Not Just Another Day in Paradise-Plucked from the Waters Off Andros

Last month in my Shark Bite Update I wrote about how Andros Captain, Jim Thompson, put himself and his boat between a hungry shark and some snorkelers in a daring rescue that pitted the shark against Captain Jim’s inflatable. To summarize briefly, the shark bit the boat and the snorkelers got away.

This month’s heroic rescue from the waters off Andros involved Logan LeFevre, Lana Long, Barbara Kline, Chris Suchier, Dan Nichol, Gary and Lisa Kingsley, and a very lucky local named Harry. The following is an account of this extraordinary day as retold to my husband, whose motto just happens to be Another Day in Paradise-Another Opportunity to Excel.

Not Just Another Day in Paradise

Just off the coast of Andros Island lie “the Goats;” not farm animals but actual small coral-formed islands. Local lore indicates that shepherds would put their goats on the island because the goats could graze but couldn't run away or get lost in the pine barrens on the big island of Andros. The islands themselves; especially the north end which is exposed to open ocean, present quite a navigational challenge when seas are running and it’s not uncommon for very large waves or swells to crash close into the islands; covering the island with salt spray and decimating any careless navigator’s boat who has sailed too close.

Enter Harry, a 48 year-old Bahamian, out for a pleasant but somewhat blustery Sunday. Skies were clear with a few fleeting clouds and Harry considered May 5th a good fishing day. Putting his cooler and fishing accouterments in his canoe-type craft, Harry headed out for an area inside of the Goats to catch some fish. Harry wasn't able to foretell that his small craft would be pulled out by the running seas and blustery wind, nor could he visualize that soon his small craft would smashed against the coral and he would be clinging for his life to his white cooler in shark-infested waters.

South of the Goats is the entrance channel to the Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center, referred to as AUTEC. Logan LeFevre, Lana Long, Barbara Kline, Chris Suchier, and Dan Nichol noticed what a bright, beautiful day it was and decided this would be a prime opportunity for some swimming, snorkeling, spear fishing, sightseeing or whatever; a good day to be on the water. Having reached the North End of the Goats, Logan jumped in the water and was ready for some spear fishing; using a drag line (the boat pulls you through the water until you spot a target). Ever vigilant, Lana scanned the horizon. Small conversation being exchanged about how big the swells were, often times blocking view of the shore line. Lana spotted something in the water and then the plaintive, pleading call for help. Somewhat taken aback, Lana refocused and confirmed there was someone in the water. The person was only visible at intervals because of the incessant rolling swells. Others in the boat heard the plea and turned their attention to it as well. Lana brought Logan up and showed him what she spotted. Immediately, they knew what needed to be done. Logan swung the boat around and headed toward the object in the water that appeared to be two people as they neared and contacted the Autec Marine department on the radio. Autec Marine responded, notifying the Autec Fire and Rescue team, other boaters in the area responded as well with their positions and advised they were enroute.  Meanwhile, Logan realized he would not be able to approach without endangering his own craft and the people in it.

Quickly deciding what must be done, all hands set about securing an anchor point as Logan donned his snorkeling gear and jumped in the water. Busy hands passed a spare life vest and line as Logan established a reference point to the floundering Harry quite some distance away.  In the boat, Dan focused his camera on the individual allowing Logan to periodically look back to be sure he was heading in the right direction since the swells impaired his vision of Harry. Finally arriving close aboard to Harry, Logan tried to talk to Harry. It was soon apparent Harry could not swim, was physically exhausted, and was scared out of his wits. Unable to establish dialogue and knowing Harry would not let go of the cooler, Logan submerged and slipped the life vest on Harry upside down to give him floating support. Once sure the life vest was secured, Logan dove to find the “other person”. Diving several times, Logan discovered the “other person” was actually a rubber mat resting on the bottom. That’s when he saw them, two bull sharks on either side in circling patterns. Even though they weren't large (how large does a shark have to be to take a bite out of you), knowing they were there led to a strong possibility of big brother and sister entering the area to see what all the fuss was about. Recognizing he had a limited time window, Logan surfaced near Harry and once again tried to get him to speak. Harry wasn't about to let go of his cooler or leave his boat so thinking quickly  Logan draped a slip knot over his arm, approached Harry, introduced himself extending his hand and the man reflexively grabbed it. Logan, having come from a small rodeo town, slipped the line over Harry’s arm and cinched it. Harry, too weak to protest, was towed away from his cooler and boat.

Six other boats in addition to AUTEC Fire and Rescue arrived on scene. Gary and Lisa Kingsley positioned their boat to make a valiant effort to intercede and assist. It was quickly evident that if they continued in the swells would carry them to a peak and then dash them and their boat against the submerged coral.  At one of those peaks, Lisa hurled a line at least 50 feet to approaching Logan and Harry. As Gary struggled to get their boat out of danger, Logan was able to finally secure Harry to the Kingsley’s line. Once Harry was alongside the boat, Gary had to physically lift him out of the water; Harry was too weak with exhaustion to even help save himself.

AUTEC Fire and Rescue, made sure everything and everyone was safe. They checked Gary Kingsley and company, made sure Logan could make it back to his boat after such a grueling ordeal. Gary Kingsley swung by too to make sure Logan and everyone who had helped out in his boat were set and then departed to garnish some medical attention for Harry.

Does this story have a happy ending? It does. Logan and company made it safely back. Harry got checked out and is doing fine at home in Davis Creek. The others who responded from AUTEC returned to port with a real life adventure and drama to relate. AUTEC Fire and Rescue went back to being on call and alert to respond in an instant’s notice. AUTEC Marine department continued to monitor the marine traffic and radio. Harry’s boat and most of his equipment was recovered.

And what my husband would call another day in paradise proved to be another opportunity for Logan and Lana and Barbara and Chris and Dan and Gary and Lisa and the rest of the AUTEC family to excel – and they did.