Sea Rescue

[marvin4239]

Most of the news reports we see on people washed out to sea by rip currents don't have a happy ending like this. This kid treaded water for 15 hours without a life jacket.

www.baynews9.com/VideoPlayer/?Coast_Guard_Rescue_98


PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- A father and son are at home recovering after spending Saturday night treading water for 15 hours in the Atlantic Ocean.

Walter Marino and his 12-year-old son, Chris, got swept out to sea while swimming near the Ponce Inlet.

The boy's mother spoke about it Monday when her son was released from the hospital.

"We're just so happy, so happy that they were found and that they're in such great condition," said Chris' mom, Robyn Bishop. "I'm just excited to bring my son home."

Walter Marino was found by boaters but a Clearwater Coast Guard helicopter crew found Chris, who was separated from his dad, in the ocean. He was 10 to 12 miles offshore.

"He was laying on his back, treading water," said Petty Coast Guard Officer David Dunstan. "It looked like he was in a swimming pool."

Chris Marino did not have a life jacket or a floatation device but Coast Guard rescue swimmer Tom Emerick, who jumped in the water to rescue him, says the boy was well prepared.

"Whoever taught him to swim did an excellent job," Emerick said. "It was amazing. He was sitting back on his back relaxing and that's what you should do in that situation."

The boy was hoisted up in a Coast Guard basket and then taken to a hospital.

"He was obviously water logged," Dunstan said. "His skin was all wrinkly and he had a lot of jelly fish stings."

The Coast Guard helicopter pilot will never forget the boy's determination to survive.

"Amazing, the willpower to stay treading water all night long," said Coast Guard Pilot Lt. David Birky. "I think I'd be done after 30-minutes or so."

Both father and son were treated for jellyfish stings, shock and hypothermia but they are both in good shape.

 

[matt_unique]

What a story. I have many times been swimming at Ponce Inlet. One time farther north on Daytona Beach I experienced an unbelievable riptide. I could lean over at a 45 degree angle with my feet planted on the bottom and not fall over. I was shocked to see parents letting small kids anywhere near the water that.

 

[starcrafttom]

I saw this yesterday and was thinking how scary. I dont know if I could go 15 hours. I have a fear of shark and the whole time in the water would have been hell. During the night they were seperated. Thats double hell for the both of them. They both must have believed that the other was dead.

 

[marvin4239]

There was a story on the local news tonight about the incident. The young boy was autistic and his father said he wasn't afraid at all during the ordeal while they were still together. He went on to say as they were swept out past the sea bouy he was laughing and enjoying the adventure. Apparently fear was never and issue and the Coast Guard swimmer who rescued him also said he was laughing and enjoying the ordeal when he was rescued. As far as sharks this area and a little north has had a lot of shark attacks in the area in the last 10 years or so. I think the fact that they were so far out helped him as most of the sharks seem to congregate within a few 100 yards of shore. In this case what most would consider a handicap might have been what saved him.

 

[hardee]

Marvin said:

In this case what most would consider a handicap might have been what saved him.

Marvin I think you are right. that and a miracle.

I saw a couple of interviews, and it is an incredible story.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon