Incompetent captain in a stressful situation during bad weather which lead to injury, hysteria and panic on board.
On the way back to the marina after our snorkeling experience, our boat got caught in very choppy water. I’m not a regular boat rider, but it seemed like we were riding very fast on very strong waves. The boat was jumping from wave to wave, and water was drenching people - which was fun at first - but as the waves became more intense, someone fell off her seat with the baby she was holding, and hurt herself (she was unable to get up from the ground for the remainder of the trip). It was at this point that the captain finally stopped the boat and turn it to roll with the waves instead of bouncing against them. At no point was there any announcement from the captain as to what was happening, what the plan was, or if this is normal or expected.
The two crew members were very attentive to those injured and laying on the floor crying hysterically to save their babies, and they also checked on the wellbeing of the rest of us. Those of us sitting in the rear of the boat were completely wet, but fine – but none of us knew what was going on. Were we stuck in the ocean? Was there something wrong with the engine (in fact, there were some engine issues eralier)? Were we sinking, or in danger of that?
Children were crying and hysterical, people were terrified. And no official word from the captain. Or some assuring words.
When we finally arrived at the marina, an ambulance was called and took away the injured person who had been lying on the ground, and another elderly woman was left with a severe limp walking to her car.
In retrospect, a few things the captain did, or ways he behaved, complicated the picture. He never introduced himself to anyone, was very dismissive and **ss to his crew. He kept moving the boat during the snorkeling experience without announcing it, so people that were approaching the boat or trying to get to the ladder were left unable to reach it.
My expectation is that the captain is a leader – someone you, quite literally, trust with your life as you set foot on his/her ship. This captain – no trust, and I would advise people to stay away. Captains show their character not during good weather or on good days, but rather when the sea is rough and things are not going as planned. In this, our captain seriously failed.
I will say this – It was certainly a memorable experience.
Again, though, the crew were professional, friendly, and helpful in this situation – and we really appreciated that. Our trip was on 5/19. Hopefully there will be an investigation of some sort.