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