diff --git a/tools/btconsole.py b/tools/btconsole.py
index bdeb29c..55cc238 100644
--- a/tools/btconsole.py
+++ b/tools/btconsole.py
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ def serve_pod(hostport, egg_bytes):
         try:
             data = s.recv(4096)
             if not data:
-                print(f"[{name}] pod closed the console socket")
+                print(f"[{name}] pod closed the console socket", flush=True)
                 return
             # Expect the AcknowledgeEggFile (and possibly other console traffic).
             if len(data) >= 24:
@@ -134,6 +134,14 @@ def serve_pod(hostport, egg_bytes):
                 print(f"[{name}] pod->console {len(data)} bytes")
         except socket.timeout:
             continue
+        except OSError as e:
+            # Previously UNHANDLED: a reset/abort here killed the thread silently
+            # (buffered stdout lost) and the console process exited -- leaving the
+            # pods holding dead console sockets.  Log it and keep the thread alive
+            # (idle) so the process + diagnosis survive.
+            print(f"[{name}] console socket error: {e!r} -- idling", flush=True)
+            while True:
+                time.sleep(60)
 
 
 def main():