Quick thinking by a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) helicopter pilot is credited with preventing tragedy in Islamorada.
On Sept. 7, officials with the U.S. Coast Guard, Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and FWC observed a center console vessel navigating toward an area where hundreds of swimmers were competing in a charity swim to benefit the Alligator Reef Lighthouse. Despite repeated requests from law enforcement, the vessel operator, Thomas Michael Reichert of Naples, did not change course.
Anticipating that the boat was minutes away from the swimmers, FWC pilot, Lt. Chris Simons, brought his helicopter down to hover about 20 feet in front of Reichert, forcing him to stop.
Once the vessel was stopped, FWC officers conducted a safety and resource inspection. Reichert was found to be boating under the influence.
Rob Dixon, one of race organizers for the annual swim to Alligator Lighthouse, credited the swift work of law enforcement and the chopper pilot.
“They tried and tried to get the guy to stop,” said Dixon, who was one of 300-plus participants who were in the water at the time. “The helicopter came down to spray him to stop. It was pretty scary stuff.”
I was in the air with my Tactical Flight Officer, David Moss. The race organizers had boats in the water and kayakers to make sure the swimmers were safe. Our job was to make sure that boats did not cross the path of the swimmers. Throughout the day, we observed a couple of boats getting too close and contacted them over the PA system to change course.
In a statement released to the media on Sept. 11, Simons said he was in the air with tactical flight officer David Moss. Simons said they saw a boat heading straight for the swimmers and started signaling for them to stop. Moss turned on the siren and used the PA system to instruct the vessel to stop, but it continued on plane.
“I pulled my helicopter alongside the boat and there was still no response. At that point, the captain was maybe 15 to 20 yards away from the swimmers and I knew I had to do something,” Simons said. “I pulled my helicopter right in front of the boat to block him from hitting any swimmers or kayakers. The boat finally stopped, and the other law enforcement vessels were able to make contact with the captain.”
Simons added he’s grateful that he was able to get the boat to stop.
“A lot of people could have been hurt and I’m thankful we were in the right place at the right time to prevent that,” he said.
Reichert was also found to be in possession of 12 wrung spiny lobster tails. Separating the tail from the body of a spiny lobster is prohibited in state waters. Reichert was arrested and transported to a local jail where he was charged appropriately.
“All too often, FWC officers respond to incidents where divers and swimmers are struck by vessels,” said Maj. Alberto Maza, FWC South B Regional Commander. “Thankfully, from his unique vantage point in the air, our aviation officer was able to anticipate and prevent a greater tragedy.”
To report dangerous boating activity, the public can submit anonymous tips by texting 847411 (Tip411) with the keyword “FWC” followed by the location and any information about the violation or calling 888-404-FWCC (3922).
