Jon Kraus wrote:
I wonder what would have happened if he would have called 30 minutes
before running out of gas and had the Coast Guard giving him "Flight
Following" Maybe they could have got there before the plane sank. I
don't even know if that was a possibility. Just a thought.

Lake Watch Reporting Progam is available through Flight Service.
Contact FSS prior to going feet wet.
Call FSS every 10 minutes and report as necessary (High and Dry, or Mayday!)
Cancel Lake Watch when feet dry.
With the exception of Western Lake Erie where I can island hop within
gliding distance, I will not cross open water without using this service
or or talking to ATC.