By Mary Jo Hoag, Class of 2007
On April 28th at 10 a.m. the weather was a little challenging for a River Cruise. It was cloudy and cool with a brisk wind coming from the east. But compared to other April River Cruises, I was happy it was going to be dry. About 40 folks from various places in the USA, Australia, England, and Scotland came onboard with high hopes and good coats.
Like many of you, I do the river reversal story coming back on the North Branch. I often end that story reporting that the river is now much cleaner, so people and dogs who fall or jump in suffer few ill effects. That completed, we started into the South Branch when I saw a couple of construction workers at the base of the Bank of America Building yelling at our boat. As you know, we often get people waving from the shore and bridges (as well as other shenanigans), but construction workers ignore us. So this was unusual.
Suddenly my microphone cut off, and the boat began to make a u-turn. It’s amazing how quickly a big boat like the Emerald Lady can maneuver and turn. The captain was giving the crew orders. Bodies have been found in the river lately, and I was concerned we had come across another. But this person was alive! In the water right at the Boeing building was a man who had either fallen or jumped in. He was struggling to get out but was prevented by the very high retaining walls. Lucky for him—the Emerald Lady came to the rescue!
The crew was quick, efficient, and professional in their rescue operation. Obviously, they were trained, should this happen. The guests were fascinated and interested. I mingled with several as the rescue took place. One guest asked if I had staged the rescue after my tale about the dirty river! He was joking of course, but the timing was certainly right.
Once the man was aboard, we immediately started back to the dock. But at the confluence the Chicago Police boat came up fast, entertaining the tourists with lights and sirens! They took the rescued man off our boat, enabling us to continue the tour. We arrived back at the dock just 13 minutes late! Good driving by Captain Tom and fast talking by me and the guests got the entire tour. I’d say it was a tour they won’t forget!
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I was wondering who was the docent on the cruise. Good story
Seriously, never a dull moment. Terrific poise on your point to keep going. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the great report, Mary Jo. There never is a dull moment on the River. And you were soooo coool.
To quote Hemingway, courage is grace under pressure. Great job, Mary Jo!
Ma;ry Jo, With your swimming skills, I bet you were tempted to jump in! Glad this had a happy ending!
Suzy Ruder
Wow, Mary Jo! Kudos to Capt. Tom and the crew. And kudos to you for managing to give your tourees the full tour! You rock!
Thanks for the True Story!
Exciting! That’s definitely a story to remember.
I witnessed a person in the river just one bridge south of there a few years ago. A drunk woman literally stepped off of a pontoon boat wearing no life jacket and making little attempt to stay afloat in her inebriated state. Three tour boats converged to rescue her and I was in awe of the professionalism and the way they coordinated with each other on the radio. When it was apparent the woman would be rescued, the other drunks on the pontoon boat literally abandoned her and started motoring away, but a police boat quickly caught up with them and stopped their feeble attempt to flee.