The 406 EPIRB would not require a search, it would be a homing exercise, and if, no doubt, it was the latest version or close to, it would have VHF 2 way communication ability as well.
To my way of thinking if all this modern technology was not available, ie GPS, a telephone to talk to Mum and Dad when things turn to custard, ability to yell to be rescued when the smelly stuff hits the fan, then there would not be all this so called record seeking, money making attempts being initiated by
PR people.
It used to be that going to sea on long solo journeys required a different mind set than what appears to be the current trend amongst publicity seeking people.
It was said many years ago by one of the most experienced ocean cruisers of the time that the worst thing ever invented as far as cruising yachtspeople were concerned was a transmitting radio. The whole object of the exercise was supposed to be that you are completely self sufficient. The number of yachtspeople who have had mishaps such as dismasting and still made it to a port using their own resources is in the hundreds, and nary a word to the public.