March 8, 2010
In early 2009, Nick Schuyler and three of his friends went on a fishing trip off the Gulf Coast of Florida when their boat capsized in rough seas. One by one, the men let go of the floating boat and slipped under the water as the hours went by, and when rescue finally arrived two days later, Schulyer was the only survivor.
One year later, the Ohio native is still dealing with the feelings of loss and guilt, and admits he is getting "a little bit of help," according to The Plain Dealer.
"But you know time does help," the 24-year-old told the news provider, adding that supportive family and friends have been key to his recovery.
Schuyler, who still works as a professional health club trainer in Tampa, has also recently talked about his experiences and the difficult healing process with Oprah Winfrey in an interview that will air this Thursday.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, recreational boating accidents killed 685 people in 2007, and experts warn that in addition to excessive speed, insufficient experience or knowledge of the terrain are frequent contributing factors.
The use of emergency gear such as lifejackets is important during a boating trip, as the Coast Guard's statistics suggest more than two-thirds of all fatalities are due to drowning. Of those, nearly 90 percent were not wearing a life vest, the source says.
It is also recommended to be realistic about one's navigational skills and hire a professional and experienced captain when faced with a difficult or unfamiliar terrain.
The Crash Survivors Network offers support and resources for survivors and families coping with the aftermath of a serious accident.
