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Message |
Seanakie
New member
Username: Seanakie
Post Number: 15
Registered: 10-2000
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 8:05 pm: | |
I arrived at the marina as "Reelistic" was being manuevered into the slip by "Chris".
I considered Billy a friend and I personally held him in high esteem. Not only for his ability to catch sharks, as many know, but for his ability, to promote his business and himself.
This is what happened according to the one of the customers (Mike), who actually jumped into the water and swam out to retrieve Billy, to the boat.
This morning at approximately 0100 hours, a large Mako was being brought to the stern for the third time. Captain Billy was handling the line and had it gripped approximately 2 feet from the leader, with several line wraps around his gloved hand. Captain Billy had a gun in the other hand in which he was about to shoot the fish. Suddenly the shark turned and dove away from the boat, pulling Captain Billy overboard "as if he was just a toothpick" (Mike's words).
Captain Billy surfaced nearby in approximately 1 minute. Reportly, Captain Billy was alive as he surfaced.
The seas were rough and quickly getting worse. "Mike" (from north Jersey) instantly dove into the rough seas disregarding his own safety, in order to lend a hand.
"Mike" removed his own jacket along with all his personals, including his wallet and car keys in order to swim better. When he got to Billy, the Captain had turned face down in the water. According to the swimmer, he didn't think it was face down for more than about 15 seconds. "Mike" turned Billy over, then swam him back to the boat.
The Coast guard responded to the emergency call, with a Helocopter. However, due to the sea condition and the swinging antennea, outriggers, etc, the helo crew was having difficulty dropping help to the boat. In fact, the first attempt to lower a Coast Guardsman was aborted when the young guardsman was dropped onto the top of the upper station, and thought to be seriously injured. The rescue helocopter then was forced to abort and fly the wounded guardsman back to land for help.
The second helocopter response brought a basket, which also got entangled in the overhead projections, but was finally dropped onto the pitching deck. Captain Billy was then removed. Apparently the Captain was given about two hours of CPR on the deck of the boat to no avail.
Most of the fishing crew were Amish from Penna.
I was told by "Mike', Captain Billy was in a hurry to leave the fishing site as the seas were building.
I noticed something wrong when I arrived and saw there were "no flags" flying from the 'riggers. Since it was an overnight fishing trip, I thought it would be unusual not to have caught fish. Then mistakingly, I thought perhaps the Amish didn't want to draw additional attention to themselves.
Captain Billy will be sorely missed, by me, and most who knew him. I had nothing but respect for him.
God Bless his family and Captain Billy.
God bless all those who venture onto the seas.
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Outcast1
New member
Username: Outcast1
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 09, 2002 - 8:38 pm: | |
I read this page 5-7 times a day. I am not a poster but have been an avid reader for more than a few years. Capt. Billy was one of the finest off shore guys going. He would speak and offer info. to anyone on the water and there is no NO NO doubt in my mind offer assistance to anyone in distress. Perhaps people like TEACHER and myself read only - now is because of people critical of Capt. Billy!!!!!! It is a big world out there and mutual respect and cooperation is what keeps us safe day to day. GOD BLESS BILLY HIS FAMILY AND OTHER FISHERMAN
outcast |
Chiefmikey
Member
Username: Chiefmikey
Post Number: 126
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 10, 2002 - 9:36 am: | |
Seanakie,
Thank you for your report from one of those involved on this tragic day. As a retired Coast Guard air rescue crewman (Cape May Air Station), I thank you for informing us of their valiant effort to rescue him. I know how difficult it is to hoist someone from a pitching boat in those sea conditions, I only wish I could have been the crewman trying to rescue him. The outcome may not have changed, but at least I would have had the chance to try and save a man I deeply respected. Many of the aircrew stationed here are close personal friends and I know they would do whatever it takes to complete their mission, even at the risk of their own lives. Although many of us are in shock and grieving over this tragedy, I know that they are feeling it also.
I was touched to read how his mate "Chris" and one of the fisherman tried to save him. This man "Mike" who dove in the rough seas to help him should be honored and thanked by all of us. His unselfish act of risking his own life to try and save Billy is the greatest gift any one man can give to another! I only wish I could personally thank them and console them, for they are hero's. I hope they do not second guess themselves for they gave a valiant effort. May God bless both of them and keep them well in their time of sorrow. |
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