E
El Pescador
Guest
Some seven years ago, I went fishing for first time (and, so far, the only time) to Kelsey Bay with a friend. On my 17.5 ft Double Eagle with an inboard-outboard Volvo 4-cylinder, we went to Hardwicke and West Thurlow Islands; and after a not too successful fishing day, we decided to return to Kelsey Bay. Then, half-way between Helmcken Island and Kelsey Bay, I saw ahead of me what it looked like a static tsunami: a wave several feet high that was there but not moving. I have heard of rip tides before, but had never actually seen one. The current was pretty strong (I understood later where the names “Current Passage” and “Race Passage” came from) and I didn’t know the area. I recall the wind was on our back and the wave was ahead of us. I was not too sure of which way to go, but my gut feeling was telling me to stay away from the wave. My friend obviously did not understand the danger and encouraged me to go towards the wave and take it at 45º. Normally I obey my instincts but for some reason I listened to my friend and decided to go through the wave. Big mistake!!! I am unsure of what exactly happened, but I recall a big mountain of water hitting the windshield and going over the boat’s hard top, then the boat span around and the engine stalled. It felt for a few seconds like being on a roller coaster, then I realized we were still afloat, away from the rip tide and drifting, with the engine well and part of the deck full of water. I had 1500 gallon per hour bilge pump installed on a float switch, and it was doing its job very well, for all the water was pumped out in a few minutes. I didn’t manage to start the main engine right away, but I was more successful with the 9.9 high trust Yammy I had for a kicker. A fish boat came to assist us, but I let them know we were OK. After awhile, I managed to start the main engine and made it safely back to port.
I learned several lessons that day. One of them was to avoid rip tides at any cost, and another other one was to follow my gut feeling at sea, unless I am with someone far more experienced than I am in that particular area. Also, I though it would be prudent to start shopping for a larger boat.
Today, I go fishing on a 22’ Double Eagle.
I learned several lessons that day. One of them was to avoid rip tides at any cost, and another other one was to follow my gut feeling at sea, unless I am with someone far more experienced than I am in that particular area. Also, I though it would be prudent to start shopping for a larger boat.
Today, I go fishing on a 22’ Double Eagle.