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What if a simple wristwatch and the will to survive were all that stood between you and the endless sea? This week, we unravel the gripping story of Will Franson, who fought against hallucinations and the elements while stranded off the coast of New Zealand. His tale of despair turns to hope with the unexpected arrival of Skipper Max White and his friends, James MacDonald and Tyler Tafts, whose quick actions transformed a life-threatening situation into a remarkable rescue.

Our journey doesn’t end with Will's rescue. We shift focus to the arduous mission to recover the Betty G, the vessel from which Will fell. With days of aerial searches and maritime alerts, the suspense builds until the boat is finally located ashore near Waihau Bay. The operation to bring Betty G back is fraught with challenges, but the tenacity of the crew and the emotional bond with the boat’s original builder, Russell, shine through. This segment captures the essence of resilience and the deep connections we form with our seafaring crafts.

Finally, we reflect on the critical lessons drawn from these harrowing experiences. From the indispensable use of Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) to the importance of logging trip reports and ensuring everyone aboard knows basic boat operations, this episode is a powerful reminder of the need for boating safety.

Next week get ready for our next adventure, where we explore a new fishery for southern bluefin tuna and catch up with Tony Walker from TK offshore fishing, and Elroy Thomson and Christine Almiger,  who were involved in the recovery Betty G.

https://www.nzsportfishing.co.nz/
https://saferboating.org.nz/
https://www.tpsfc.co.nz/
https://www.coastguard.nz/
https://www.hutchwilco.co.nz/

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