Dear Editor: We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone whose actions saved our son Tausani's life. Last Sunday, during the seine opener he nearly lost his life.
We are forever grateful to the swift actions of Trevor McKay, Mike Doyle, Brent Birchell and Mark Severson of the F/V Odin, and neighboring boats, for their quick mobilization in initiating rescue services and engaging the U.S. Coast Guard.
So many things went right after he went overboard starting with Tausani's own actions underwater, and the incredible skill and herculean effort taken by Trevor to retrieve him and never let go, for Mark being able to maneuver the boat around the net in a tricky situation while under intense pressure, to Mike and Brent who performed CPR and didn't stop, to F/V Reality who had an EMT on board and came to their aid. All played a major role in his survival and recovery.
We also want to thank the U.S. Coast Guard for picking Tausani up and delivering him to Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center for his initial evaluation.
We're also deeply grateful to Guardian Flight for safely transporting both Joe and Tausani to Anchorage for ICU monitoring at Providence Hospital. The crew was wonderful not only with their care but attitude.
Tausani is now home, surrounded by family and friends, as he recovers from the injuries and trauma of this near-tragic fishing accident. We are thankful and feel the love, prayers, and support from our tight-knit community across Alaska. We all know how amazing it is that we have this incredible outcome of Tausani's survival. It feels like a miracle.
We are so thankful,
The Ieremia Family, Sitka
