Sailing around the world is certainly not without its dangers. For the most part the dangers can be managed.
The parents didn’t call the Navy. They called the Coast Guard. Something many many other people do.
The CG should charge such people as well. Again, CG insurance could become a staple such boaters.
In 1962 or ‘63 while in transit from the Caribbean back to Norfolk, in the wake of a big storm my ship was tasked with the rescue of a sailing vessel, the Northern Light. She had storm damage to her masts and her engine had quit.
We were the nearest ship to her, and took her in tow until the Coast Guard arrived the next day. The seaman’s code is that you render aid if at all possible.