Passage Revelation: Listen to the warnings and stay alert of suspicious surroundings. Trust your instincts and use good judgment, danger can be anywhere and everywhere.
Lessons Learned: Always be prepared against unknown-knowns. Use your electronics for safety notification and information. Document your float plan with Tow Boat US. When suspicious intruders are nearby call Tow Boat US with your location or any change of plans. This notification alerts nearby boaters and pirates the fact you are not alone out at sea.
The first time I heard the term unknown-known was after the Space Shuttle Columbia came apart on descent to Cape Canaveral over eastern Texas. NASA engineers were aware of foam chunks striking the Space Shuttle on takeoff, but did not understand the ramifications or dangers.
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Next to Last Shuttle Flight with my Dad and Mom |
This is how I felt when I noticed a new marker indicated on the radar. It would appear, disappear and then re-appear. In the distance, I finally saw a boat approaching the JonNe’. Of course, the boat would stop its approach and then begin again. It seemed to be monitoring our speed and distance. It was a power yacht who had more speed and maneuverability than our 42 foot sailboat. Now it motored toward our bow. Then it turned to the center of the boat. Suddenly it stopped and started toward our bow again. Their approach made me nervous.
After discussing the unusual situation with our crew, Kent Brownhill, I woke up Captain Jon, who was sleeping in the aft cabin, and requested he bring his gun for our protection. He was startled to say the least, but promptly retrieved the gun with and ammunition.
We all have a predefined description of a pirate. Some think a pirate wears a big black hat with a ruffled white shirt and a large knife attached to their belt scarf. Pirates can be anywhere but their apparel may be just like fellow sailors, or a tourist or even Kemah, Texas dress code. They don’t sail the skull and bones for warning. Pirates certainly are unknown-known, but you can’t tell by their appearance or behavior.
The ominous boat could have been potential pirates. Their erratic behavior led us to believe their intentions were not honorable. Jon’s preparation and plan proved to be invaluable. He immediately called Tow Boat US and reported our position. This information alerted the Pirates, Tow Boat US knew our location. Upon the transmission the pirates turned and paralleled the JonNe’ for miles. Then after a while the Pirate Yacht anchored at our stern. Possibly, the pirates were waiting for an unsuspected ship without a plan.
The JonNe’ continued their course in the calm beautiful Gulf of Mexico leaving the unknown-known boat on the horizon.
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| Kemah, Texas Pirates |
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