One of my workmates actually knows Mr Bell.He said he once had to ditch a brand new C182 he was ferrying in the pacific.What saved him that day was his epirb he had in his pocket.He did have a life raft but once in the water(huge swell and winds)when it inflated it was blown out of his hands.He watched it skipping of the waves and that was the end of the raft.He was picked up by the Navy as he was actually in a shipping lane betwen Hawai and the states.
The reason im writting this is that by the above mentioned,
miracles do happen.So hopefuly he is returned safe and well.
Thoughts are to his family.