You Never Know What You'll Be Bringing Aboard....
Capt. Sal Tardella
August 21, 2009
Norwalk Islands - Saltwater Fishing Report
We had a double header on Wednesday...one we'll never forget.
We left the dock at 8am with "My Bonnie" regular, Gary Lattrell of Pawling NY–Golf Course Superintendent at Quaker Hill Country Club—and two other employees of the club—-brother and sister, Andrew and Becky Carroll of Pleasant Valley NY. The action was almost nonstop, and they had a fantastic trip, bringing in many bluefish up to 10 pounds, porgies up to 14″ and a few bass, including one keeper.
In October Andrew will be leaving for U.S. Marine boot camp at Parris Island. Semper Fi, Andy!
The afternoon charter was definitely a change of pace. We sailed at 3pm with Yasser Eldermendash, a native of Egypt and Izabella Wszolek, originally from Poland-–now living in Norwalk.
We got some porgies while jigging for bluefish in deep water-–based upon the success of our morning trip. As the action was very slow because of the slack tide, we moved to the channel close to Manresa power plant, where the water was about 10-feet deep.
We began catching more porgies right away when the four of us were stunned by a loud explosion very nearby. About 100 feet from our boat was a 28-foot diesel-powered Bertram; fiberglass and other materials were being flung into the air and landing around the boat. Within minutes the boat was engulfed in flames, and as we maneuvered "My Bonnie" closer to their location, we shouted to the four elderly passengers to abandon ship. They did so, but there was no time for them to don life jackets. Seeing that they were in trouble, Yasser immediately jumped overboard and began swimming in their direction. My mate, Bryan Kerschner, was about to dive in, as well, but I cautioned him to remain aboard because I knew I'd need his help in rescuing the party.I immediately alerted the marine police, and Bryan and I worked together to throw Yasser and the others our buoy ring as well as life jackets. Yasser, Bryan and I were able to bring aboard Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Sikes of Rowayton, owners of the Bertram; the other two passengers (Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Corey of Fairfield) hung onto the side of our boat, and the police launch took over from there immediately upon their arrival on scene. Everyone was safe, but the Bertram was destroyed, having been consumed by the fire within an hour of the explosion of its engine.
Needless to say, that ended the day's fishing trip.
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