Tragedy Strikes in Paradise

The group reading about the Pirates Lair

 We did sail with Sun Cat the few miles to Capture Beach and picked up mooring balls as planned.  We decided to hike the trails here which we had never done before.  Right off the beach where we landed there was this marvelous swing seat someone had made from netting, rope and a perfect tree limb. 

Pat enjoying the swing.

 We each had to take a photo opt there.  Following the trail we came to a neat area called the Pirates Lair.  It is a spot that pirates used to hide from people.  It even had a natural well.

Onward we trekked through some very rough terrain following the trails.  We had all commented how the rocks were very precarious and that we had to be careful.  We made it to a few beaches where Pat and I are always looking for treasures but knowing this Land and Sea Park is a no take zone, we were just window shopping!  The four of us debated whether to go back the same trail which we felt was very difficult or walk along the rocks near the beach.  It was low tide so we decided it seemed flatter along the coast and off we went.  It did not seem any worse than the trail but suddenly I heard Pat scream and I turned quickly to see her fall full force with her body onto the rocks in about a 2 ft. deep hole.  She did not have any time to even put her arms out to break the fall. She had hit her trunk of her body and head very hard. We all came quickly to her aid, but she was badly hurt.  We sent Al to get the dinghy and our VHF radio.  (We should have had it with us and we will never hike without it now.)  By the time he got back which was about 15 min. later, Pat was going unconscious.  We called for medical help through the Park Office and asking any boaters for assistance.  One gentleman on Proud Mary came with an AED machine and first aid kit.  I had started CPR when we could not get a pulse.  The AED machine said, do not shock.  We thought it meant she had a heart beat, but we learned it meant there was no heart beat so that there is no reason to shock.  It only gets an arrhythmic heart beat back to regular beats.  Finally the park people came with a stretcher and they transported her over to Bell Island by boat where they had a private helicopter take her and Tom to Nassau.  (We were lucky that there is construction on Bell Island so they have a medic and the helicopter.  The Park Managers made a few quick calls and were able to secure it or it would have taken a lot longer.)

However, all our efforts were in vain because our dear friend did not make it.  This person who was so full of life and friendly to everyone was taken by this tragic accident.  The only solace is that she was in a beautiful place doing the things she liked doing when she went with the Lord.  And I try to remember this quote:

He whom we love
and lose
is no longer
Where he was before.
He is now
wherever we are.
                                - St. John Chrysostom

Pat touched so many people in her life.  Al and I nicknamed her “The Firecracker” because she had so much energy and was the friendliest person we have ever met.  Ask any cruiser who ever came across her.  She told me just recently “Life is too short to be negative.  Enjoy life and be thankful for all you have.”  I will take that to heart and know she will always be with me wherever I am.

Pat looking for shells, one of her favorite things to do.

Pat Thorpe

1938-2013

Pat  and Tom during happier times.