We leave Fort Myers Beach on Monday morning. The marine forecast for the end of this week does not look good so we plan a short two night stay in Naples. Soon after we enter the Gulf, we hear something on the marine radio that we have never heard before....a mayday call. It is very chilling. The radio becomes eerily silent, business as usual stops after the call. The radio is silent with only the voice of the Coast Guard and those mariners who are able to help. Looking out to our northwest, we see the reason.
 |
| Obviously a boat in distress |
Approximately 3 miles off of Sanibel Island, a 68 foot pleasure craft motor yacht is completely engulfed in flames. We are about 6 miles away; too far to offer any immediate assistance. Fortunately for those on board, another boat in the area rescued the passengers from the water. We believe they only suffered smoke inhalation but their yacht is a total loss. It makes you realize how vulnerable you can be in a very unforgiving body of water.
It was an eventful morning on an otherwise absolutely beautiful Gulf trip to Naples. According to the Florida Cruising Directory, "Naples is a beautiful city, long a winter retreat of the rich and one of the classier destinations." As we leave the Gulf of Mexico and enter Gordon Pass, the description pretty much stays true.
 |
| nice |
 |
| nicer |
We arrive to Naples Boat Club where we will stay for two nights. The marina is not too shabby either.
 |
Let's get some steaks!
|
The steaks were great but the town's advertised mardi gras celebration not so much. We now set our bearings north, finding Crazy 8 a home for the summer and our own way back to Cincinnati.
No comments:
Post a Comment