Freeport, Bahamas - On Saturday, April 17th at 9:00pm police
received a
911
emergency
call from Frank Outten the owner of
Franks Ice Cream. His boat had capsized only 100 yards off shore
in front of Our Lucaya resort. Frank Outten and his
passenger Steven Henfres were clinging to the side of the capsized
boat.
The pair
were unable to swim to shore as they were tangled up in the fishing lines. Frank had a
waterproof
cell phone
and was able to contact the police who in turn forwarded
the information to BASRA. Immediately 2 rescue boats were launched into the area
. Gary Simmons rushed out with his boat
and
BASRA chairman Jamie Rose also had a
boat ready to go close to Our Lucaya. Police
forwarded Outten's call to the BASRA base Search and Rescue Captain, Tom Christian,
who
talked to
Outten,
informing him of progress,
and
calming him while he was in the water clinging to his boat.
Since the rescue was in the dark, the BASRA
rescue boats radar
did not pick up the
very small signature of the capsized boat. Mr.
Outten used the light on the phone
to
signal the rescue boat to his location shortening the search
time. Frank and Steven Henfres were rescued
and the capsized boat was towed
back in
to port.
BASRA is thankful this boating
accident turned out
okay for the
occupants. It is always wise to be prepared when you fish or
pleasure boat, the use of waterproof phones and
emergency life jacket lights allow you to be found more quickly during a search and
rescue operation at night.
BASRA reminds
all boaters to have lights, flares, life jackets
and working radio and cell phones.
Since 1960 the Bahamas Air
Sea Rescue Association of Grand Bahama made its mandate to save persons
in distress on the sea. Solely manned and operated by volunteers, BASRA
has saved many lives and been involved in thousands of rescues. With the
assistance of both the Bahamas Defense Force and the U.S. Coast Guard,
BASRA Grand Bahama maintains a watchful eye on the Northern Bahamas
seas.
Freeport, Bahamas - 