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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

Greta story Dr. Julie Ball...glad to here the MOB is OK. It's always good to know your on board a boat with a Captain who is smart, and always thinking of his crew!

Hey won 1000bucks too for falling out, but thank god they got him.

MOB is something each crew should prepare for.....Glad to hear your story was a success!

I heard about this at the docks the other day!! Harvey is a great capt...good to have someone like that at the helm when a bad situation like that comes up. Glad everyone made it back!!!

Bravo-Zulu to the Captain and crew. Their quick action saved his life.

Good job fellows, glad my boat is snug enough not to miss anyone.

Who are those two guys Dave and Doug? I think I might know them.

Eric

Whats up Eric,

Me and Dave Baily

Hi Julie! This video is all over the place. Sorry I cursed so much.
It was a terrifing feeling, but it turned out ok.

Alot of weard stuff happened this weekend!!! Pulpits through Salon windows,fuel Docks smashed,Marlin bills through the Hull of a Paul Mann.Geeze...

[quote=caddyshack,Aug 1 2007, 06:41 PM][quote]Who are those two guys Dave and Doug?  I think I might know them.[/quote]


Whats up Eric,

Me and Dave Baily

Hi Julie! This video is all over the place. Sorry I cursed so much.
It was a terrifing feeling, but it turned out ok.

[/quote]

Doug

Good job on the catch, what is the size for a citation man? We normally pick up our crew at the dock.

Ken was too skinny to gaff. No paper!

potentially tragic situation with a happy ending. Quick thinking to the crew for a job well done...

When is Caddyshack heading for the bLue?

Soon as I change my engine.
Don't trust the 500 enough to go past the high rise.

I cant get my crew to use the head I paid the extra grand for either. They would rather pee all over the gunnels than go below and use it.

If there is a head onboard folks, "USE IT". It was built for you to use. Thats one lucky fellow and a good lesson for us all no matter what size boat.