On Monday, March 5, Patrick Webster was asked to represent the Island Harbour fishermen during Prince Edward’s visit celebrating the formal unveiling of the Queen’s Jubilee Monument in the village. Right at the dock, many were gathered to watch what might well have been among Prince Edward’s more memorable moments while touring the region. In fact, it was a perfect photo “opportunity” because our very own celebrity and marine ambassador, Patrick Webster, invited Prince Edward to board his boat named Opportunity! Several cameras were snapping as Prince Edward accepted and stood shoulder to shoulder with Patrick who was proudly holding a large Dolphinfish, from our sparkling Anguillian waters, for the Prince and all to admire. Notwithstanding the large crowd and the daring proximity to the large fish of unknown risk to the Prince’s magnificent attire, Prince Edward was friendly, gracious, dignified and dapper, seemingly tossing caution to the wind in what must have been a spectacular, Savile Row, handmade suit.
Later in the day, Patrick rushed out on his vessel Opportunity (which is also nicknamed: Jet Blue) to the Narrows between Scrub Island and Anguilla, in a virtual gale, to assist a distressed catamaran with a small complement of cruise passengers. (The vessel had lost steering control, followed by an engine failure.) Along with his brother, Vernon Webster, they ultimately rescued the TradeWinds sailboat. However, it required a complicated
maneuver resulting in minor damage to both crafts. The hard wind was rapidly forcing the TradeWinds toward the rocks at the east end, while skipper “Greg” was desperately trying to retrieve her anchor. After ripping out some fiberglass, the crew ultimately jettisoned the anchor to enable the boat to be towed. Patrick and Vernon successfully towed the TradeWinds into Island Harbour, and assisted the skipper by supplying a second anchor to safely moor the large catamaran in the bay. Good job men, as the cruise passengers waved to Patrick and Vernon from the safely moored TradeWinds vessel.
– Contributed
