Options
Helping fellow boater
halifax212
Member Posts: 553 ✭✭✭
I spent a couple hours in a nice cove today with my Admiral watching activity on the water and getting a bite to eat. Beautiful day here today. When we left the cove the wind had picked up substantially once we faced open water with 4 to 5 foot waves in a 212. After 10 minutes we noticed a small power boat waving an oar in distress. We went over to assist, they had lost power. Due to the wind/waves there were no other boats in the area so we decided to give tow(they were 5 minutes from drifting on shore) They wanted a tow to the cove where we had just come from but the Admiral said no way we are going back. We offered to tow them to a government wharf which was in our direction and they were ok with that. After 15 minutes of 1200 rpm tow in rough water we are now into a fog blowing across the Bay. While heading into the wind to avoid a shoal off a point of land the tow line snaps and have to swing back to re attach. At this point my wife is freaking and I felt our boating days have come to an end. An hour and a half later we reach the wharf and pull in on the lee side and released the boater from the tow. They were very grateful and offered compensation but we declined . We were just happy we were able to get them to a safe area. Not sure about marine law but pretty sure if you come across someone in distress you have to assist. I remember stories that if you begin cpr on someone you cannot quit. I wanted to quit the tow but knew there were no other options for the guys. We ended up anchoring near our marina in one of our favourite coves and chilled for an hour. I think the Admiral has recovered enough as we plan to go out again tomorrow. Due to the water conditions I felt we were being placed in Harms Way trying to help another. Sitting at home now I am glad I was able to help.....was meant to be I guess.
Comments
All I've wanted was to just have fun.
You have to love the water....
Len & Robyn 342 FV Freebird