Sportsfisher on fire in M.C. area

[Ray]

It was a 1985 54 ft. Bertram named "Final Fantasy", out of Diberville, Mississippi.
They were fishing a tournament. 2 families, 4 in one family and 2 in the other.
Boat burned heavily for an hour, then black smoke disappeared when it sunk.
As much black smoke that we saw, there couldn't have been much diesel left.
USCG Cutter Pompano visited the site 7 miles to the North of us, no slick, no debris,
nothing to say there was a boat there at one time.

[yak'em-n-stack'em]

Man. Even though everyone was ok still sobering

[bjhooper82]

that a bad situation to be in to say the least. glad to hear everyone is ok

[Ray]

http://www.wlox.com/Global/story.asp?S=14935058

They gave no recognition to the PHI helicopter that circled over them for 30 minutes till the workboats go to them. They gave no recognition to the workboats who saved them. They gave no recognition to the platforms and rigs that saw the fire and dispatched boats and helicopters to rescue them. If it wasn't for the rigs and platforms, they would still be floating with their ice chest. There was a couple of ships that passed by and didn't call or render assistance.
They gave recognition to the friend on the boat who told them to wear PFD's and tie themselves to the ice chest. That's all.

Deepwater Pathfinder, Development Driller 3, Ursa TLP, Mars TLP and the Q-4000 were involved and the ATP Titan was on the radio, willing to give assistance if needed.
PHI helicopter circled overhead giving info. until the USCG helicopter got there.
Chouest boats C-Contender(rescue boat), C-Hero and Kobe Chouest were the boats that were dispatched to rescue them.
No mention of the USCG helicopter crew that went on the C-Contender to give a medical evaluation on the 6 guys. No mention of the USCG Cutter Pompano that gave them a ride back to land.

[SULPHITE]

This is the daughters reply to Ray...Awesome job guys!

Ray, I am Jamie Sablich's daughter and I just want you to know that I watched WLOX interview my dad and brothers yesterday at my parent's house and My dad did tell them the exact same story you just told about the rescue. He stated that it was the crew on the rig and mentioned you personally as the reason they are alive. The interview was about 30 min long and I would say 20 of that 30 min my dad talked about you and your crew and the coast guard . My dad even wore the shirt that you guys gave him with your companies name on it and stated the companies name and told them how you spotted the fire and how wonderful you all were. He went on forever about how amazing you all were. He mentioned the coast guard crew by name and I do not know why they did not show any of that on the clip. They cut out a ton of the film they took. But I want you and your co-workers and company to know that my family is so thankful for everything you did and I personally cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate you saving my family's lives....I could not live without my brothers and my dad. They are my whole world and my best friends. You, your crew on the rig, the hellicopter crew and the coast guard truly are heroes and I hope WLOX will maybe rerun the story and show the rest of the film where my dad talked all about you or even better maybe wlox will interview you because you and your crew deserve recognition! Thank you again adn god bless you!

[Ray]

I replied back to her comment.

[Raymond]

That deserves some salty cash Ray, sending some your way buddy.

[Ray]

Thanks Raymond.

From the other Raymond.