A modern-day Jonah miraculously lives and gets to tell the tale of how he was rescued from a capsized boat. Stuart Bee had been desperately clinging to the hull of his capsized boat for two days and then rescue finally comes!
On a Friday evening, he set sail some 86 miles off of Florida’s coast. The 62-year-old was alone on his boat. He went to bed and suddenly woke up to being surrounded by water.
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“I fell asleep and the water came gushing in and pushed me to the front,” he said. He didn’t even have time to send out a distress signal. But he was able to climb on top of the bow, the only part of the vessel still above water. Stuart didn't realize the boat suffered a mechanical issue and began taking in water and sinking while he slept.
At that point, desperate and crying out to God, he was clinging to the top of this boat. It was a miracle the entire boat didn't go under and there was just enough of the boat floating up out of the water for Stuart to hang onto. But then Friday turned into Friday night, then Saturday morning, and so on. At one point as he clung to the boat, he wondered if this was how he was going to spend his final moments on this side of heaven.
Capsized Boat Leaves Man Clinging To Side For 2 Days Until Rescue
Little did he realize, a search for him had already begun on Saturday after a Cape Marina member told Coast Guard watchstanders that Stuart didn't typically stay out overnight on his boat. Time was of the essence and the local Coast Guard alerted others in the area to look out for him and his 32-foot Sea Ray boat that he named, Stingray.
God then guided a 738-foot boat called the Angeles, carrying a load of Chiquita bananas from Florida to Delaware to sail into Stuart's path. They spotted the disaster and were shocked to see Stuart.
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class David Micallef said Stuart was able to capture their attention in part by removing his shirt and waving it around.
"Saving lives at sea is our highest calling," said Captain Mark Vlaun, commanding officer of Sector Jacksonville. "This is a truly incredible outcome that demonstrates the bond among all mariners and our community. Thank you to our mission partners that launch into action and to all who got the word out to find and rescue Mr. Bee."
What an incredible gift so close to Christmas. The boaters and others in this story were able to bring Stuart back to his family alive during this Holiday season.
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"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." Ephesians 2:8
WATCH: Man Desperately Clings To The Side Of Capsized Boat For 2 Days And Then Rescue Comes
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h/t: People
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