In Part 2 of this incredible survival story, David’s worst fears become reality.

After leaving Venice, Florida to escape Hurricane Ian, David believed he was heading away from danger. Instead, the storm shifted south — placing him directly in the path of the eyewall near Captiva Island.

Alone aboard his DeFever Trawler, conditions rapidly deteriorated.

His cell phone was nearly dead.
The generator failed.
Communication was lost.
Then the boat began dragging anchor.

What followed was a nightmare scenario as the vessel grounded on a shoal before being rolled onto its side by storm surge and violent winds, flooding much of the boat and trapping David inside.

After finally escaping to the deck, he endured hurricane-force winds, driving rain, seawater splashing in to his face, and being pummeled by debris.

With hypothermia setting in and survival uncertain, David activated his EPIRB — triggering a dramatic Coast Guard helicopter rescue in the middle of Hurricane Ian.

Following the rescue, David and Rebecca were faced with the reality of salvaging the wrecked vessel and picking up the pieces.

This episode can be viewed in video form on The Great Epoch Youtube Channel.

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Music By: Mark Patsavas

When Hurricane Ian approached Florida, this captain made a decision that nearly cost him his life.

When the storm was forecast to hit Tampa Bay, this Venice Florida couple was forced to evacuate their DeFever Trawler from their marina. What happened next turned in to a life-or-death fight for survival.

In this episode, we get their backstory, how they got in to boating, what led them to a DeFever 44, and the events leading up to their decision to try to escape Hurricane Ian. Unfortunately, hurricane forecasting is not straightforward, and it is impossible to know what the right thing to do is. Unfortunately, their choice in this 50-50 decision ended up leading to a lost vessel and a rescue during the height of a Category 4 storm. Part 2 we will get in to the thick of it with them on what actually transpired following departure from their marina in Venice.

We actually owned the exact same make and model vessel named Aqua-Cultured, and we recorded this interview onboard the vessel in St. Petersburg, FL. This was the first time they have stepped aboard a DeFever in 2 years since losing theirs in the hurricane.

Music by: Mark Patsavas

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