Malcolm,

The article that I read in the Boston Globe had some insights into how they got into trouble.

1. Their friends stated that they were only going out for 30-40 min and were going to stay close to shore but that a fog rolled in and they lost contact with the shore. I'll bet that they had no compass and little navigational skills. I'm speculating but I'll bet they paddled out into rough open water without intending to.

2. I beleve their friends were quoted as saying that they had PFDs but that they were just dressed in bathing suits and tee shirts (i.e. not for immersion)
Both were strong swim racers but without knowing where to swim and no wetsuits they got into big trouble.

The article is so sad because the accident could have been prevented so easily if a knowlegeable paddler had been there to prevent them from going out.

Regards,

Jack

Appart from the impending bad weather and their lack of skills the two mistakes