The discussion about the Emergency Locator Beacons (ELBs) and Emergency
Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)reminded me of an indicent that
occurred during the height of the cold war, when there was little co-
operation between the U.S. and the Soviets.  The U.S. satellite that was
equipped to receive such emergency signals was either out of position, or
out of commission.  A Soviet satellite picked up an emergency signal from a
remote area of Canada, and the co-ordinates were relayed to the North
American Air Defense, who in turn notified the appropriate authorities in
Canada.   The source of the radio beacon was the crash site of a small
aircraft, which was located before the plane had even been reported
missing.  The radio beacon, and a humanitarion act on the part of the
Soviets,  saved countless hours of search time, and perhaps resulted in the
rescue of the survivors.  Sorry, I don't recall if there were any.

On the same subject, in Australia, where I frequently travel, the use of
EPIRBs is promoted not just for aircraft and off-shore boats, but also for
fishermen, hikers, mountain bikers, skiers, off road 4WD use, etc.  Though
I have not done so, it is possible to rent EPIRBs, including pocket-sized
ones for carrying on your person.  To see what I'm talking about, here's
one website to visit:  http://www.epirbhire.com.au/

Of course, these devices should not be used as a substitute for self-
reliance, preparedness, and good judgement, but in the event of a true
emergency, they can be literally life-saving.  No one wants to be the
subject of a successful search and rescue operation, but it surely beats
being the subject of an unsuccessful search (or no search) when you're in
need of rescue.

Bill