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-Short Attention Span Theater-
Atlantic sailor calls his local pub for help
2008-01-14
A British sailor seriously injured during a transatlantic voyage was rescued after he called his local pub for help.

Alan: "Hello, is this the Bull's Head? May I speake to Roger, please?"
Pub: "Yes, may I ask who's calling?"
A: "Tell him that it is Alan across the sea."
Pub: "Hold on, please."
Roger, the Pub owner: "Alan, how are ya doin' on yer voyage, mate? The lads have been talking about ya every evening. We are having a hard time making ends meet since ya went on holiday, heh."
A: "Well, Roger, the voyage has been lovely, but I fell down and I can't get up. And I am in a bit of a jam on deck."
R: "So where are ya, Alan?"
A: "600 nautical miles NE of Bermuda."
R: "Well, Alan, if ya don't mind me asking, why did ya call us? Especially on darts night, begging yer pardon."
A: "You were the only number on my sat phone speed dial, Roger."
R: "Right-o, Alan. I've never had to handle a distress call at sea from the pub. First time, ya know, but we'll make a go of it. We'll call the authorities and get you rescued.....and a free pint on me when ya get back."
A: "Thanks, Roger, you're a life saver, you know."


Alan Thompson, 61, was left in agony after falling on deck and breaking his pelvis on Saturday while sailing 600 nautical miles north-east of Bermuda.
Another tale from the famed and feared Bermuda Triangle™.
Roger Pocock, 62, the landlord of The Bull's Head in Fishbourne, Sussex, said: "We received a call from him saying he was in trouble. I don't know why he didn't put out an SOS."
Evidently Mr. Thomson had a good working relationship with his pub. He had not established a relationship with the Coast Guard yet.
Mr Pocock phoned Falmouth Coastguard, which liaised with its American counterparts. US coastguards later helped Mr Thompson off Padolu, his 37ft vessel.

"He was upset at the fact he was going to have to leave it," said a Falmouth Coastguard spokesman. "We put it to him - 'You have to come off, we can't get you treated on board'. In the end he agreed it was the best course of action."
Posted by:Alaska Paul

#5  Well, when you know you can't drive anymore, whether at the bar or on a boat, the person who will always be there to get you a ride is the bar keep.

What a smart sailor.
Posted by: www   2008-01-14 20:01  

#4  Brilliant.
Posted by: Seafarious   2008-01-14 15:25  

#3  He must have known U. S. ships are dry.
Posted by: Nimble Spemble   2008-01-14 15:00  

#2  Excellent inline commentary there, AP.
Posted by: Mike   2008-01-14 14:57  

#1  Excellent inline commentary there, AP.
Posted by: Mike   2008-01-14 14:57  

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