James Christopher Koch helped to save Norberto Martinez from being struck by a boat, Key Largo, Florida, September 29, 2007. Martinez, 67, was thrown from his 18-foot boat into the Atlantic Ocean when the boat struck a channel marker about a half-mile from shore. The boat continued in circles around him, striking him and inflicting severe injury. Koch, 39, fishing guide and boat captain, and another man were approaching the scene in a Koch’s smaller, lightweight boat when they saw the out-of-control boat circling Martinez, who was floating face down and inert. After the unmanned boat made a pass, Koch maneuvered the smaller boat to Martinez. Lying on the exposed deck at the bow, the other man reached down and secured a hold on Martinez. Koch then backed the smaller boat from the path of the circling one to a point of safety. He helped the other man lift Martinez aboard and then took him to shore. Martinez required hospitalization for treatment of his injuries, including lacerations to his back, and he recovered.
80856 – 9213
80856-9213