POTW: Boater heroes

Matt and Corey

June 23, 2020

Matt Trueman and Corey Hewitt. Photo credit ASHLEY FRASER/POSTMEDIA

In Mid June, a floatplane plunged into Constance Bay on the Ottawa River after two planes collide near Arnprior. The outcome could have been much worse for the pilot if not for the fast action of a few friends out boating on Sunday afternoon.

According to the Ottawa Citizen the pilot was treated in hospital for minor injuries after two planes clipped wings mid-air. According to witnesses, one plane crashed nose-first into the water, narrowly missing other people on their pleasure boats.

Matt Trueman was on the water with his friend Corey Hewitt, returning from Buckham’s Bay in his 18-foot Bowrider when they spotted another friend Shaun Swire on his pontoon boat, waving his arms.

“The plane nose-dove into the water, missed the boat behind us by 20 feet. We fired up again and were first on the scene. My buddy Corey Hewitt jumped into the water like a goddamn David Hasselhoff — went in there, pulled him out onto the pontoon boat and got him to safety. 

Hewitt, 36, has some experience in tense situations on the water as a seasoned whitewater raft guide with Wilderness Tours who has also taught whitewater rescue at Algonquin College. Fire officials credited “the quick action of the pleasure boats in the area who immediately rushed to the aid of the downed plane.”

Now it’s time for your Photo

That one will be tough to top, but POTW – the Photo of the Week is looking for your shots! Anything boat related, people, pets and yes, crashing planes and heroes.

Send your shots to CYonboard@kerrwil.com and put POTW in the subject line.

Related Articles

HMCS Oriole

CYOB Inbox: Proud of ORIOLE

I was pleased to see CYOB’s piece on ORIOLE, the Royal Canadian Navy’s sail training vessel (May 9 19.)  She was built as a racing yacht at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club for the Gooderham family in 1921.  She was based at RCYC for the first half of her life (or so) and was never a commercial vessel. 

Mike Ranta

CYOB Inbox January 26

I think that Mike Ranta’s epic journey across Canada by canoe this year was as good as it gets, and I think you should take the torch and feature his journey in CY. Following the voyageur routes connected by portages, he was raising awareness and appreciation for Canadian veterans.

Video Gallery

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Throw away the box, this is some fresh thinking

Seemingly part sailboat and part spaceship, the new Jeanneau Yachts 55 just busted through the boundaries of traditional yacht design. I couldn’t take my eyes off the bubble hardtop that met me at the dock and I stepped aboard with trepidation. A few hours later, I was planning how to spend my not-yet-won lottery winnings.

Read More

Destinations

Paving the Way to Cleaner Boating – How a Commitment to Reducing our Environmental Impact is Inspiring Cleaner Boating in Ontario

By Dave Rozycki

Over the past seven decades, Ontario’s marina industry has developed alongside some of Canada’s largest freshwater lakes. Boaters have been able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and create lasting memories on the water, with certain marinas dating back to the 1960s. As we reflect on this rich history, we can begin to see trends in how our footprint may have had an effect on the environment, in not-so-positive ways. However, by embracing innovative solutions and adopting sustainable practices, both marinas and boaters hold the key to preserving and enhancing the quality of our lakes and marine life for generations to come.

Read More

Lifestyle