To the Editor:
Friends acting heroic
I don't like the American concept of hero. It has lost its meaning because it has been diluted due to over-use. Not so with some old and new friends.
Last Saturday, myself and some family and friends, had the privilege of being saved by some heroic friends. We were left stranded in my boat out by the island due to a disabled motor caused by a rope getting caught in the jet pump. There was no getting the rope out and the engine would not restart.
Twenty times I signalled S-O-S on the boat's horn and not one of the many nearby motorboats raised anchor or approached to see why we were repeatedly making the universal distress call. Even the Peerless II, which cruised towards us for a time, turned away despite our call and frantic waving.
What a surprise to find a lone kayaker approach from shore as our first and only saviour. Jamie McKinnon, smiling all the way, insisted that we hook a line to his kayak so he could help us paddle to shore. It must have been quite a sight from the beach seeing a kayak pulling an 18-foot boat.
As we got closer to shore, three others joined in: Andy Harper, Ron Crosby and Sil Baldaia. All were needed to usher the boat through the rocks and ultimately get the children safely to shore.
My very heads-up neighbour, Glen Grant, having heard the distress call from far away at his cottage, dashed to his car and to his boat to help. He was the only motorboat to come to our aid.
I find it curious and upsetting about the apathy of all those other motor-boaters who were so close by.
To Jamie, Andy, Ron, Sil and Glen, heartfelt thanks from the Motzes, McSpurrens and Stevens. You are our friends who acted heroically.
Paul Motz
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