Thomas Allen Bates helped to save Richard S. Carter, Jr., and three others from drowning, Esquimalt, British Columbia, February 14, 1971. When a boat capsized in rough water in the Juan De Fuca Strait, Richard, 10, his father, and two youths clung to the bow and called for help. Thomas, 15, high-school student, witnessed the accident from shore. He reported the situation to a young man who had a 10-foot motorboat; and in waves six to eight feet high they proceeded toward the capsized craft. Twice the motor stalled briefly. Warning the persons in the water to be calm, the young man maneuvered his boat to them about 1,300 feet from shore. Thomas aided Richard aboard. The two youths climbed into the boat, which shipped some water and then had freeboard of about three inches. Richard’s father said he would hold to the side; but after they had gone a short distance, he was too cold to retain his grip. He was taken aboard; and the young man piloted the boat to shore without further incident despite the rough water.
52177 – 5840
52177-5840