Beer and seaweed sustain missing boater
 

CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Search and rescue teams this morning found a North Fort
Myers man who was reported missing several days after he set off on a
rowboat trip, with little more than a case of beer to sustain him.

A Charlotte County Sheriff's helicopter spotted Ronald S. Kimball, 44, and
his 14-foot fiberglass Dixie Craft boat on a mangrove island near Pirate
Harbor. A Sheriff's marine patrol boat brought him back to the city.

Kimball told Punta Gorda police that he left Saturday morning and rowed to
Pine Island, about 20 miles away. He told authorities that he wanted to
think through personal matters.

But strong winds slowed his trip back to Punta Gorda. According to police,
he resorted to eating seaweed and grasses.

His wife reported his disappearance Tuesday afternoon.

Kimball, who brought no cell phone, marine radio or other communication
device on the trip, was embarrassed that his disappearance had sparked a
widespread search effort. He still planned to complete the trip.

Upon his return to Punta Gorda, Kimball volunteered for examination by
mental health professionals.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb...============It always makes sense to pack enough beer for a 20 mile crossing in a 14foot rowboat.

"JimH" wrote in message
...
CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Search and rescue teams this morning found a North
Fort Myers man who was reported missing several days after he set off on a
rowboat trip, with little more than a case of beer to sustain him.

A Charlotte County Sheriff's helicopter spotted Ronald S. Kimball, 44, and
his 14-foot fiberglass Dixie Craft boat on a mangrove island near Pirate
Harbor. A Sheriff's marine patrol boat brought him back to the city.

Kimball told Punta Gorda police that he left Saturday morning and rowed to
Pine Island, about 20 miles away. He told authorities that he wanted to
think through personal matters.

But strong winds slowed his trip back to Punta Gorda. According to police,
he resorted to eating seaweed and grasses.

His wife reported his disappearance Tuesday afternoon.

Kimball, who brought no cell phone, marine radio or other communication
device on the trip, was embarrassed that his disappearance had sparked a
widespread search effort. He still planned to complete the trip.

Upon his return to Punta Gorda, Kimball volunteered for examination by
mental health professionals.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb.../NEWS/50302012

It always makes sense to pack enough beer for a 20 mile crossing in a
14foot rowboat.

http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb.../NEWS/50302012

JimH wrote:
"JimH" wrote in message
...
CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Search and rescue teams this morning found a
North
Fort Myers man who was reported missing several days after he set
off on a
rowboat trip, with little more than a case of beer to sustain him.

A Charlotte County Sheriff's helicopter spotted Ronald S. Kimball,
44, and
his 14-foot fiberglass Dixie Craft boat on a mangrove island near
Pirate
Harbor. A Sheriff's marine patrol boat brought him back to the
city.

Kimball told Punta Gorda police that he left Saturday morning and
rowed to
Pine Island, about 20 miles away. He told authorities that he
wanted to
think through personal matters.

But strong winds slowed his trip back to Punta Gorda. According to
police,
he resorted to eating seaweed and grasses.

His wife reported his disappearance Tuesday afternoon.

Kimball, who brought no cell phone, marine radio or other
communication
device on the trip, was embarrassed that his disappearance had
sparked a
widespread search effort. He still planned to complete the trip.

Upon his return to Punta Gorda, Kimball volunteered for examination
by
mental health professionals.


http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb.../NEWS/50302012

It always makes sense to pack enough beer for a 20 mile crossing in
a
14foot rowboat.


http://www.heraldtribune.com/apps/pb.../NEWS/50302012

Glad you are abiding by your promise, Jim, that was a damned good
article! Beer will now be a part of my survival gear.

"JimH" wrote in message
...
CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Search and rescue teams this morning found a North
Fort Myers man who was reported missing several days after he set off on a
rowboat trip, with little more than a case of beer to sustain him.

A Charlotte County Sheriff's helicopter spotted Ronald S. Kimball, 44, and
his 14-foot fiberglass Dixie Craft boat on a mangrove island near Pirate
Harbor. A Sheriff's marine patrol boat brought him back to the city.

Kimball told Punta Gorda police that he left Saturday morning and rowed to
Pine Island, about 20 miles away. He told authorities that he wanted to
think through personal matters.

But strong winds slowed his trip back to Punta Gorda. According to police,
he resorted to eating seaweed and grasses.

His wife reported his disappearance Tuesday afternoon.

Kimball, who brought no cell phone, marine radio or other communication
device on the trip, was embarrassed that his disappearance had sparked a
widespread search effort. He still planned to complete the trip.

Upon his return to Punta Gorda, Kimball volunteered for examination by
mental health professionals.


The first report that listing him as missing included the following details:

He was almost 6 and half feet tall, and 300+ lbs.
He was schizophrenic.
He didn't have his meds with him.
He once try to put his head through a brick wall during an "episode".

I was hoping they'd find the guy...but not for the reason his wife was
hoping.

On Thu, 3 Mar 2005 16:58:56 -0500, "JimH" wrote:

CHARLOTTE COUNTY -- Search and rescue teams this morning found a North Fort
Myers man who was reported missing several days after he set off on a
rowboat trip, with little more than a case of beer to sustain him.

A Charlotte County Sheriff's helicopter spotted Ronald S. Kimball, 44, and
his 14-foot fiberglass Dixie Craft boat on a mangrove island near Pirate
Harbor. A Sheriff's marine patrol boat brought him back to the city.

Some arent so lucky. I was ready to head over there to aid in the
rescue (I have a heli license), when i was called that he was found.

Glad he is ok.