FREEPORT, Fla. — A dangerous storm rolled across Choctawhatchee Bay on May 10, turning into a lifesaving mission for a Walton County deputy and a veteran who happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Just after 3 p.m., a 911 call reported that a jet-ski had flipped near Grady Brown Park, throwing two people into the choppy water. Strong northwest winds were pushing the watercraft away while the pair struggled to stay afloat.
Sergeant Ragan with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office arrived quickly and saw the riders drifting west across the bay. With no time to spare, he drove into a nearby neighborhood and spotted a boat on a lift. He approached the home to see if anyone was there.
James O’Donoghue, a veteran and rescue diver, was sitting in his truck. When Sgt. Ragan asked if he could use the boat, Mr O’Donoghue immediately agreed.
“Let’s go,” he said.
The two launched the boat and reached the stranded pair within minutes. Both riders were still wearing their life vests and were safely pulled from the water by 3:18 p.m.
They also recovered the jet-ski, which had floated far from the original scene.
Walton County Fire Rescue and EMS were waiting at Grady Brown Park to assist. Other than being cold and waterlogged, neither rider was harmed.
From first arrival to the successful rescue, the response took less than 10 minutes.
Thanks to a deputy who acted fast and a veteran neighbor who said yes without hesitation, two people made it home safely.
