Property Values on Fripp Island

NOVEMBER 2013
Published at Fripp Island, South Carolina
Property Values on Fripp Island
By Frank Belatti
P
erhaps it was triggered by the receipt of the recent assessments and tax bills, but property owners have been asking for
information about the decline in property values on Fripp Island.
In an effort to provide information on the matter, we conducted some research. Here is what we found out. According to the
data published by the Beaufort County Assessor’s office, there has been a countywide average decline in assessed value of 13%,
with a 15% decline on Fripp Island. Changes in market value,
however, have declined at a much greater rate. Beaufort County
estimates that countywide market values have declined from a high of
$47.6 billion in 2008 to $33.9 billion as of December, 2012, a decline
of $13.7 billion or nearly 29%, with a slightly greater drop of 30% on
Fripp. Researching the database of the Beaufort County Association of
Realtors, it appears as though the sales of homes on Fripp increased in
2012 (42), over 2007 levels (12) but the average price of home sales are
down from $675,000 in 2007 to $407,000 in 2012 or a decline of
40%. Average time on the market also showed further negative trends,
growing from 8 months in 2007 to a full year, or more, in 2012.
Declines in assessment and market values come as no surprise to anyone, given the conditions of the real estate and overall financial
markets over the past 6 years, but they do serve as a reminder that property owners have a long climb back to realizing the gains they
once enjoyed, or in recapturing the investments made in their homes on Fripp.
If there is any good news about property values, it is that 2013 has shown signs of recovery in certain sections of the country.
Although the recovery has been uneven, the S&P/Case-Shiller home price index increased 12.8% from a year earlier in August,
the biggest 12-month gain since mid 2006, aided mostly by the drop in
foreclosures and the lower unemployment rate. Despite the rebound in value,
Trawlerline
however, overall prices remain about 20% below the July 2006 peak.
Boating & Fishing
10
Perhaps the question that needs to be addressed now is; what should we do here
FIPOA
1-2
on Fripp to take advantage of this positive momentum? Should we let word of
mouth continue to be our only form of information or should we look for
In Memoriam
2
alternative solutions? We have been observing several of our barrier island
Island Groups
5-7
neighbors beginning to get far more aggressive with their communications
Island Services
3-4
campaigns in an effort to attract more interest in their islands. Our recent efforts to
Island Sports
8-9
upgrade our web site appears to be a good start, but we may need to be more
creative and focused on promoting Fripp Island as an exceptional place for home
Nature
4
ownership if we are to recoup the value lost over the past 5 years. The FIPOA
Sea Rescue
11-12
Board would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. (Photo by Julie Hodgson)
T HE T RAWLER
Founded January 1978
Published by and for the Members of the
Fripp Island Property Owners Association
Publishers: FIPOA Board of Directors
Coordinator: Tina Reeves
Layout & Design: Cyndi Follrich
Advertisements: Stewart DeWitt
To write to The TRAWLER, please send to:
FIPOA Letter to the Editor,
225 Tarpon Blvd Fripp Island SC 29920
Or email [email protected]
Letters must be 250 words or less
Deadline for the January TRAWLER is
December 31st.
FIPOA Board Meeting Schedule
December 14, 2013 - 9:00 AM at the
FIPOA Administrative Office
January 9, 2014 - 9:00 AM at the
FIPOA Administrative Office
(This schedule is subject to change.)
All meetings are open.
Board of Directors
2013- 2014
Wayne Kemmerer – President –
[email protected]
Curt Blake – Vice President –
[email protected]
David Case – Secretary –
[email protected]
Jim Wolbrink – Treasurer –
[email protected]
Frank Belatti –
[email protected]
Martin Goodman –
[email protected]
Ann Lyman – [email protected]
Dick Morrison –
[email protected]
Rick Raible –
[email protected]
Scott Thompson –
[email protected]
FIPOA EMAIL SUBSCRIBER SERVICE
Receive notice of minutes and other pertinent
information as it happens! Send an email to
[email protected]
with “add me to the minutes list” in the
subject - include your Fripp Island address.
Or mail to: FIPOA, 225 Tarpon Blvd,
Fripp Island, SC 29920 with your name and
email address. We would like to have EVERY
owner subscribe to this service.
Email addresses will be kept confidential.
2
F I P O A
Splinters from the Board
Carol Young, Administrative Assistant
A
t the September 14, 2013 meeting, the Board approved Resolution 657: To Adopt
an Addition to the Rules and Regulations to Prohibit the Distribution of Handbills.
The TOPS financial system has been installed, and we are working on the switchover
from QuickBooks.
The Turtle Program had a record year with over 92 loggerhead turtle nests on the Fripp beach.
The Security Committee reviewed the thefts at the Marina; it is believed that thieves
came in via boat. Following several meetings and owner input, the existing dog leash
regulations are to remain in place. Our security staff cannot, and will not, issue tickets
below the Mean High Water Mark.
The Board has changed the title of the Marketing Committee to the Communications Committee.
At its October 12, 2013 meeting, the Board approved Resolution 656: To Adopt a
Strategic Plan. Also approved was Resolution 658: That the calendar Year Budget of the
Fripp Island Property Owners Association, in the amount of $1,973,534, a copy of which
is attached to and made a part of this Resolution, be adopted by the Board of Directors;
Be it Further Resolved That the Annual Basic Assessment will Remain $770 and that the
Annual Road and Bridge Assessment Remain $100, both Assessments to be Assessed and
Collected in Accordance with the Bylaws.
Crossover OP1 has been closed for a week and will be repaired by professional dock builders.
An alligator coordinator with DNR came in October to train our officers in identifying
and handling alligators that have become a nuisance.
Earthworx has broken ground on the Fire Station project. This is a joint effort between
the Women’s Club and the FIPOA.
To see the General Manager's report and full minutes of these and other FIPOA
meetings, please go to: http://www.frippislandliving.com/poa_board_meetings_minutes.htm.
In Memoriam
Kay Santoni
Margaret Birchfield
Pat Thompson
New Owners on Fripp
9/1/13 to 10/31/13
Aadu & Kristi Allpere
William & Beverly Dolan
Gentle Tides, LLC c/o Keith
Angela Marie Bell-Docherty
David & Ellen East
Dan & Gail Knopf
Robert & Donna Levin
James & Nina Pulliam
Jacob & Michelle Montgomery
David Stemen
The Trawler
November 2013
Island Services
CHIEF’S CORNER
By Mike Binkowski, Chief of Security
T
here has been a ration of car
break-ins throughout Beaufort
County over the past month. We want
to remind our property owners to keep
their cars locked and remove anything
of value from the vehicle when you
leave it. If you go shopping, place
anything of value in the trunk of your
vehicle; don’t leave it on the seats
where a passerby can see it.
If you have an automatic garage door
opener that is loose, not synched to
your car, take it with you when you
leave your car. Most of us that have
automatic garage door openers leave
them in our vehicles because it’s
convenient and, if we have a
connecting door from the garage to our
home we tend to leave that connecting
door unlocked. Why? Because the
garage door is locked. Sheriff Tanner
explained recently that an easy way for
thieves to gain access to your house is
through the door between your garage
and your home. In other communities,
the garage door openers have been
stolen from vehicles, and the thief has
driven around pushing the buttons
until the door opened and then entered
garages, and entered the homes
unnoticed. So play it safe.
In reading the county incidents of
larcenies I am amazed how many
victims have no idea what the make,
model or serial number of their stolen
property was. I encourage everyone to
do an inventory of his or her home
and make note of this information. I
suggest that you store this information
on a computer flash drive and include
pictures. Remember to keep it up to
date. If you have items that you cannot
November 2013
find a serial number or it does not have one, remember that Security has an engraver and will
issue ID numbers that are capable of being entered as an identifier into the National Crime
Information Center computer.
There is a meeting of the Fripp Good Neighbor Watch scheduled for Wednesday,
November 20th at 7:00PM and again on Saturday, November 16th at 9:00AM. Both of
these meetings will be held in the Board Room located at the FIPOA Office. Please plan to
attend one of these meetings.
The goal of Fripp Island Security is to provide a safe environment for property owners
and guests. This is only possible with your cooperation and participation. If you see
something or hear something that is out of the ordinary call us at (843) 838-2334 anytime
day or night, we will respond and an officer will evaluate the situation and take the
appropriate action. Don’t let the sight of something out of the ordinary slip by. Don’t say,
“It’s not my problem.” Security needs your eyes and ears out there; we encourage your
calls! Remember, safety and security is everyone’s responsibility “IF YOU SEE
SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING”.
If you have any ideas or suggestions that can improve our services or the quality of life
on the island please contact me. I welcome you to stop by my office to discuss your ideas
or any problems that you may be experiencing. You can also reach me via telephone at
(843) 838-2334 or via e-mail at [email protected].
The Trawler
3
Island Services
CONT.
KNOW YOUR OFFICERS
his issue we would like to highlight Mrs. Liz Chaplin. Liz
has been a member of the Fripp Island Patrol since May
2013. She is assigned as the Administrative Assistant for Security.
Liz is originally from Beaufort, South Carolina. She lives on St.
Helena Island with her husband Chuck, They have two children,
Ryan and Brittany, three grandchildren and another on the way.
Prior to joining us, Liz was a veterinary technician at Sea Island
Animal Hospital.
In her off time Liz enjoys fishing, kayaking, walking on the
beach with her husband and spending as much time with her
grandchildren as possible.
T
Liz Chaplin
Nature
GOT BIRDS? GOOD! — GOT BIRDHOUSES? KEEP ‘EM UP OR PUT ‘EM UP!
By Bob Freeman
O
f course, you’re aware that providing shelter is one of the essential elements of making your “space” a welcoming place for birds.
But I’ll betcha didn’t know that you don’t need to do much of anything to keep lots of birds in your yard, coming to your
balcony, deck or hanging out in your garden year ’round! This means that during the colder months, you can enjoy songbirds that nest
in tree cavities or birdhouses in the spring, such as bluebirds, chickadees and Carolina wrens, as well as some owls and woodpeckers.
Here are a few suggestions inspired by the National Wildlife Federation:
♦ If you’ve got birdhouses, leave ‘em up all winter. Birds might
♦ Outfox bird predators with a metal
well roost in them to keep warm. Roosting birds sometimes
mounting pole that they can’t climb.
prefer boxes mounted at least 10 feet high in winter—maybe
♦ Try a prefabricated birdbox that has
because they feel safer up there.
its entrance hole near the bottom,
♦ Winterize your birdhouse. If your spring nest box has large
rather than in the middle or top. Hot
vent holes to keep from overheating, partially block the
air rises, right? A low entrance hole
holes—but don’t seal the box up tight.
keeps warm air in.
OK. Your birds are cozy. But if your property isn’t already certified as a Backyard Habitat, here’s the link:
http://www.nwf.org/How-to-Help/Garden-for-Wildlife.aspx and/or call Karen Natoli, (843) 263-4651, for details.
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The Trawler
November 2013
Island Groups
By Kathy Keup
The 2013 “Fripp for a Cure” again
showed our island's compassion and
commitment to helping identify and
treat those with cancer in our
community. Fripp Island raised a whopping $31,800, with every dollar going directly to the
Keyserling Cancer Center. A year of tireless planning culminated in a wonderful day of
celebration on October 24th. After a breakfast feast in Savannah’s, over one hundred golfers
bought mulligans to remember or
recognize their loved ones affected by
cancer. Their names were highlighted with
special notes on posters for all to view.
After a rousing cheer the players hit the
Ocean Creek Course for a beautiful day of golf. Then on to the Beach Club for
wine, cheese, and browsing among dozens of fantastic items offered through a
silent auction. The luncheon consisted of delicious Italian food items located at
stations throughout. Rick Toomey, CEO of Beaufort Memorial Hospital, voiced
his thanks, and golf prizes were awarded.
After returning to the
silent auction with huge ice
cream sundaes in hand, attendees made their final bids. It was an amazing
day of high spirits, fellowship, and generosity.
There were several major sponsors that we would like to recognize;
without them we would not have donated such an amazing amount of
money to Keyserling Cancer Center! Fripp Island Annual Kingfish
Tournament, Fripp Island Resort Inc., Diane McGarry, and Don Peel and
Lori McGrath (Sand and Seas Builders, Fripp Island Real Estate, and
Springtide Market).
Next year's event is already in the planning stages and promises again to
show our commitment to better living in our beautiful community!
Scenes from the 2013 “Fripp for a Cure” events
November 2013
The Trawler
5
Island Groups
cont.
Fripp Island Friends of Music
ENCORE!! ENCORE!! ETA 3 Returns to Fripp!!
By Linda Freeman
F
ripp Island Friends of Music presents a long awaited encore performance by New York City based ETA 3.
3
ETA 3 is a woodwind trio comprising award winning Julliard educated musicians, American FlutistChelsea Knox, Japanese Pianist- Tomoko Nakayama and Russian Clarinetist- Alexey Gorokholinsky.
Flutist Chelsea Knox completed her Bachelors and Masters
degree at The Juilliard School. Chelsea is an advocate of new
music and is a member of the New Juilliard Ensemble and
"Juilliard Plays Juilliard." As a soloist, Chelsea has performed
recitals in Connecticut and New York as well as concertos with The Hartford Symphony,
Juilliard Lab Orchestra, Manchester (CT) Symphony, and Connecticut Youth Symphony.
Chelsea has won first prizes in numerous prestigious competitions.
Alexey Gorokholinsky A native of Russia, Alexey began his clarinet studies at age 7.
Alexey came to the United States at age 15 to attend the Idyllwild Arts Academy (CA) and
then The Juilliard School, where he was a full scholarship student. During his freshman year
he won The Juilliard Clarinet Concerto Competition. He was also a top prizewinner of the
Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, Jefferson Symphony, first annual Buffet
Crampon, and International Clarinet Association competitions. His latest CD, "Delicacies,"
showcases a variety of virtuosic and melodic pieces, most of which he arranged for clarinet
and piano. Alexey holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School.
Praised for her "superior technical facility and musicianship," Tomoko Nakayama has
been acclaimed as both a collaborative pianist and harpsichordist. Tomoko has appeared
most recently with the New York Philharmonic Ensembles, at Merkin Concert Hall, New
York, and at the Tanglewood Music Festival. As winner of the Samuel Sanders Award, she
was a featured artist at the 2008 Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival, and was also resident accompanist for the Buffet Crampon USA
Summer Clarinet Academy in 2007. Tomoko is a member of the Chamber Orchestra of New York, playing both piano and celesta. A
native of Japan, Tomoko holds a Bachelor of Music degree in harpsichord and a Master of Music degree in Collaborative Piano, both
from The Juilliard School.
Sunday, November 17th, 5:00PM at The Community Centre
Tickets at the door: Adults $25 per person / $10 for students. All attendees are invited to join the artists at an included Harold’s
Catering event following the performance. Information: (843) 838-6655 or www.islc.net/friendsofmusic/.
MARKETPLACE
FIPOA neither endorses, recommends, nor disapproves persons or companies that advertise in The Trawler
6
The Trawler
November 2013
Island Groups
cont.
Fripp Island Women’s Club News
By Marsha Priem
Fripp Island Women’s Club Officers 2013 – 2014
he first General Membership meeting led by President Anne
Hoyle was held on October 16th at the Fripp Island
Community Centre, with ongoing and new members in attendance
for a wonderful and informative program by representatives of the
Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. About 70 attended the
presentation by Andrea Sisino and Kathleen Jordan, who are from
the Beaufort area, which took place in the Chapel. Classes are held at
the USC campuses in Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Beaufort. A
discussion on the history, goals, membership, and curriculum gave
everyone a good idea what’s available in our area when it comes to
classes, workshops, and field trips for adult lifelong learners. As a
special bonus, each Women’s Club member was given a curriculum
guide and special guest pass to a class of their choice sponsored by
“OLLI.” Afterwards, there were refreshments provided by the FIWC
Board, as members socialized and greeted new members.
Many sponsored events are
scheduled this year including
the annual Women’s Club
home tour in March.
Members are charged $10.00,
with non-members paying
$20.00. This event shows off
the loveliest homes on Fripp
Island and has always been a
huge success with funds raised
for the many charitable
organizations to which the
FIWC donates their time and
money. Won’t you think
about joining the FIWC with
annual dues of $10.00 and
help promote the many projects that have been planned?
Most recently, the beautification committee, chaired by Cyndi
White, worked with the FIPOA to enhance the area around the
firehouse with new landscaping, plants, memorial bench, and pavers.
Also, on October 11th, the Adopt-a-Highway was a huge success with
T
November 2013
19 volunteers picking up 61 bags of trash with a total of
46Volunteer hours!! When you drive past Gay Seafood and over
the Harbor Island Bridge towards Boondocks, think about
how beautiful it is now thanks to the hard work and the
removal of so much trash in that area.
On that
same Friday,
Sheila Tindall
organized the
Flu Shot
Clinic at the
Community
Centre, which
is such a
convenience
for our residents. There will also be a Health Fair soon to come early in 2014!
More wonderful programs are planned for this year including
a Volunteer Fair at the Community Centre for our next meeting
on November 20th at 10:00AM. And you don’t want to miss the
December 11th luncheon at the Beach Club, or the January 15th
meeting with renowned author, Cassandra King.
Please take a minute and find out more information about
membership, our mission, officers, committees, events, and
charitable activities at our new website www.frippwc.com.
The Trawler
7
Island Sports
NINE HOLE MEN’S GOLF GROUP
By Mike Wilt
and October featured outstanding weather for the most part for the Nine Hole men’s group. Rain disrupted play on
S eptember
September 11 , preventing some of the teams from completing their round. As fall approached, the number of golfers playing on
th
Wednesday mornings has increased from the summer months.
A variety of games were played these past two months, including Powerball, redball, two low net, individual flight competition,
stableford, and two low net using a variety of A, B, C, and D player scores.
September saw the end of Don Brink’s term as President of the Nine Hole Group. Mike Virostek has taken on the new role of
President. The Nine Hole men sincerely appreciate the time and effort that Don gave in his role as President.
The annual meeting and dinner was held on September 15th at Cat Island. Members had the opportunity to
play 9 or 18 holes and enjoy dinner with a spouse or guest as well.
The group sponsored a scramble tournament on October 9th for the Nine Hole Ladies Group. Nearly 50
participated in the event, which culminated in a luncheon at Peg Legs.
A variety of winners for the past weeks included John Dunphy, Ron Grabarczyk, Ed Smith, Larry Sigafoos,
Dave Martin, Dufffy Howard, Walter Dany, Dave Moore, Pete Simone, Jim Click, Tom Hunter, Rusty
Prophater, Steve Schnobrich, Permindra Bindra, Rick DiSerafino, Gary Bond, Don Aldrich, Mike Wilt and
Mike Jahn.
There are currently approximately 80 active members in the group. A new website is now being used for the
men’s nine-hole group. To sign up to play every Wednesday morning at go to the website at http://web.foretees.com/frippislandresort/.
Fripp Island Women’s Golf Association
By Susan Price
O
ur fall weather has been absolutely beautiful. Warm
temperatures, clear blue skies and gentle breezes. Just the
way golfers love it!!
On Tuesday, September 17th, after our scheduled round of
golf, our FIWGA held our annual business meeting and
luncheon. At this time, our 2014 slate of officers were
announced. Kathryn Woolley will be our President, Jan Pringle,
Vice President; Joyce Zanone, Secretary; and Jane Cuffe will
once again be the
Treasurer.
We
look
forward to next year and
the exciting events that
will be held. Remember,
you can be a member of
our group for only $50.00
per year. Come out and
enjoy golf with a fun
group of ladies.
8
On Friday, September 20th, our Par 6 organization began its
season. The 6 golf associations met here at Fripp Island for their
first match. Fripp came in 2nd place that day. The 6 teams met
again on Friday, October 19th at Dataw Island, and after a lot of
great golf, Fripp is now in 4th place…but they have 4 more
matches to play in their season. The next match will be Friday,
November 15th at Rose Hill. Good luck girls!
On Tuesday, September 24th, the first round of our FIWGA
Championship tournament was held. The wind was so strong it
was hard to control ANY shot. The final round was played the
following Tuesday, October 1st to decide the winners in each
division. Our Low Gross Over All winner was Kathryn Woolley
and runner-up was Linda Ashby. Other winners were: for Flight
A, Pat Howard, runner-up was Jan Pringle; Flight B winner was
Diane McGarry, runner up was Barbara Hess; Flight C winner
was Sue Ranieri and runner-up was Susan Price and Flight D
winner was Joyce Zanone with the runner up being Sam Taylor.
Congratulations to all these fine golfers.
Photos & cont. next pg.
The Trawler
November 2013
Island Sports
cont.
FIGWA cont.
On Tuesday, October 15th, we invited the Callawassee
Women’s Golf Association to an Exchange Day of golf here at
Fripp. What a wonderful day for 40 golfers that enjoyed our
beautiful Ocean Point golf course and then a delicious lunch at
the Beach Club.
As we look toward cooler…sometimes even “cold” at tee
time…weather, we always want to keep our golf games “up to
par”…so for fun, I decided to ask Char Cormier, our Director
of Golf, what he felt was the “biggest problem” for the women
golfers here on Fripp. His answer was “distance control” on our
long putts. His advice is to practice…practice…practice…for
longer putts; standing taller and using more hands in the stroke.
To really understand this technique, plan to take a lesson from
Char, Todd, or Matt to start hearing the balls drop in the cup!
On Thursday, October 24th, the 9 and 18 Hole Women’s
Golf Associations held our “Fripp for a Cure” golf tournament.
104 golfers enjoyed a chilly, but beautiful day of golf, an
outstanding luncheon and so many amazing items up for
auction. This year $31,800 was brought in for this wonderful
cause. As in the past years, all the money raised goes to the BMF
Keyserling Cancer Center in Beaufort, South Carolina. This is
such a special day for a special reason and we thank Cathy Keup,
Patti Mathews, Rayma Griffin, Pat Earl and all their committees
for a job WELL DONE.
Flight A winner, Pat Howard
Flight B winner, Diane McGarry
McGarry
Flight C winner, Sue Ranieri
FIWGA Championship Over All winner,
winner, Kathryn Woolley
The FIPOA is always looking for volunteers!
All Committees, PEC, Folding/Stuffing…
If you have an interest in contributing to
your POA, please call (843) 838-4155.
Flight D winner, Joyce Zanone
November 2013
The Trawler
9
Boating & Fishing
FRIPP ISLAND INSHORE
FISHING TOURNAMENT
HOLIDAYS ON THE WAY WITH
GOOD FOOD AND GOOD
FISHING
W
ith the weather being this beautiful, it is time to
enjoy the fall fishing which has been good so far
this season!
Many of you enjoy golf, tennis, or a good book, but
rarely take the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of
Fripp’s beautiful waterways and the nature that
surrounds us. We are fortunate to live in one of the
most beautiful areas in America. The fishing is good,
but you get spectacular when you combine good fishing
with this area’s natural beauty. Enjoy the view, it is one
of the few priceless things we get for free.
Our fall fishing has been good:
Inshore: Good; large Redfish, Trout, Whiting, and
Shark. Flounder are hard to find this year.
The Shrimp baiting season has been poor this fall, but
the local oysters are good.
Lewis Turner with a beautiful 30 lb. Red Snapper
caught off Fripp Island
By Captain Ralph Goodison
T
he Fripp Island Owen Perry Memorial Fishing Tournament was
scheduled for October 25th & 26th. All fisherman were invited to this
charity fishing tournament, with the proceeds going to help fund Camp
Rainbow, a camp for kids with cancer and rare blood diseases.
The tournament started on Friday night with registration and a captains’
meeting, followed by a low country cookout by Chef Doolittle.
After the cookout, everyone attended the presentation by Roger A. Vega,
MD, and the live auction with all proceeds going to Camp Rainbow.
Fishing started at 7:00 AM on a beautiful October Saturday morning and
ended with an awards ceremony followed by weigh-ins at 5:00 PM.
The tournament was a great success in raising $3,800 for Camp Rainbow.
John Lee took 1st place with the largest Red Drum Bass at 5 lbs. 2nd
place went to Bruce Whaton with a 3.02 lb. bass. Bruce also won the bass
with the most spots, his fish bosted six spots.
First place for largest Trout was Stuart Mitchell with a 2.4 lb. fish, And
2nd place to John Lee with a 2 lb. Trout.
The other category was won by Dave Freeman with a 17 lb. Bonnet
Head Shark.
The weigh-ins were enjoyed by a large group of spectators. After weigh
ins, Lewis Turner thanked the Doolittle Company and Chef Dee Doolittle
for a great low country cookout. He also thanked the Fripp Company,
Grayco Company, and Sea Island Marine for sponsorship support.
The Fripp Island Marina’s next tournament will be the Thanksgiving
Kids Fishing Tournament Friday 29, November 2013. All kids are invited
to the tournament but must bring their own rods, reels and an adult
sponsor. For more information call the Marina at (843) 838-1517.
10
Offshore: Excellent; Black Bass. Good; Red Snapper,
Trigger, Grunt, Spanish and Kingfish. Slow; Wahoo
and Dolphin.
The Trawler
MARKETPLACE
To advertise in The Trawler,
contact Stewart DeWitt
(843) 838-5970.
Online ads are clickable links to your website.
November 2013
Sea Rescue
Welcome Aboard Gretchen Montgomery and Dave Tindall
By PJ Fineis
P
lease join us with a hardy Welcome to Sea Rescue for Gretchen Montgomery and Dave Tindall. Both have recently joined
Fripp Island Sea Rescue to support our squad in one of the most critical positions we have. They have volunteered to staff
the Base Phone which requires 24/7 coverage. Base phone coverage is where all sea rescue activity begins with a call from
Beaufort County Dispatch, Fire Dept., Coast Guard, DNR, or concerned citizen; it all starts with the Base Phone. It is a huge
help to have that activity centralized between two people that will receive those calls, and then dispatch rescue information as
required to the squad member who has the Duty Phone that week. From there, all rescue activity will be put into motion. We
cannot thank you enough for your help and assistance in this key role.
Sea Rescue Call Activity: September–October 2013
Saturday, Sept. 7th, 9:42 PM: Tee Cooper received call from
Beaufort Dispatch regarding distress red flair sighting over the
ocean. With no additional details FISR was standing by. At
10:26 PM received call from dispatch that it was Coast Guard
training and we were to stand down.
Thursday, Sept. 19th, 5:15 PM: PJ Fineis receives call from
dispatch regarding two fishermen in Johnson Creek north end
of Hunting Island that appeared to be stranded. Call made to
Hunting Island ranger to confirm resulted in confirmation
that both fisherman had kayaks, and were in no trouble.
Monday, Sept. 9th, 6:00 AM: 14 Ft. Sailboat missing between
Edisto and Fripp. Coast Guard called for assistance with
search, and Bob Bicknell to dispatch Ralph Burchfield and
Cliff Spann were dispatched. 7:30 AM, Coast Guard clarifies
sailboat had beached itself on another island for the night, and
returned to Edisto at 7:00 AM.
Sunday, Sept. 22nd, 9:39 PM: Charlie McCoy receives call
from Dispatch regarding Captain stranded on water near
Otter Island and Ashepoo River. Charlie determined boat was
out of our area and was also advised DNR was responding.
Charlie contacted Beaufort Water Search & Rescue and
advised them of location. Through constant follow up with
BWS&R, and DNR, Charlie was advised that the boater had
been rescued at 3:40 AM and all was well.
A Coast Guard Cutter had also been
launched from Charleston to join the
search, but returned after boaters were
located. Thank you Charlie for staying
with this case over six hours.
Friday Oct. 18th, 10:33 AM: Coast Guard
called with distress call from “The Miss
Kathy” shrimp boat received on channel 16.
Wednesday, Sept 11th, 12:25 PM: Barry
Stean receives call from Dispatch
requesting help to locate overturned boat
in Egg Bank vicinity. Coast Guard
already involved and has made rescue of
distressed person on Egg Bank, while
Allan Price and Bob Bicknell search area
for distressed boat. See picture at right
for results of their search. Price &
Bicknell advise Coast Guard of location
and return to dock.
November 2013
Cont. next pg.
The Trawler
11
Sea Rescue
cont.
September – October cont.
There was an unconscious man on board and provided only
rough coordinates at the time. Cliff Spann, Bill Lyman & Dick
Work took Bill Lyman’s boat as it was determined the “Miss
Kathy” was two miles offshore of the lighthouse. Attempts to
contact the boat failed, as it was later learned the man down was
the Captain. The Hustler was another boat nearby, and was
relaying CPR instructions to the “Miss Kathy” crew. The
Hustler towed the “Miss Kathy” towards Harbor Island Bridge,
where Fripp Island Sea Rescue intercepted at 11:17 AM. They
transferred the patient to Lyman’s boat at 11:30. CPR was given
while transporting to Butch’s Landing where Lady’s Island EMS
was waiting. Spann, Lyman and Work returned to the Marina at
12:08 where it was later learned the Captain had experienced a
major heart attack and had passed away.
Fripp Island Sea Rescue has provided the following assistance
through the end of October:
Number of Calls: 42
People requiring assistance: 45 Adults, 22 Children
Number of vessels involved: 21 Boats, 3 Jet Skis,
2 Rafts, 4 Beach Calls, 3 Kayaks, and 3 Shrimp Boats.
Three calls from Coast Guard for assistance with “Visual
Inspection of water craft or validation”.
Please Visit the FIPOA Website
TO REPORT A MARINE
EMERGENCY,
call Beaufort County Dispatch at 911
or Fripp Island Security at 838-2334
www.frippislandliving.com
F.I.P.O.A.
225 Tarpon Blvd
Fripp Island SC 29907
The Trawler