Thank you for saving my life (From Thisisdorset)

Thank you for saving my life

10:57am Thursday 28th August 2008

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A MAN who almost drowned in rough seas off Portland has paid tribute to a Weymouth fishing crew for saving him.

Godfrey Drew, 62, of Upwey said he would have died if it had not been for nearby fishing vessel Rum Runner plucking him from the water.

Mr Drew had been out on a morning fishing trip in his motor boat, unsuitably named Be Lucky.

A wave capsized the vessel and he became trapped inside the cabin under water. Mr Drew cannot swim and was not wearing a lifejacket.

He said: "Rum Runner definitely saved my life. They guys that rescued me on there were fantastic.

"The boat flipped upside down and I couldn't find the door to get out.

"I managed to find a bit of air in the floor but I knew I was drowning.

"Then a total calmness came over me and the panic left me. I did manage to get free and when I surfaced I was greeted with about five boats around me. The relief and joy at seeing them was really beyond words."

Chartered angling boat Wild Frontier also helped at the scene by towing Mr Drew's boat back into Weymouth.

Mr Drew, who has been boating for about 30 years, said: "It was absolutely incredible and I give my sincere thanks to those who saved my life.

"The whole rescue was clockwork, with Dean Lock and crew getting me aboard Rum Runner and Clem Carter and crew on Wild Frontier taking my boat in tow to Weymouth. These guys' help will never be forgotten."

A Portland Coastguard spokesman said Mr Drew was lucky.

Mr Drew also gave his thanks to Prime Motor Yachts, Dan Shuttle, Kingfisher Marine and South Coast Cranes and Divers who helped with the rescue.

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