An everyday commuter was the hero in a dramatic rescue during a man-overboard incident aboard the Alameda/Oakland ferry Encinal last month. The episode highlights the issue of manning levels, which are being reduced as a result of budget cuts.
Published: February, 2003
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.
