical transom)
- Lifting sling/halyard: Pre-rigged system to winch unconscious person aboard
- AIS receiver/plotter integration: MOB alerts trigger audible alarm and automatic waypoint
- Searchlight: High-powered remote-controlled searchlight for night location
Learning from Experience: Honoring Those We’ve Lost
Dag Eresund had:
- ✅ Professional racing yacht
- ✅ Experienced crew
- ✅ Automatic lifejacket
- ✅ AIS MOB beacon
- ✅ Rally with 140 nearby yachts
- ✅ 19-hour professional search
Christopher Reddish had:
- ✅ Lifejacket
- ✅ Safety harness/tether
- ✅ Crew aboard to recover him
- ✅ Recovery in 16 minutes
Yet these tragedies still occurred.
The data shows us what we must face:
- 40-47% of MOB incidents result in the loss of life
- Less than 11 minutes to rescue before unconsciousness in cold water
- 20% are lost within 2 minutes from cold shock
- Recovery maneuvers take 8-25 minutes minimum
- Tethers can cause loss of consciousness in under 1 minute if dragged at speed
- Quick releases don’t work reliably
- AIS range 2-4 miles in real conditions (not the advertised 5-10 miles)
- Only 17-25% of people who go overboard are successfully recovered
Even with proper gear and preparation, Man Overboard remains
one of sailing’s most serious emergencies.
The most effective approach is preventing MOB incidents from happening in the first place. Prevention isn’t just the best strategy—it’s the most reliable way to ensure everyone returns home safely.
Every person we’ve lost to the sea—Dag, Christopher, Mark, Suzanne, Harvey, Phillip, and countless others—leaves behind loved ones whose grief reminds us why this matters. Their experiences teach us crucial lessons about the reality of maritime safety. By learning from these tragedies, we honor their memory and work to ensure that future sailors can benefit from better awareness, preparation, and prevention.
Stay vigilant on deck. Prepare thoroughly. Practice constantly. Because the goal isn’t just to survive—it’s to make sure everyone gets home to the people who love them.
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