MayDay

[MOFarrell]

If MAYDAY derives from Me Aider !

Where does PAN PAN originate?

My limited knowlege of French suggests Bread Bread ... though I think not.

Thoughts - this is one for the budding linguists among us.

MPO\'F

[maiksinkovec]

I think it derived from the word \"panne\" which means breakdown. Not to be mistaken with penne

[CarlFarmer]

As far as I know PAN is a three-letter acronym - \"Possible Assistance Needed\".


:whistle:

[Chancer]

Naw Carl, and its not short for panic panic either Maik is right, it comes from the French and means break down (as opposed to disaster sinking or crashing as in plane crash) The frogs have cornered the distress market it appears as there are many more french distress calls most of which we dont use - not that is, that any seakayaker needs to use Mayday but we might hear one.
Mick