South Carolina Offshore Fishing - Health Warning - Glad you're ok. I make sure the guys that work for me get plenty of water.

Capt_Tom · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 11:16 am Post subject: Health Warning

Yesterday I went to the boat for a little maintenance. I have a bilge pump that has failed, and had approx 30 gallons of water in the port sponson (I own a catamaran). I also had to clean some crud off of my engines. (I have been leaving them down, as the oil resevoir leaks and makes a mess.) I took my bassett hound and led her on the boat. I put out some water for her, and began working on the engines. After a couple of hours, I wanted to get out of the sun, so I went on board the boat. I took a hand pump, and proceeded to pump the water out of the mid bilge. I suddenly became nauseated, my left arm went into a decrepid cramped position, and my vision was like I was looking through a piece of white frosted glass. I could not climb out of the bilge, so I leaned over to one side and got the dog's water. I poured it over my face and neck, and then lay there. After a minute or so, I slid forward enough that I extracted my legs from the hatch, and crawled across the deck into an open area to get some wind on my body. A friend of mine's son was washing the boat next to me. I told him that I was overheated and asked him to go into the restaurant and get me some cold water. I poured ice water all over my neck and head, and drank lemonade and thought everything would be OK. I sat there and refused help, as I felt that I was going to be fine. I was also afraid to leave my dog, as she would wander off and get lost or run over. As I sat there, my vision continually faded in and out. When I felt like I could move without falling, I stumbled and locked the cabin area, and climbed off the boat, my dog in tow. Several people onthe dock checked on me as I stumbled to my truck. I got the dog in the truck, and crawled into my seat. I turned the AC on high and sat there. When I felt that I was not too dizzy to drive, I headed home. It was then that I realized that my dog was also in trouble. I poured ice water on her neck and head. A few miles later, she started to calm. Once home, I changed from the sweat soaked clothes,and climbed into bed... the episode was not over. As I tried to lay there, both calves, both thighs, both upper arms, and wrist and little finger areas went into severe cramping and spasming. I got up and drank a bottle of tonic water (for the quinine).. it helped a little, but I was still severely cramping. I have back problems, and have muscle relaxers. I took two muscle relaxers and two asprin, and walked the floor for half an hour before the cramps relaxed enough for me to sit down. Then Nausea set in again..... I finally collapsed into bed at 8pm, 7 hours after it all started. I feel washed out today... and real lucky. When I thought back on yesterday.... I got up and drank 2 cups of coffee and went to the boat. I sweated profusely while working on the engines. The day before, I drank plenty of liquids.... (yeah right!!!) I drank 2 cups of coffee in the am, a coke around lunch, and then drank a 6-pack of beer. All of the liquids that I drank did nothing to keep me hydrated, actually the opposite. This has been a long story, but it has a reason.

You must stay hydrated. Charter captains, you must make sure that your clients stay hydrated. It is a matter of life threatening reality which we sometimes take for granted or forget. I hope that I don't forget it again. I also hope that you don't either. But if it happens to you, don't be so macho or stubborn, or worry too much about the dog (someone will see to her) let them help, and let them call 911. I wish I had!
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Captain Tom Beckham
SOUTHERN EXPOSURE
Murrells Inlet, SC

oob241 · 1st Mate Joined: Oct 02, 2007 Posts: 58

damn capt tom, you're a lucky man. thanks for letting us know what can happen when you don't pay attn to hydration. hope you get to feeling better.
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24' Mako -- Out of Bounds
Little River, SC

TeamOldschool · Deck Hand Joined: May 21, 2008 Posts: 14

Glad you're ok. I make sure the guys that work for me get plenty of water.

TeamOldschool · Deck Hand Joined: May 21, 2008 Posts: 14

Glad you're ok. I make sure the guys that work for me get plenty of water.


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