Fisherman calls 911 for rescue
(CNS): A 67-year-old man who was out fishing late last night (Tuesday 5 October) in a 12 foot aluminium boat was rescued by the Joint Marine Unit after he called 911 for help. The RCIPS said the elderly fisherman was approximately half a mile from Bodden Town dock when he realised that because of the strong winds and currents he was unable to paddle back to shore. He immediately raised the alarm by calling 911 from his cell phone at about 10.40pm. Officers from the Joint Marine Unit were deployed and mobile units from Bodden Town maintained visual contact with the boat until the arrival of Niven D.
A short time later Marine Unit staff located the boat some 3-4 miles from shore. The elderly man was brought aboard Niven D and his boat was towed to South Sound dock. The man was tired but did not require any medical attention.
“Yesterday was a busy day for the Joint Marine Unit,” said Inspector Bennard Ebanks, the officer in charge. “These two incidents – the three divers reported missing at midday and then this elderly man in difficulty last night – clearly underline the need for everyone who goes out to sea to take a radio and a cell phone with them. In both incidents yesterday the alarm was raised immediately and, as a result, we were able to bring everyone safely home!”
The RCIPS would remind boaters that they should adhere to small craft warnings and that the Sand bar has been closed today.
Category: Local News
We Caymanian mariners spit in the eye of danger. It is our birthright.
you spit in the eye of danger, only when danger is downwind I hope. you funny
The sea was flat as a pancake on that particular stretch of BT for the last few days until mid to late evening when this incident occurred, and to my knowledge, no warnings were issued whatsoever.
whenever the wind is to the north/northwest its calm in that area.but you cant venture out too far, as the winds cause you to drift,especially in a aluminium boat,and without an engine.I agree with the other poster,there should be a basic charge for these type of rescue,eg-:(whenpeople take unnecessary risk).
It is good to know that these men were rescued. God is good. One thing that I am concerned with, is that because of others insisting in going out to sea during bad weather it does not take the life of the officer/s who were trying to rescue them. Often times we hear of such bad tragedy overseas. People when there is a warning not to venture out during bad weather, please take heed to those warnings, because it not only can take your life it can also take the life of those who are trying to resuce you. We don’t want a single soul to drown. Wait until the weather clears up. The rough seas respects no one.
Oops, I meant this man instead of these men. Sorry.
Great job, RCIPS Marine Unit.
Well done, MU!
Great job M-U#4. Best for all fishermen to get a satellite phone. I just purchase one for under US$900 connnected.
This is great news!!! Thank God he is alive and well. And thanks to the officers that helped him.
Good job Marine Unit,4 lives saved from a watery death.