Who Should Pay for the Rescue of Wealthy Risk-Takers?

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When multi-millionaire Steve Fossett’s plane disappeared over the Nevada range in 2007, it marked the third time the daring adventurer was the focus of emergency rescue operations spanning thousands of miles. His incident ignited a contentious debate: who should shoulder the expenses after a thorough search for the affluent adventurer concludes?

This pertinent issue has resurfaced in recent times, with the extensive search for a lost submersible vehicle in the North Atlantic, aiming to explore the ruins of the Titanic. As rescuers and the public grapple with the rescue efforts and ensuing grief, the debate regarding the financial responsibility becomes increasingly uncomfortable.

“Ultimately, these endeavors come with costs,” stated Arun Upneja, the Dean of Boston University’s School of Hospitality Administration and a tourism researcher. “A common argument is, ‘why should society bear the cost of rescue missions if these individuals have enough resources to engage in such risky pursuits?'”

The question draws more attention as the super-rich invest heavily in unique adventures, whether it be climbing mountains, sailing across seas, or journeying into space.

The U.S. Coast Guard, following its efforts to locate the Titan – a submersible said to have imploded near the infamous shipwreck, housing a billionaire British businessman and members of a prominent Pakistani family, refrained from estimating the cost. As the law generally prohibits them from demanding reimbursement for such services, the final expense for the mission is speculated to be in the millions.

Still, this doesn’t settle the broader issue: should affluent explorers or corporations bear the public and government’s burden for exposing themselves to such risks?

“This is one of the hardest questions to address,” noted Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union, referencing government-funded rescues since the 1990s, including those of British billionaire Richard Branson’s balloon exploits. “While government spending is a consideration, it’s essential to contemplate how limited rescuer resources can be best utilized,” Sepp added.

The strain on these resources was evident in 1998 when Fossett’s attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a hot air balloon ended with a dive into the ocean off Australia, necessitating significant rescue efforts. Critics proposed Fossett should bear the cost, an idea he declined.

Subsequent rescue attempts involving Fossett resulted in significant expenses for the US Coast Guard. When his plane disappeared over Nevada during a short flight, the state’s National Guard initiated a months-long search that ultimately cost taxpayers nearly $686,000. The subsequent request for reimbursement by the administration of Gov. Jim Gibbons was resisted by Fossett’s widow, who had already invested $1 million in a private search.

However, risky escapades are not exclusive to the affluent. The pandemic has seen a surge in outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing, leading to numerous rescue operations for ill-prepared individuals in extreme conditions.

Some regions have “stupid motorist laws” that compel drivers who ignore warnings on flooded roads to pay the cost of the emergency response. A similar law for reckless hikers is a regular subject of debate.

Most rescue officials and volunteers oppose charging for assistance, fearing it may discourage people from seeking help promptly, said Butch Farabee, a former ranger who participated in hundreds of rescue operations.

Such issues become particularly complex in extreme conditions like Mount Everest, where climbers often face life-threatening situations. While Nepal’s government mandates rescue insurance for climbers, the cost of such rescue efforts can significantly vary, potentially running into tens of thousands of dollars.

On the open seas, wealthy sailors chasing records have also required rescue when their voyages go awry. However, less attention has been paid to suggestions for limiting yacht race routes, potentially reducing the need for rescue operations.

In the end, the cost of rescue for wealthy risk-takers remains an unresolved issue, with societal and moral obligations intersecting with the practical matter of who foots the bill.

David Sharp, Big Big News writer in Portland, Maine, contributed to this story.

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More about Rescue operations cost

• Steve Fossett’s Adventurous Life and Disappearance
• The US Coast Guard’s Stance on Rescue Costs
• The Debate Over ‘Stupid Motorist Laws’
• High-Risk Adventures Among the Wealthy