Sheriff’s Sgt. Saves Disabled Man in Shark-Filled Ocean
A Florida sheriff’s sergeant jumps into the Atlantic to rescue a disabled man after he falls into the water.
2 min read
A 72-year-old disabled Florida man was rescued by a sheriff’s sergeant after falling into the shark-filled Atlantic Ocean. Bill Von Herbulis, who uses a motorized wheelchair, was fishing at his private marina near New Smyrna Beach when he fell into the water. The incident occurred late in September, during prime feeding time for predators such as sharks, barracudas, and moray eels.
Rescue Operation in the Dark
Von Herbulis was in the water for over an hour before a fisherman spotted him and called 911. Volusia County Sheriff’s Sgt. William Leven and his partner, Deputy Boris Rodriguez, arrived around 9 p.m. and found Von Herbulis struggling to keep his head above water. Leven, who is set to receive a Lifesaving Award, jumped into the water to rescue him, navigating sharp oyster shells and barnacle-encrusted dock pylons.
Challenges in the Rescue
The rescue was complicated by a locked gate on the dock, which prevented the fisherman from reaching Von Herbulis. Leven used a sheriff’s buoy to reach the man and retrieved his belongings as they floated away. Von Herbulis said the fisherman who called for help probably didn’t belong at the dock and was violating condominium rules.
Unusual Circumstances
The incident was caused by a combination of anomalies in Von Herbulis’s routine. He had been told not to fish alone at night, but he went to his spot before sunset. That evening, the private condominium dock was unusually empty of fishermen. As he turned to head home, his wagon of gear bumped into a box on the dock, causing his wheelchair to topple and sending him into the water.
A Remarkable Recovery
Von Herbulis, who cannot stand or walk since fracturing his neck 19 years ago, was back fishing the next day. His wife, Lori Von Herbulis, described the fisherman who called for help as an ‘angel’ despite the man not having a key to enter the dock. The bodycam footage of the rescue has gone viral, highlighting the bravery of the sheriff’s sergeant and the community’s quick response.
Source: Breitbart
