Horseplay
aboard the Alameda/Oakland ferry Encinal would almost certainly have
led to tragedy except for the alert response of regular rider Sheila
James (center) and crewmembers (left to rigtht) Lead Deckhand
Patrick Robles, Captain Andrew C. Miller, Brad Kopp, and Donald
Berti.
Ms. James was enjoying the view from the upper deck of the
Encinal when she saw a commotion and figured something was amiss.
When she learned that someone had gone overboard, she went
immediately to the wheelhouse to alert Captain Miller, who in turn
set in motion the emergency man-overboard procedure.
It turns out that someone had been "playfully" pushed
by a friend. The rescued individual has Ms. James and the Encinal
crew to thank for his life. His "playful" friend avoids a
long prison term for second degree murder, also thanks to them.
The incident highlights a current issue having to do with crew
staffing. The management of the Alameda/Oakland ferry (not Blue
& Gold, but employees of the City of Alameda) has reduced the
complement of deckhands from three to two on certain runs. The move
was made to save money. Thankfully, three deckhands were on hand
when Sheila James saw someone go overboard.
