This accident should be a reminder to all of us in regard to carrying the proper safety gear. I would say first on the list is a good fire extinguisher. (Required by USCG) Also a good anchor (not just a cajun 'pole' anchor). If you go in open lakes or in the Gulf a good drift anchor (a wind sock looking contraption) What it allows you to do is keep the bow of your boat layed into prevailing wind or rough water(waves). A good VHF/Marine radio as there are dead zones where your cell phone may or may not work ( I prefer a hand held in case I have to bail-out and ditch the boat ie; fire or hole in hull). A GPS so you can give rescue personnel you location or co-ordinates. Of course life jackets because it doesn't matter how good of a swimmer you were in high school, swimming in cold water and 3' seas are a completely different matter. I keep flares and air horn in case a day 'event' turns into an all night event. There are of course many other supplies such as bottled water and bug spray that could lend help to your survival (Too many to list) but these are just the basic stuff I recommend to folks who are new to boating. Also remember the rule regarding your fuel. 1/3 tank toget to your destination, 1/3 to get you back and 1/3 strictly for emegency conditions. Those 3 folks were lucky and 'blessed'. Kudos to you guys that aided in the rescue and stay safe out there...
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