Computers Determine When To Stop Searches For Missing People At Sea

British researchers are developing a new computer model to predict how long someone will survive when lost at sea, which will in turn determine when a search and rescue operation may be stopped. The Search and Rescue Survival Model is being developed by the University of Portsmouth's Sports Science and Mathematics departments and the US Coast Guard. It aims to support the US Coast Guard target of saving 93 per cent of victims annually - between 3000-6000 people - whose lives are in danger at sea. "Using this new computer model will take pressure off humans making very emotional and sensitive decisions about when to end a search," said Professor Mike Tipton, human and applied physiologist, from the University of Portsmouth.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081119084531.htm