Weather conditions and impact on life raft occupants

Discussion in 'The War at Sea' started by Ulsinus, Oct 18, 2022.

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  1. Ulsinus

    Ulsinus Active Member

    I hope with the help of forum members to get an insight into the impact that weather conditions would have on survivors who spent 12hrs in a Carley life raft in the English Channel in July 1944.

    The RN rescue report gives the following information:

    Wind NE force 4-5
    Sea and swell 32
    Sky overcast
    Visibility-poor

    What in particular does Sea and swell 32 mean?

    Occupants were taking turns of being in the water for hours then sitting on the raft.

    As always grateful for the help and advice of forum members.
     
  2. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    Last edited: Oct 18, 2022
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  3. Ulsinus

    Ulsinus Active Member

    Thx for the reference.
    Beaufort scale would relate to 'force 4-5'
    Sadly the Douglas sea scale doesn't seem to be applicable to: Sea and swell 32.
    Grateful for any further suggestions regarding quantifying what Sea and swell 32 physically means.
     
  4. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    I'm not Navy nor am I a meteorologist but I think if you refer to data charts shown on the Douglas Sea Scale
    State of the Sea =3
    Swell= 2

    Sea and Swell = 32

    i.e State of the Sea = Slight
    Swell = Low

    Condition indicated as: Wind Moderate to Fresh Breeze North Easterly (likely to be cool)
    Sea Light Swell Low.
    Sky Overcast, Visibility Poor.
    (Air Sea Rescue might have difficulty seeing them but Rescue Launch or Ships should be able to search effectively and pick them up without difficulty).
    Poor visibility with a moderate breeze suggests sea mist. Caused by a cool breeze on a warm sea in July.
    (I used to live on the coat for a while Its not uncommon).

    (If you are seeking to establish survivability you need the wind and sea temperatures plus wind chill).

    Could be wrong, try an alternative source. Possibly The Met Office. Alternatively, someone from RNLI or HM Coastguard.
    Come back and tell me if its right or wrong. I would like to know the correct answer.

    Perhaps a Naval expert who has done this before might come along.
     
    Last edited: Oct 19, 2022
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  5. Ulsinus

    Ulsinus Active Member

    That makes perfect sense. Thank you for the explanation. Much appreciated
     
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