Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Wilmington Fisherman Rescued at Sea by Good Samaritans

A Wilmington fisherman beat almost impossible odds and was rescued Sunday after trading water for more than six hours offshore. Not one, but two good Samaritans were able to assist. Stephen Bright was fishing alone when he accidentally fell overboard. Two hours later the first good Samaritan found his 33 foot Contender at sea with no one aboard and reported the empty vessel to the Coast Guard. Although a rescue boat and helicopter were dispatched to search for the missing fisherman, a second good Samaritan stumbled across Bright treading water and brought him aboard. During the almost seven hour fight for his life, Bright says about 8 or 9 other boats passed right by him without even noticing. Offshore fishermen are all too familiar with the scary prospect and long odds against them if they end up in the water, surviving without even a lifevest or something to help stay afloat is nothing short of miraculous. More on the rescue including a video interview is available from WECT Wilmington.

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