- Swimming to Culebrita

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Swimming to Culebrita

Author: Michael (---.163.166.190.d.dyn.codetel.net.do)
Date: 03-06-09 12:09

Now we know, it's doable. Not only that first swim to Cayo Norte and then from there to Culebrita. You sart out at Zoni, make sure to tell your friends, and then, off you go.

If you forget to tell your friends, you might wind up in Culebrita without the fancy helicopter rescue, that most likely cost tens of thousands of Dollars.

I am known to get stranded on little cayos myself, but I must say my rescue was way less fanciful and I did spend the night :( (actually 2)

Check out the full article:

http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/news-14738--21-21--.html

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Swimming to Culebrita

Author: Doug (---.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net)
Date: 03-06-09 12:23

It should be noted that the swim is extremely (read: Darwin Award) hazardous due to powerful currents in the sound. I attempted to swim, with fins, the length of Zoni and back, just outside the reef. The westerly swim was a breeze, but the return was insane. I finally gave up and swam to shore before I would have washed up on Brava. No fun walking barefoot over the rocks to get back. Only powerful swimmers with proven skills and endurance should attempt this.

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Re: Swimming to Culebrita

Author: Jeannie G3 (---.asm.bellsouth.net)
Date: 03-06-09 13:13

Hola! One thing is that it is doable and another if you are fit, are used to swimming in stronger than average currents and believe that you are a superperson. Even if you don't know the language and have not been watching the weather on the news, ask a local how conditions are, how's the weather, how do the currents behave. Common sense tells you that if the tide is rough from the beach, most likely it will be rougher out farther. Waves for this weekend will be between 9-11 feet tall. I have just heard on the news that ferry service between Fajardo and Vieques and Culebra has been canceled for today because of this.
When a rescue is made not only is the person in danger but, the lives of all the rescue crew are also in danger. Rescue crews risk their lives to save others. Part of what my brother in law does out at sea and on the beach involves risking his life to save someone who sometimes did not think twice about what they were going to do.
I wonder if this person has to pay for her rescue? That's going to be one expensive helicopter ride if she has to. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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Re: Swimming to Culebrita

Author: Michael (---.163.166.190.d.dyn.codetel.net.do)
Date: 03-07-09 05:58

I am afraid she doesn't. And in my humble opinion she shoudl have had a kayaker accompanying her.

I was offered a rescue once between Bermuda and Culebra and I did not take it because, as a captain, I decided my life is not in such danger that I, consentiously , could put others at risk. I put myself there out of my own free will.

I do think there should be some sort of retribution that has to be paid, so people do not undertake such hings lightly.

She did the rigth thing and informed people, what she was doing.

A float plan is a good idea - always!

And Doug, the current is the reason she has to swim to Cayo Norte first :) and then in the lee of Culebrita she can make it. my 2c

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Swimming to Culebrita

Author: Jeannie G3 (---.aep.bellsouth.net)
Date: 03-07-09 21:28

Hola! You're right Michael. She doesn't have to pay for the helicopter rescue. My husband who has friends in the Coast Guard told me that this is what they do. Don't our tax dollars pay their equipment and salaries? If so, then we all contributed to save someone's life. Maybe in turn, someday, she will save another. Life always has a way of coming full circle. Happy travels! J

supergarcia3

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