Dave Herschel, a seasoned sailing instructor and director of Isle Maritime Training, found himself in the midst of a dramatic rescue off the coast of Sark this week. While en route to the island with two companions, Herschel spotted an unusual plume of white smoke near the western shore. What he initially mistook for a kayaker turned out to be a man clinging desperately to the bow of his capsized fishing boat. The scene was one Herschel had never encountered in his three decades of maritime experience.
“I motored up to him shouting, ‘Is there anybody else?'” Herschel recounted, his voice still carrying the urgency of the moment. His first concern was whether anyone else might be trapped inside the hull. The man, having been in the water for only a short time, was already cold, wet, and visibly shaken as he watched his livelihood sink beneath the waves. “I’ve been doing this for 30 years, teaching people how to sail, and I’ve never seen anything like that,” Herschel admitted, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The rescued man was quickly handed over to the St Peter Port RNLI, who ensured his safe return to shore. Paramedics assessed him and found no significant injuries, a stroke of luck in an otherwise harrowing ordeal. Meanwhile, the 5.5-meter fishing vessel, partially refloated by commercial divers, was towed back to St Peter Port. However, initial attempts to lift it out of the water on Tuesday proved unsuccessful. It wasn’t until Wednesday that Guernsey Ports, using a crane, successfully pulled the vessel from the water.
This incident has prompted a maritime safety investigation, ordered by the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents, to identify the cause of the accident and prevent future occurrences. The investigation will likely delve into the vessel’s condition, the circumstances leading to its capsizing, and the effectiveness of emergency response protocols.
For Herschel, the experience was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of maritime activities. “It’s a humbling experience,” he reflected. “You never know when you might need to step in, and you never know what you might encounter out there.” His quick thinking and decades of experience undoubtedly played a crucial role in the successful rescue.
This incident also highlights the importance of maritime safety training and preparedness. As the sector increasingly embraces technology and automation, the human element remains irreplaceable. Stories like Herschel’s underscore the value of hands-on experience and the ability to think on one’s feet in high-pressure situations.
As the investigation unfolds, the maritime community will be watching closely. The findings could lead to improved safety measures, better training protocols, and enhanced emergency response strategies. For now, the focus remains on the rescued man, who is fortunate to have his life and well-being intact, thanks to the swift actions of Dave Herschel and the St Peter Port RNLI.