1st Assist

[limeydal]

Was out today and pulled into a small breakwater harbour that we stop at for snacks.As we pulled in we saw two men frantically paddling trying to fight the wind from pushing them up onto the shore.
Seems their engine had failed and were being blown onto the concrete blocks.
We threw them a line and pulled them clear of the harbour and into the open bay. They tried to start their engine but no luck. So I hated to leave them out there, as a call to the vessel assist would be a minimum of $160.
So we towed them back to the dock(about 2 miles)
I was a little disapointed though, that there was not even an offer of "thanks here's some gas money" or "get the kids some Halloween candy or something".
So we felt good helping out but it would have been nice to be appreciated as we saved them a lot of money.
So am I mean for thinking next time, "pull the person clear and out of danger and just offer to radio for vessel assist??
cheers Dal

[118118]

as far as i am aware you could have been able to claim salvage, as you provided the tow, and the tow rope and pulled them from danger. not sure how you would go about getting the money though?

[Hightower]

Yeh, I've heard of this before and I think it's discusting. If you break down you either have the option of a DIY approach or take advantage of some kind soul stopping to ask for help at the risk of ruining their day's trip.

I think the least people should do is to offer gifts to children if aboard the rescue craft or offer the price of a meal out if not. It makes you feel good and the rescuers feel good and more likley to help someone in the future.

Andy

[Brian]

I don’t think you should expect people to give you money for doing them a kindness and helping them out. Why should you want to capitalise on someone’s misfortune anyway?

Helping people is what we do.

Does it not give you an inner glow knowing that you assisted someone in trouble?
Doesn’t it make you feel good in yourself when you go to sleep at night?
There is no rule here that says the other guy has to do what you expect him to do. Although, I would like to think that I would personally offer something. However I would expect the other party to refuse (assuming that is that both of us were pleasure boaters).

Keep helping, you never know, next time it might be Bill Gates who, in unsolicited gratitude, showers you with trinkets and fame!

[codprawn]

Got to be honest I have often stopped to help a motorist in trouble - my attitude is "maybe one day I will need help" - I never take money unless I have used excess fuel in helping them!!!

[Manos]

Is very sad and says a lot of someones menatlity when claiming salvage from a fellow boater that is in need of assistance due to an unfotunate incidenmt. Is equaly sad though that a fellow boater does not offer to compensate (AT LEAST for the fuel that was consumed or say give something to the kids as you said) for the trouble you've got in to.

What happened to you today describes the attitude and WC mentality (will explain later what that means) of the minority (I hope) of people who are out there boating in mane areas of the World including the UK.

[limeydal]

Agree with both sides to some extent.
We were happy to help out and it did give us a good feeling .
At the same time it wrecked our plans as we were late getting out that day and had promised the boys to go 'beachcomb".
So it took up a big chunk of our time and then to get just a "thanks" and the guys turned away : seemed a little of a brush off!
They were boaters and should have known the trouble we saved them.
If it were me, I would have gone out of my way to show how much it was appreciated.
And no, I wasn't doing it to make a profit out of it. But the guys could see my boys looking bored and disappointed (as we had to tow slowly) so to say "here, get an ice cream for them" would have been a nice gesture on their part.
(But then again , I think their mind was more on getting their engine started!)
So will look out for just the Bill Gates's in the future!!! (just kidding )
But I knew I shouldn't have bought an all orange boat!
They all seem to think I'm the Coastguard
cheers Dal

[ribraff]

........perhaps he was embarassed???

[Hightower]

I don't expect any sort of payment at all for helping someone as I did ealier today when I and Zippy helped a Sailing crew get from their boat to shore at Freshwater. I also like to think that one day I might need help, but would still offer something in way of recompence for the assistance.

Andy

[jewels]

When new to ribbing our engine failed in the middle of Southampton water- right in the path of a supertanker! With minutes to go until our demise we managed to hail another rib who towed us out of the way.They were with their children about to go to the Isle of Wight but very kindly towed us back up the Hamble to where Sea-Start are based .(we are now members!) This took about an hour of their time of hard towing as it was very windy.We were very grateful and insisted they had some money for fuel and a few drinks when they eventually got to their destination.Although I would help out anyone if I could (as I have since) I think it would be nice for people to offer a token gesture if the 'rescue' is prolonged ,or to at least cover the cost of fuel.