http://panews.com/local/x646421953/Foot ... nmentalist


(im the one on the left)

Good job, I will help anyone in or on the water.

Salute!

Lucky old feller.



Why is it that a barge or tug isn't responsible for what's in front of them? I always see people saying a barge almost ran into them, but to me if someone's broke down in front of you, no matter how big the rig, it's your JOB as a human to slow your roll so you don't hit them. Scary to know those rigs are rolling down the river just running into shit cause they ain't looking or can't see.

Yeah, i dont see when he didnt grab a life jacket. If he even had one?

good job guys

Below was his mistake. He knew his boat was not operating properly and he still chose to put himself in danger.

When Kelley first spotted the barge about a half a mile away, he felt sure he could get the boat out of the way in time but, as the image of the massive vessel grew before him, he quickly changed his mind.

I ran big ocean tug barge units for 18 years and at full sea speed it takes up toa mile and a half to stop the unit.

People operating small boats have to make good decisions and stay the hell out of danger.

I amnot saying the tug / barge unit was in the right by anyway but I learned at a early age to stay away from danger and always have a way out.

Other people need to do the same!!

Thanks to your efforts that guy can go home to his family. That's gotta be a great feeling for sure.

You got some good karma points with that.

Tony is right. You guys did a great thing. I was fishing for cobia on rigs out of Empire several years back and a boat w/ 3 guys went down at a near rig. I had Dad, Mom and wife in the boat and we loaded them up and got them on a crewboat before their boat went down.
Naj is right also. Worked on a towboat for a summer between college. Capt let me pilot in the Intercoastal and you can't see over the emptys and loaded you cant stop.

Lil Buddy, yall did a good thing, no doubt. It's good to hear that in this day & time there's still a few responsible young'ns in our area with a head on their shoulders. I hope you'll come out to the ride next week end, or at least to the park, so I can shake your hand & give ya an attaboy in person.


Now, like Naj said, that guy's lucky his irresponsibility didn't cost his family dearly. Some people seem to think that just because they wave their arms in front of you, you can stop no matter what. I see this all the time on the train as well. Just like a freight train won't stop as fast as a Honda, a tug with any kind of load aint gonna stop like a 18' jon boat.

That is fantastic!! I see people in the intercoastal all the time passing barges then cutting across their path. That is probably the dumbest thing anyone could ever do. If for some reason the engine stops, it is immediate danger.

My wife was seriously and severely injured in a boating accident. Maritime law is an eye opener. I was showed at fault for the accident because the other vehicle, a kite board, was a wind driven vessel. Wind driven vessels have the right of way, at least in our case.

Great job on your save, I bet it feels good.

Sure was a great feeling. Never know when your time may be either. Just gotta use your noggin out on the water especially.