Nanoose Bay resident Jane Currie heard cries for help while working in her front yard and decided to investigate. She followed the sound towards the woods and water, eventually hearing someone say, “Help me.” She called 911 and was told she was the second person to report the incident. Robb Wilson, who works with Wyndscapes Contracting, received a call from the Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria about a person in the water near Wallace Point. With the help of a witness on the beach in Lantzville, Wilson located the capsized boat and rescued the man clinging to it.
The man was found clinging to the upturned skiff wearing a life jacket. Wilson threw him a life ring and, with the help of his passenger, managed to pull him into their boat. The man was hypothermic and was taken to the hospital for treatment. B.C. Emergency Health Services responded to the scene and confirmed one patient was transported to the hospital. It is unknown how the man’s boat overturned, but Wilson mentioned that the area had a big swell and the man may not have been prepared for the rough waters. The presence of a life jacket on board likely saved his life.
Wilson emphasized the importance of someone hearing the man’s distress call and acting quickly to rescue him. Currie expressed her relief that she followed her instincts and investigated the sound of cries for help. She emphasized the importance of not dismissing unusual sounds and taking action when someone may be in need of help. Both Wilson and Currie highlighted the role of random people phoning in the incident, which ultimately led to the man being rescued before dark. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being aware of one’s surroundings and taking action when something seems out of the ordinary.
The quick response from both Currie and Wilson, along with the coordination from the Rescue Coordination Centre, played a crucial role in the successful rescue of the man in distress. Wilson’s actions in locating the upturned skiff and safely rescuing the hypothermic man demonstrate the importance of having trained individuals ready to respond to emergency situations. The presence of a life jacket on board the boat showcased the importance of proper safety equipment when out on the water, potentially saving the man’s life in this instance. Overall, the incident highlights the significance of community members, emergency services, and individuals working together to ensure the safety and well-being of those in need.
The rescue serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared and equipped for emergencies, especially when engaging in activities like boating. The incident also highlights the critical role that random acts of kindness and quick thinking can play in saving a life. Currie’s decision to investigate the faint cries for help, along with Wilson’s prompt response and rescue efforts, demonstrate the impact that individual actions can have in emergency situations. The successful outcome of this rescue serves as a testament to the importance of community vigilance and the willingness to help others in times of need. Ultimately, the collaboration between concerned citizens and emergency response personnel resulted in a life being saved, underscoring the importance of readiness and responsiveness in emergency situations.
