Video-Crew member falls overboard, the Captain is a Hero

[fshrgrl]

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

An Offshore 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.

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

Julie

[Proheat]

Wow- A good ending to something that could have been tragic!!!
Glad that they realized relatively quickly that they were a crewman short and kept a level head and began instantly back tracking!!

A lesson to be learned by everyone!!!

[Sweet Caroline]

Very lucky. Most male drowning victims are found with their fly down. I give everyone a rubberband and tell them to wait until we stop.

[THE BUZZARD]

Thanks for the video that is one lucky dude! I think the fish gods were absolutely smiling upon him this day! My one big fear in life is being eaten alive by a toothy critter. It's hard to hold on while ya got yer jimmie in yer hand!
I think I will stick to my 5 gallon bucket never had a problem with that method!

[Whiskey Tango]

Holy crap on a stick.

[flappyj]

wow what a lucky F$#&, i dont exactly understand pissin off the back while underway, especially when theres a head... could have ended different if they were runnin at night. please be careful while takin a squeege......

[blackwell50]

I keep a cup at the helm.If it is really crappy out I just turn around and pee off the back of the bridge and let the spray wash it away,and hope the boss is not below me.

[Swami]

Remind me never to ask you for a sip of your "drink"...

[fshrgrl]

I like buckets myself.

Julie

[JD5652]

Wow!!.....that is one VERY LUCKY young man.....thank God it wasn't at night or in rough seas....... sounds like a good point to add to my pre-departure safety talk.....