Fellow Nonsuchers,
Yesterday, I was planning to replace batteries in my N26C, got the old one disconnected and out of the port lazarette, lowered the new one in then reached in to get the pos. cable…I reached a little too far and got inverted in the hatch…could not boost myself out…ribs under pressure and cutting off air supply…fortunately I had a buddy with me…unfortunately the whale pump caught me under the ribs and we could not get me out.
After two tries I told him to call 911, within another 6-7 minutes a policeman, the first of the responders and my friend were able to lift me straight out till my ribs/chest were clear and I could be uprighted. Took me 15 minutes to get my breathing back under control.
Responder, said if I was alone, it would have been a slow, unpleasant way to expire. I’m lucky to have gotten away with some assorted bruises and aches.
LESSON LEARNED—have someone on hand to call for help…accidents happen and some of them can have serious consequences.
The Lord apparently decided that he would give me more time so I could at least get Sea Horse in the water and have my first sail in her.
Joe
Sea Horse
26C #156