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The Calm Before the Storm - Near Disaster at Sea | Episode 217

August 16, 2023 · 33 min · 54K views · Archipel des Tuamotu

What this video covers

A severe storm with wind gusts reaching 53 knots strikes an anchorage at an atoll in the South Pacific, forcing the crew of a catamaran to manage heavy weather while at anchor.9:58 During the peak of the storm, the owner attempts to retrieve a cushion blown overboard by launching the dinghy, which flips in the high winds and leaves him drifting toward other vessels.18:49 The owner manages to paddle to a nearby boat, *Cibela*, for rescue while the remaining crew member coordinates via VHF radio.23:59 The dinghy’s outboard motor sustains water damage from the capsize, requiring the removal of spark plugs to drain seawater from the cylinders.32:37 The storm, which the crew identifies as a Force 10 on the Beaufort scale, causes a lightning strike that destroys the boat's wind instrument.17:01 The incident highlights the danger of attempting to recover minor gear in extreme conditions and the necessity of maintaining clear communication with nearby boats during emergencies.

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