navy-launches-massive-search-off-japan-for-the-second-missing-sailor-this-week

I think you're right.

Sad that this is the 2nd in a week. I did way too many of these searches and hated every one of them...

As tragic as it is, this type accident happens wi our profession. While tied along side the pier, I was the Duty CPO making the rounds late at night, and our Topside Watch was missing. Turned out he slipped and while falling struck his head on the hull, fully clothed and with a .45 and ammo, he went to the bottom and drowned. We do what we can to protect our charges, but occasionally it's not enough.

I could see the Navy making a requirement now that everyone has to wear a float coat, which contain MOBI transponders(Man Overboard Direction Indicator), while topside.