A fisherman spent hours stranded in the water after falling overboard, until a New Bedford fishing crew rushed to his aid.

 

Joao DaSilva told 12 News that it was a normal day for him and the rest of the crew on the Seel Jr. as they were nearing the end of a nine-day trip.

 

They heard a call for help about a man overboard and didn’t hesitate to step in. 

 

“So, we haul back … and once we got there, Sammy’s like, ‘go out on the bow and see if you can see anything,'” DaSilva recalled.

 

The fishermen didn’t immediately see anything, but they heard a voice. After calling back and forth, DaSilva said his crew spotted the man who had been stuck in the water for two-and-a-half hours with no life jacket.

 

“Me and Phil deployed a poly ball … we threw that, but he missed it,” DaSilva recounted. “Then I grabbed the life ring that was on the back of the wheel house, and I threw that and he was able to grab that with one hand.”

 

The crew kept the fisherman afloat until a helicopter and rescue swimmer arrived at the scene.

 

The Seel Jr.’s captain Samuel Pereira said he’s glad they turned back.

 

“It’s unexpected, but you know you’ve got to help when they shout, you know?” Pereira said.

 

DaSilva is just happy the fisherman is safe. 

 

See more at wpri.com.