So sorry to read about this tragic event. Having travelled virtually the
same route many years ago in a 172J - but on a fine summers day -
my main recollections being how few ships or boats were to be seen
in the area in the event of having to ditch - and the realisation that
one would be over the sea for best part of an hour in a single engine a/c.
I dont know whether high wing or low wing is considered an asset if faced with ditching in the sea - but I would not be too happy with Pipers single
entry/exit door. So sad to learn that the pilot has not been seen since.
...