Freak Accident Tampa Bay
Capt. Steven Markovich
August 19, 2011
Tampa Bay - Saltwater Fishing Report
Thursday morning was perfect for a day on the water. My brand new Ford F150 with the Ecoboost engine towed my Pathfinder Bay boat like it wasn't even behind me. The Gandy boat ramp was empty at 545 am, great no crowds. Everything was just right or so it seemed.
I am not familiar with the Gandy ramp so as I backed up I couldn't figure out why the boat had not slid off the trailer. I opened the drivers door and twisted to my left to see what was going on. My new Ford 4x4 sits much higher than my old one and has chrome running boards.
With my left foot on the running board the worst possible happened. I slipped and fell out of my truck. All I knew was a big tire was rolling at me. I struggled to get out of the way. I quickly stood up only to have my truck heading to sea! I ran towards it but by now the cab was more than half full and water was rushing in.
In seconds my truck and trailer was under water and my boat was drifting away. Luckily my Pathfinder drifted to another dock and I was able to secure it. I ran ¼ mile to the FWC office but nobody was there. I then ran ½ mile to Gandy Bait and Tackle. The guys were great calling the Police and wrecker for me. Try running in wet clothes and wet crocs.
I ran back to the dock and the police arrived within minutes. As the sun rose a crowd gathered while waiting for the divers. I could stand on the dock and look down on my truck.
Now I had white baits circling my Ford with Mackerel and Jacks chasing them. Little did I realize my new dream truck would become an artificial reef.
Captain Steven Markovich
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