Navigating Stormy Waters: Bridge Troubles and Nasty Weather

Navigating Stormy Waters: Bridge Troubles and Nasty Weather | 32ft Catalina

Рет қаралды 10,572

7 ай бұрын

The Siesta Key Bridge was having some mechanical issues the past week (this was back in April) and went to limited openings while they worked to repair it. Last night, this 32ft Catalina was trying to make it through, and while waiting for the bridge, their engine blew a belt and overheated. I got the call around 8:30pm but elected not to go out due to the high winds (40-50mph) and because there was no guarantee the bridge would open. The final destination was a private dock up in St. Pete and I fully intended to take them there today. However, partly through the tow, I get a call for a 65ft Monterey that ran aground back in Sarasota, so I call up my partner in crime Captain Tom to come down from the Manatee River where we keep another boat to finish this job so I can go run on the Monterey. That video will be out next week.
AI-Generated Description:
Join me on a thrilling night in April as a towboat operator, navigating the challenges posed by the Siesta Key Bridge's mechanical issues. Last week, the bridge went to limited openings for repairs, creating a tense situation for maritime traffic. In this video, witness the high-stakes journey of a boat attempting to pass through the bridge, only to face a sudden engine failure and overheating.
I received a distress call around 8:30 pm, detailing the boat's engine trouble. Despite the urgency, I made the decision not to venture out due to extreme winds ranging from 40-50mph and the uncertainty of the bridge opening. Safety first, always!
The following morning, armed with determination, I called the bridge authorities before leaving home to ensure a safe passage. They assured me that the bridge could open but needed a heads-up to clear the workers off. This video captures the adrenaline-pumping moments as we navigate through challenges, showcasing the resilience of towboat operators in the face of unexpected obstacles.
Don't miss out on this gripping tale of mechanical mishaps, unpredictable weather, and the strategic decisions made on the waters. Hit the like button, subscribe for more maritime adventures, and share your thoughts in the comments below! ⚓🌊 #TowboatLife #SiestaKeyBridge #MaritimeAdventure #BoatRescue #HighWinds
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Пікірлер: 44

@stevelarena662 Ай бұрын

Thanks for the videos! Never realized how much effort gows into towing boats. Keep those vids coming 👍

@CaptKenO Ай бұрын

Thanks Steve! New videos every Sunday 10am est

@stevelarena662 Ай бұрын

@@CaptKenO GREAT! Suprized no oe has done this before. Good advertizing for the company too.

@xrpspeedboat226 7 ай бұрын

Good Morning! I've been binge watching your vids and realized this was just released. Stay safe and Thanks for what you do😊

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Thanks XRP! Glad you're enjoying my content!

@vancity2349 7 ай бұрын

Nice work Cap. That guy was a true definition of dead in the water...

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Haha. Thanks Vancity!

@susiepittman601 7 ай бұрын

I love watching your channel because I learn so much. I'm terrified of dark water, though. It's weird because I'm a former lifeguard and swimming instructor, but since childhood I panic in dark water. Makes me wonder about reincarnation reincarnation.

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Haha. Thanks Susie! I much prefer the clear water as well!

@hearsejr 2 ай бұрын

I used to dive for golfballs as a side job. So many alligators in the ponds with me at the time.. all in black water... when I hit a spot of crystal clear water, stirred up the mud, because I did not want see what was in the water with me most of the time. Funny thing is the alligators, snapping turtles, snakes never bothered me

@mcr2867 5 ай бұрын

Love your videos!

@CaptKenO 5 ай бұрын

Thanks MCR!

@LestoX 7 ай бұрын

I love your job bro ❤

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Thanks mate! There are definitely worse jobs out there for sure 😁

@hearsejr 2 ай бұрын

Hey, yall are supposed to do a big circle around the red channel marker. Atleast four boat lengths wide. I think it's a law somewhere. (Insert evil laugh here) BAHAHAHAHA lol.

@CaptKenO 2 ай бұрын

I thought we were supposed to make a sacrifice to Poseidon...

@hearsejr 2 ай бұрын

@CaptKenO lol. I would never had gotten that anchor up after it was buried like that without a windless... lol.

@seawench555 7 ай бұрын

Top job Capt Ken, would u not think they'd have a spare belt for the engine!!!. Oh an maybe a Windless might be a good idea. Did u say 8hrs!!!😲

@fredread9216 7 ай бұрын

Every boat should have basic spares. Belts, couple of common hoses, raw water pump impeller or whole spare pump. Many smaller, light weight sailboats don’’t have a windlass. But you can always secure with a rolling hitch and pull with a line to the primary winch or sometimes halyard winch. Also a good anchor really helps. These modern anchors are amazing. A Spade anchor much lighter that that big ol’ Bruce. And much better holding power. A Spade is also very easy to launch and retrieve over the roller. You never have to touch the anchor. And it always comes up in the right attitude.

@seawench555 7 ай бұрын

@@fredread9216 Spot on Fred, well said👌

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

I've dealt with some boats that have spares (but not the right tools🤦‍♂️) but most people wouldn't know what to do even if they had both. My old tow boat, we had extra belts and hose clamps, because we'd break those here and there, and nothing more embarrassing than a towboat needing a tow 😂

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Karlene! Some do, but they'd need to know what you're doing and have the proper tools to replace it...some run through all their spares because there's something else wrong. Had that happen once. They called in and I went to napa to get them some more belts. They had gone through 4 belts on their way north from the keys by time they got to my neck of the woods. You'd also be surprised how many boats either don't have a windlass or have one but it's inoperable.

@seawench555 7 ай бұрын

@@CaptKenO Thanks mate, I enjoy your replys

@southernmarsh4234 7 ай бұрын

The size of that anchor!

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Big difference between this boat and most I've dealt with, is they had a proper sized chain and a good amount of it. Couple that with that anchor and they weren't going anywhere!

@jorgemontefusco650 7 ай бұрын

Lot of risk in that job. Hope the pay is better than just good.

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

We make good money per hour when we're actually working...the problem is getting the hours. I'm on call 3 days a week now and only work maybe 40-50hrs a month.

@Honda1k 7 ай бұрын

Man you're good at what you do! How fast were you towing in this video?

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Thanks mate! I don't remember exactly, but I'd guess around 7 mph

@daniels5408 7 ай бұрын

Hello from Sarasota. I like trying to figure out where you are. We live near the intercostal by Siesta Key. Things look so much different on the water.

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Hey Dan! They really do look different and even more different at night. I'm the opposite though and know the water side of the area much better, and then I'll drive somewhere and go, "oh, this is what it looks like from land!" 😂

@kevinjames9724 10 күн бұрын

Just wondering, 8 hours. Bathroom facilities?

@CaptKenO 8 күн бұрын

Nope...can piss in a bottle but better hope you don't have to go #2

@scottholman3982 7 ай бұрын

Is it just me, or are there no sails on that sailboat? I understand the jib might be below, but I don't see a main sail wrapped around the boom.

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

There might have been a roller main...but I can't remember and can't tell from the video. It's not uncommon around here

@1320fastback 7 ай бұрын

Going above and beyond with the anchor help. Is there a distance limit to your tows? 8H seems quite excessive unless a top level member or is this paid?

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

Not so much a distance as $$$ limit... at least for a breakdown on open water. If you are at a dock, it's a 25 mile limit. They had a top tier membership, so it would've covered it, but barely. If we estimate that it will exceed their membership level, we will give them an estimate of their out of pocket costs. Most are ok with that, some then chose a closer option. My very first video I posted on here was a situation like that. It was just over 24hrs of run time, and I think the guy ended paying somewhere around $1500 out of pocket for it

@1320fastback 7 ай бұрын

@@CaptKenO Interesting, thanks for the info.

@CaptKenO 7 ай бұрын

@@1320fastback no problem. Glad I could answer that question for you!

@1320fastback 7 ай бұрын

@@CaptKenOThat was indeed a long day!