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We can all learn from this. This story may save your life.

A Fishing Rescue

By Dr. Julie Ball
IGFA Representative
Virginia Beach
www.drjball.com

27 July 2007

While running in at about 25 knots from fishing offshore aboard the “Fast Cast” out of Rudee Inlet, the skipper and owner, Harvey Caldwell suddenly realized his crew of five was down to four. In a flash, Harvey directed a fast search of the boat. While the crew frantically executed his orders, Harvey anticipated a captain’s worst night mare, and wasted no time transitioning into emergency rescue mode. His crewmember was not onboard, and he was going to get him back. Turns out, just a few minutes prior to this startling realization, the crew had been relaxing from a long day of fishing the Virginia Beach Invitational Marlin Tournament. While taking turns at the helm, Ken Gilbert who is no stranger to boats mentioned he would be right back, and asked another crew member to take the wheel for a minute. The crew was unaware that Ken had excused himself to the stern of the boat to relieve himself over the side while the boat was in motion, while the rest of the crew faced forward and continued their conversation. Ken explained that the boat pitched and rolled in a manner which, without warning, tossed him right into the water, head first. A perfect dive. In an instant he was all alone. A few moments later, Harvey discovered that he was missing.

Ken conveyed that he thought he was going to die as he watched the boat continue on over the horizon. As he treaded water all alone in 75 degree water, his thoughts reminisced of his children. With no plan other than the long shot of flagging another boat passing by, he hopelessly began to back stroke.

Meanwhile, his captain had already spun the boat, retracing his course, already plotting his set and drift in his mind. A few minutes later, we were elated to see a tiny speck bobbing between the waves in the distance, arms waving. When Ken saw the bow of the boat, it was the happiest moment he could recall-he was going to live. His boat had returned to save him.

As the boat approached, I could hear Ken exclaiming “I thought I was going to die.” There was also lots of agitated bantering and relieved scolding coming from the crew. We were so happy to see our guy again. The captain maneuvered the boat, and Dave and Doug wrestled an exhausted, but very lucky man into the boat. His time in the water was only about five minutes, but Ken was obviously shaken, tired, wet, and scared….but extremely relieved. He kept repeating, “I was dead.” I told him “You’re so lucky!” He looked at me with a sober expression, and replied “I know.”

Thanks to his proficient crew, and the astute observation, quick reaction and skill of his captain, Ken can now tell his shocking tale. He can describe to his children how the Captain of the “Fast Cast” saved his life that day.
Harvey is a hero.

Rescue Video


Julie

Great story and nice work to the captain.

Did that link work for anyone?

Great story...as a man that has been overboard himself....I can definitley sympathize.......

the link doesn't seem to work, takes you to a photobucket home page

Try it now, I resubmitted it. It is working for me now.

The link works for me. What a story! Atleast everyone arrived safe and sound.

Great lesson and fine work by the Captain to make this a happy ending. The ride back in from fishing is probably the most dangerous time, everybody is tired, adult beverages probably get broken out by the anglers (my crew and I don't drink until we are back at the dock, if then), and the number of eyes on the back of the boat is reduced as the crew often rests. Accountability for the full crew is the Captain's. It's even harder on a Flybridge boat to know where everbody is because you can only see so much of the boat. Express boats have gained popularity because the Captain is in the middle of the action. You've got to get by him (or her) to go below, go forward, or leave the cockpit...unless you cheat by going over the side. It probably isn't a bad idea to have a loop of line on one of the stern corner cleats as you run back in to facilitate the "P" Break some may take. Just hooking your elbow through the look may give you some added stability if the boat pitches. Grabbing a throw cushion to carry back with you might be another way. Might not look or feel cool when you do it but I've seen bodies come out of the water after 4 or 5 days and they definately didn't look cool.
Also, make sure that you take ample time to check out the crew member that went over, he's probably in a little shock and may have taken on some water.
Dave

[quote=Billable,Aug 1 2007, 02:03 PM][quote=ALYTAY,Aug 1 2007, 12:22 PM]The link works for me. What a story! Atleast everyone arrived safe and sound.
[/quote]

Great lesson and fine work by the Captain to make this a happy ending. The ride back in from fishing is probably the most dangerous time, everybody is tired, adult beverages probably get broken out by the anglers (my crew and I don't drink until we are back at the dock, if then), and the number of eyes on the back of the boat is reduced as the crew often rests. Accountability for the full crew is the Captain's. It's even harder on a Flybridge boat to know where everbody is because you can only see so much of the boat. Express boats have gained popularity because the Captain is in the middle of the action. You've got to get by him (or her) to go below, go forward, or leave the cockpit...unless you cheat by going over the side. It probably isn't a bad idea to have a loop of line on one of the stern corner cleats as you run back in to facilitate the "P" Break some may take. Just hooking your elbow through the look may give you some added stability if the boat pitches. Grabbing a throw cushion to carry back with you might be another way. Might not look or feel cool when you do it but I've seen bodies come out of the water after 4 or 5 days and they definately didn't look cool.
Also, make sure that you take ample time to check out the crew member that went over, he's probably in a little shock and may have taken on some water.
Dave

[/quote]
Well said. If I'm taking a squeege off the back on the way in I'll tell someone to keep an eye on me. If its just me and one other person on board then we always let eachother know where we're going and what were doing when running, especially at night.

I haven't fallen over offshore yet but I've been close many times.

Brian

Incredible story. Thank God for the good outcome!

Sounds like a case for wearing one of those Suspender like lifejackets to me.

Makes a heck of alot of sense! Those low profile jackets don't look too bad either.... if it saves your life...it's worth anything! I used to fish a fair amount by myself and have come back in rough conditions. I don't do that anymore. Even with the kill wrapped around my wrist, the thought of hitting a roller quartering to and bouncing overboard scares the crap outta me!....Because it can & does happen!

Great lesson and even better ending!

M.E.