What to do if stranded at sea

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The crew of the U.S.S. Indianapolis was in the water for about 9 days without food or water. Dehydration and hypothermia caused the biggest problems for them. Hallucinations and hysteria also erupted after a few days. And while their skin did get saltwater sores on it, they were not life threatening.

One of the best books I ever read "In harms way" Story of the sinking of the USS Indianapolis.
 
You won't last more than hours in cold or temperate water, definitely not days. I was lost about 45NM from shore for three hours in 14C water. My buddy was in a wetsuit and was getting pretty cold by the end of it. It's also exhausting swimming in rough seas, especially if there is current, so you may not get far.
 

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