I want to take a moment to publicly thank a few good men.

On Friday, Feb. 5, a windy and snowy day, I found myself beached down Katama Bay with a boat full of water.

I called Warren Gaines and Rob Morrison of the shellfish department who have helped me and other fishermen out of a jam many times. They were and are always willing to do what’s necessary to help. They thought calling harbor master Charlie Blair was the best course of action.

After a short period of time, and I mean short, Charlie arrived in his Suburban. Also two trucks from The Trustees of Reservations arrived carrying Chris Kennedy, Chris Bruno and Rick Dwyer.

Upon assessing the situation and realizing that the boat and engine would be no worse for wear, it was decided to leave it there overnight. Charlie got me home where I could dry off, warm up and be safe. Man! That was one of the best hot showers I have ever had.

The next day was comparatively warm and sunny. Rob brought me and my friend Greg Orcutt along with some pumps and battery packs in the shellfish department boat to my boat.

We bailed and pumped it out. Charlie, who was on the beach again in his Suburban, pushed the boat in the water with said vehicle. The outboard engine started right up and ran fine.

Greg and I caught a family mess of scallops which was the original plan for that Saturday.

Thanks again you guys for making an ugly situation less ugly than it could have been.

David Berube
Edgartown