NASA Technology saved Teen Sailor's life

[KarenH]

Some of you may have followed the voyage of Abby Sunderland, who attempted to become the youngest person to sail around the world solo. Things did not go as planned, however, and she suddenly needed to be rescued in the middle of the Indian Ocean last June. Recently she visited NASA and learned about the technology that enabled rescuers to locate her quickly; here is a video about it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vEzYs5_nww&feature=player_embedded

[davidthefat]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLLnraf9EIA

This showes even with the right coordinates, it can be very hard to locate the person floating on the ocean

[KarenH]

This showes even with the right coordinates, it can be very hard to locate the person floating on the ocean
But did the swimmer have an EPIRB? Without that technology, no one would have known Abby was in trouble, let alone where her boat was.

[davidthefat]

But did the swimmer have an EPIRB? Without that technology, no one would have known Abby was in trouble, let alone where her boat was.

Well that might be true, but like the coast guard said, it all really comes down to the eyes and ears of the rescuers at the end. Even with all the fancy technology, nothing beats the eyes of the rescuers.

[EricH]

Eyes that can be enhanced with thermal imaging and night vision... Tell me those aren't technology!