The “Lost On The High Seas ... Almost!” Story

Snorkeling from Stuart's Cove in the Bahamas

It was an ordinary day.  Making our second stop of the morning on our snorkeling trip out of Stuart’s Cove on the southwest end of New Providence Island in the Bahamas.  A few years ago Carol and I, along with our traveling friends Jere and Just Sue, took the same snorkeling trip and had such a great time that we decided to once again make the trip.  Had an 8:30 am pick-up from our resort and a little over an hour later we were pulling out of Stuart’s Cove, heading into the surrounding seas. 

The seas were angry that day, my friend!

Our first stop gave us a taste of what we were going to face the rest of the trip with rough seas and high winds.  We entered the water and had a chance to see a variety of fish of all colors.  I had some trouble with water in my facemask and made a change of equipment when I returned to the boat.  Second stop was over a reef with a greater variety of fish.  After a few minutes of exploring the reef I turned to head back and found the boat had lifted the anchor and was moving away from me. 

Everyone was required to sign their initials on the
clipboard before the boat would move from a stop.

Wasn’t just me, but quite a few of the snorkelers.  I’m not a great swimmer, but have found during the past couple of years that you can enjoy snorkeling even though you aren’t a skilled swimmer.  Well, I was totally taken by surprise when I saw the boat motoring away from us.  I  had no idea where my wife might be, but didn’t worry since she is a good swimmer.  I struggled against the current and high waves but finally made it back to the boat safely. 

Final stop was to view the sharks feeding on the bottom.
You had to hold onto the rope and return very soon after
all had entered the water.  

Found the boat had hit the reef and had to move before damaging either the boat or reef.  We were to make one more stop, but I was too exhausted to get back in the water again.  The last stop was exciting just as it was the last time we took the trip with Stuart’s Cove’s boat.  The boat stopped and the first mate, Gabby, put a large buoy in the water.  Gabby told everyone she was going to place a chum bucket on the bottom which would draw reef sharks and snorkelers were told to keep their hands on the rope at all times.  Everyone in the water had to hold on to the line attached to the buoy and had to have fins on their feet. 

Gabby lowered the "chum" bucket into the water.
Not long after the sharks appeared!

Just Sue made the trip into the water while the other three of us stayed on board.  After a few minutes of watching the feeding sharks on the bottom, all were returned to the boat and the bucket was raised slowly.  The sharks followed it to the surface and Gabby opened it and allowed everyone on board to view the sharks as they swam across the back of the boat.  I swear they had a deal worked out with the boat captain so his customers would enjoy themselves. 

One of many of reef sharks that came for the "chum."

Must have been close to two dozen reef sharks which varied in size up to eight to ten feet in length.  Great photo opp for all of us with cameras.  I felt bad I didn’t get in the water, but was too exhausted to get back in the rough water again.  I had my chance when I went a few years ago and had the chance to experience the thrill of watching the fish feed at the bottom.  After a rough ride back to the dock, we found our land legs and hopped back on the bus for our return ride to our resort. Fun day on the high seas.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Our helper Gabby.

LDub waits to enter the water.

The feet of Gabby can be seen through the front window of the boat.

Jere, Just Sue and Carol hold on for dear life!