Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Miracle Survival

Crewmembers from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Florida and the Coast Guard Cutter Tornado rescue Nick Schuyler(L) from an overturned vessel west of Tampa Bay on 3/2/09. Schuyler's survival story was a miracle, his doctor said (AFP/Coast Guard).

Surviving cancer, diabetes, and all the "incurable" diseases is easy. Restore your diet and remove environmental toxins. But imagine surviving a 46 hour ordeal clinging on to a capsized boat 38 miles out to sea. One man did today.

Doctor: Boater's Survival a "Miracle"

TAMPA, FLORIDA (TICKER) — The attending physician for the lone survivor of a boating mishap off Florida’s Gulf Coast said it was a “miracle” that his patient withstood the 46-hour ordeal.

Nick Schuyler, a former football player at South Florida, was in “good condition” Wednesday, two days after he was plucked from the sea while clinging to an overturned fishing boat.

Schuyler, wearing a yellow life vest, was discovered perched atop the capsized boat approximately 38 miles west of Tampa Bay. He was rushed via helicopter to Tampa General Hospital, where he was listed in serious condition....
Rumbak said one key to survival is the physical condition of Schuyler, who is a personal trainer, and also credited his mental toughness.

“Extremely important. This guy is very tough mentally,” Rumbak said. “Even so, being in the water that long saps the energy you have.

“I think if he didn’t have that type of background, I don’t think he would have made it.”

Rumbak said the 24-year-old Schuyler was suffering from moderate hypothermia with a body temperature of 89 degrees when he was pulled from the water.

Schuyler also has significant muscular damage, some kidney issues along with pain in his knees and ankles, which will be checked by an orthopedic surgeon on Wednesday. Rumbak attributed some of the sustained trauma from repeatedly knocking up against the boat.

Rumbak declined to say when Schuyler would be released from the hospital, although he could get out of intensive care unit in the next few days and possibly leave the hospital by the end of the week. More>>

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