What I don't get is why he used his mobile 'phone rather than the VHF/HF/MF radio that he ought to have had on board for exactly such an eventuality. And I agree that his EPIRB should have been activated to help the SAR bods find him.

Quite right - as long as it doesn't get hit by a storm or ship, the boat should continue to float more or less indefinitely. Salvage rights to somebody. Let's hope it's another yottie and not a shipping company!

Steve