An Offshore Fishing Rescue

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

27 July 2007

While cruising 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. Wasting no time,
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. Ken excused himself to the
stern of the boat to relieve himself over the side while the boat was I
motion, while the rest of the crew faced forward and continued their
conversation. Ken explained that the boat pitched and rolled, which
tossed him right into the water head first, a perfect dive. 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 alone in 75 degree
water, his thoughts reminisced of his children. With no other plan than
the hope of flagging another boat possibly passing by, he hopelessly
began to back stroke.

Meanwhile, his captain had spun the boat, retracing his course, already
plotting his 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 horrifying
tale. He can describe to his children how the Captain of the “Fast Cast”
saved his life that day.
Harvey is a hero.

Video of rescue aboard the fast cast - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...heFastCast.flv

"HK" wrote in message
...
An Offshore Fishing Rescue


Sorry, but without an overly dramatized magazine cover story illustration,
done in garish colors, this story leaves me unimpressed. The illustration
should include all the usual outdoorsy stuff, like a heroic dog, lacerated
arms, torn shirts, etc., so the net effect is Norman Rockwell on acid.

JoeSpareBedroom wrote:
"HK" wrote in message
...
An Offshore Fishing Rescue


Sorry, but without an overly dramatized magazine cover story illustration,
done in garish colors, this story leaves me unimpressed. The illustration
should include all the usual outdoorsy stuff, like a heroic dog, lacerated
arms, torn shirts, etc., so the net effect is Norman Rockwell on acid.




Maybe someone here can "Chuck it up," with purple prose and the
requisite nods to corporate sponsors.

On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:13:46 -0400, HK wrote:

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...heFastCast.flv

Can you count the number of things he did wrong in that "rescue"?

Not to mention how the situation developed?

I'm got up to eleven when I quit counting.

I wouldn't be broadcasting my stupidity that's for sure.

Dumbass.

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:13:46 -0400, HK wrote:

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...heFastCast.flv

Can you count the number of things he did wrong in that "rescue"?

Not to mention how the situation developed?

I'm got up to eleven when I quit counting.

I wouldn't be broadcasting my stupidity that's for sure.

Dumbass.


All's well that ends well.

On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:23:42 -0400, HK wrote:

Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:13:46 -0400, HK wrote:

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...heFastCast.flv

Can you count the number of things he did wrong in that "rescue"?

Not to mention how the situation developed?

I'm got up to eleven when I quit counting.

I wouldn't be broadcasting my stupidity that's for sure.

Dumbass.

All's well that ends well.

True, but the Captain is still a dumbass and shouldn't be bragging
about his clearly inferior "rescue" skill.

On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:05:53 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:13:46 -0400, HK wrote:

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...heFastCast.flv

Can you count the number of things he did wrong in that "rescue"?

Not to mention how the situation developed?

I'm got up to eleven when I quit counting.

I wouldn't be broadcasting my stupidity that's for sure.

Dumbass.

My favorite was when he powered up again with the groggy rescuee
sitting on the transom. These guys weren't too sharp.
Wonder what shape the beer cooler was in.

--Vic

On Aug 1, 9:38 am, Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 09:23:42 -0400, HK wrote:
Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:
On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:13:46 -0400, HK wrote:

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g3.../?action=view¤...

Can you count the number of things he did wrong in that "rescue"?

Not to mention how the situation developed?

I'm got up to eleven when I quit counting.

I wouldn't be broadcasting my stupidity that's for sure.

Dumbass.

All's well that ends well.

True, but the Captain is still a dumbass and shouldn't be bragging
about his clearly inferior "rescue" skill.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Did I hear the Captain say this had happened three times? He needs a
blanket party, and another profession if that is the case.

On Aug 1, 9:38 am, Short Wave Sportfishing wrote:

True, but the Captain is still a dumbass and shouldn't be bragging
about his clearly inferior "rescue" skill.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Is the captain required to file any kind of incident reprot with the
athourities? I mean, if you have an accident and someone almost gets
killed on the road. I still say if that was me climbing back on the
boat, I would be looking for the shark bat, and the captain...

On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:46:22 -0500, Vic Smith
wrote:

On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 13:05:53 GMT, Short Wave Sportfishing
wrote:

On Wed, 01 Aug 2007 08:13:46 -0400, HK wrote:

http://s52.photobucket.com/albums/g3...heFastCast.flv

Can you count the number of things he did wrong in that "rescue"?

Not to mention how the situation developed?

I'm got up to eleven when I quit counting.

I wouldn't be broadcasting my stupidity that's for sure.

Dumbass.

My favorite was when he powered up again with the groggy rescuee
sitting on the transom. These guys weren't too sharp.
Wonder what shape the beer cooler was in.

LOL!!

Amazing wasn't it?

Like I said, I wouldn't be bragging on my "madd rezque skillzz" if I
were the Captain.

I'm glad Harry posted that. I needed something to **** me off today
just to get motivated. I'm overdue for my chemo treatment and I'm
just not motivated. :)