Man Overboard

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.

Julie

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Dr.
• Julie
• Ball
• Man
• Overboard
• www.drjball.com
• saltwater
• sportfishing

[450RHeli84]

dumbass. Then he goes and sits on the stern when the captain is speeding up to cruise.

[HonshuSquid]

Third time? Make that clown wear a life jacket from now on...

[randomvideomaker321]

When he said u don't wanna know what he lost I thought the guy In the water loathing swim trunks at first

[AudioImpression]

LOL @ DUMBASS

[doughemi57]

I was there that day. I'm in the white t-shirt.

[dcsensui]

This guy is very lucky. Moral of the story: Wear a PLB. Whenever I'm on a boat I always wear a belt-type PFD with a PLB attached. It's very compact and stays out of the way. I sometimes forget I have it on at the end of the day.

It can make the difference between getting located by the USCG in 10 minutes or dying a slow death, never to be seen again.

[LisaMcAlinden]

Loved the fella shouting "DUMBASS" at the beginning.

[callaghanI4L]

next time pea in a bottle

[HedPEhead1969]

jesus I woulda just been floating in the water thinking about sharks and shit....oh man that woulda sucked

[AndyMo357]

Its a good reminder that it is very easy to let your guard down, especially at the end of the day. Sign of a good captain keeping it cool and methodical under pressure. Gotta hold the cleat with the free hand next time!