Chris Smelley Grayton Beach rescue story

[Teresa]

Article by Rick Karle Good News
Friday Mar 19
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His voice sounded calm, yet strong.
He was surrounded by family as we chatted this morning.

Chris Smelley plans on enjoying Grayton Beach, Florida today with his wife Josie and their 4 young children.
"I'll enjoy the day, but I probably won't be going in the water," Chris chuckled.

Good Friday is going to be a great Friday for Chris Smelley, for what he endured yesterday was a day that was as bad as they get.

It was a Thursday right out of a movie scene.

The Tuscaloosa native and former South Carolina quarterback and Bama baseball star has told me a whale of a story.
He's feeling blessed to be alive and feeling blessed to talk about it.

"My family loves Grayton, Beach, Florida," Chris told me the day after the scare of his life.
"My wife Josie and 4 children love to vacation here, and I love kayak fishing- I have done it for years," he added.
"I headed out to fish yesterday about 7:30 am and the water just off shore was calm and smooth."
Chris climbed into his kayak with 3 fishing poles, a small tackle box, no cell phone, no watch and small bottle of water.

"I was fishing near shore, and the wind started to whip up a bit," Chris told me.
"I turned to paddle back to where I started and the wind caught me- I knew I was in trouble," added Chris.

"I tried 3 times with all my might to paddle back to where I was, but I was still moving backward, deeper into the ocean. I was reminded right then of the power of the ocean."

Chris Smelley tried to remain calm.
"I saw a lifeguard on a wave runner off in the distance and then a boat. I found myself further into the sea," said Chris.
Late morning arrived and Chris grew worried- not so much for him, but for his wife and his 4 kids, all under the age of 8.
"I usually just go out for about an hour, so when late morning arrived I knew they were worried. I thought about the worry and the pain I was causing them and it really hurt me."

By 11:30 am CT, a search and rescue mission was underway.

"My wife Josie called the Walton County Sheriff's Office and they called the U.S. Coast Guard," said Chris.

"I was so far out in the ocean that I realized the only way I was going to be rescued was if the Coast Guard spotted me."

It was mid-afternoon, and Chris Smelley's life was turning into one of those "lost at sea" movies.

"Twice I saw rescue choppers fly near me- I waved frantically and they didn't see me- I thought of those movies where someone is lost and they are never found. I started to worry more."

It was approaching 6 pm, and Chris was floating in his kayak 2 miles off shore, praying and hoping.

Chris' wife Josie was praying too alongside the couple's children Coleman (10), Canon (8), Franklin (7) and McKenzie (3).

Meanwhile, in Sylacauga, Alabama, the Sylacauga High School Aggies football team chaplain Chris Theilacker and the players prayed for their head coach.
Chris Smelley's lips were chapped and his hunger grew.

"I knew I needed some nourishment because I was guessing I would be in the ocean overnight," said Chris.

"I caught a Remora- one of those small fish you see that attach themselves to sharks and stingrays," he added.

"I got it onto the kayak and started to open it up- I needed to eat," said Chris.
"Just then I saw the plane and the chopper above me. I never threw a fish back in the ocean quicker."

Chris Smelley's heart jumped nearly 12 hours after he left on a short fishing trip.
"The man from the Coast Guard lowered himself into the water, swam up to me and said, "Hi, how ya doing?".

Chris smiled, and his smile grew wider when he saw another boat driven by his friends approach- they were following the Coast Guard vessels.

Kevin Moak and Eddie Morgan were among those on the boat cheering and yelling to Chris.

A weary and blessed Chris Smelley was being rescued.
"The Coast Guard people and my friends helped get me on the boat," Chris told me.
"We went back to shore and met my family at Harbor Docks Restaurant, which is owned by Eddie," Chris added.
"There were a a lot of hugs and kisses as my family was there to greet me."

I asked Chris if there is a lesson to be learned in all of this.
"The lesson learned is appreciating all of the support and prayers. The hardest part was thinking of my family as the sun started to go down. I thought they may be fearing the worst as darkness fell. I'm so thankful for everyone who never gave up."

And now to the hilarious part of this happy ending.

When Chris arrived on shore after being rescued, he was given fluids and foods, and he found that his timing was perfect.
You see, Chris and his family remained at the restaurant to watch the Crimson Tide beat North Carolina in the NCAA Tournament.

"You mean, after the experience you went through you actually watched the Bama game?", I asked.
"Of course," laughed Chris. "I mean, it's the Crimson Tide."

Good Friday is going to be a great Friday for Chris Smelley and his family.
They will enjoy one final day of vacation at Grayton Beach before heading home to Sylacauga.

I asked Chris if he will be doing some fishing on his last day of vacation.

"I'm not sure," said Chris, chuckling.

"But if I do, I'll be fishing from the beach."

*Please offer Chris your best!
#ChrisSmelley

*Pictures from Chris Smelley
#ShareTheGoodNews

 

[Capt. Grumby]

WOW, what an amazing story of resilience, perseverance, but most of all, total STUPIDITY!

It boggles the mind that this 37 year old father of four young children acted in such a reckless and irresponsible way.

Mr. Smelley’s predicament was completely of his own doing. He chose to go out on the gulf early in the morning, alone, with no cell phone, no lifejacket, and with an offshore breeze.

Then with a total lack of “situational awareness” he paddles straight out to the offshore wind line.

Once he is out there, off he goes downwind.

The casual observer may deduce that Mr Swelley was in fact trying to commit suicide.

Hours later once someone finally realized he was missing, the sheriff is called and a search and rescue operation involving the Walton County sheriff, S.W.F.D /Lifeguards, U.S. Coast Guard Mobile, Florida Fish and Wildlife, A U.S.C.G. chopper from New Orleans {250 miles away}, and the Okaloosa Sheriff dept.

Mr Smelley is eventually found 2 miles offshore by the U.S.C.G. , but the narrative alludes that he was rescued by his friends.

There are a lot of things that bother me about this incident.
Mr Karle’s illustrious recount of the event leaves me dumbfounded.
No where does he mention that the entire event could have been easily prevented.
There is no mention of safety, or the many things Mr. Smelley did wrong that precipitated this event.

His article is a total FLUFF piece, but probably the most irritating part of the letter is his treatment of “the hilarious part of this happy ending”. I found it to be arrogant and in very poor taste.

I wonder if the many many people who spent the day searching for Mr. Smelley got to watch the game?

Reading the many news articles about Mr Smelley’s heroic battle against nature {“release the kraken”} I noticed one disturbing thing. During his interviews he always makes a point of saying GOD, and the many people who prayed for him were the reason he was “saved”.

Not once does he apologize for his total stupidity, or mention and thank all the hard working professionals people who partook in the search for him, and his ultimate rescue.

He maintains the pompous and caviler demeanor of,
‘oh yea I am a total dumb ass, but in the end I got back in time to watch the bama ball game!”

One has to think, what if someone was in REAL trouble, and perished because all the resources where looking for Mr. Smelley

Mr Smelley’s actions certainly do not set a good example, especially from someone who makes his living as a coach, role model, and mentor to young people.

I think Mr. Smelley should be presented with the fuel bill for ALL of the aircraft and vessels involved in this totally preventable search. {note: The U.S.C.G. does not accept payment for rescues, we the tax payers cover the cost, choppers cost $1000 to $2000 an hour during flight.}
But there is a new trend where states are charging for rescues required due to gross negligence.
{When adventures go wrong: Should we pay to be rescued?}

Or at the very least he should make sizable donations to the multiple agencies that participated in the search.
How about buying a new jet ski for the S.W.F.D./Lifeguards.

Oh yea, and his kayak should be taken away!

 

[Ken]

ROLL TIDE

 

[James Bentwood]

WOW, what an amazing story of resilience, perseverance, but most of all, total STUPIDITY!

It boggles the mind that this 37 year old father of four young children acted in such a reckless and irresponsible way.

Mr. Smelley’s predicament was completely of his own doing. He chose to go out on the gulf early in the morning, alone, with no cell phone, no lifejacket, and with an offshore breeze.

Then with a total lack of “situational awareness” he paddles straight out to the offshore wind line.

Once he is out there, off he goes downwind.

The casual observer may deduce that Mr Swelley was in fact trying to commit suicide.

Hours later once someone finally realized he was missing, the sheriff is called and a search and rescue operation involving the Walton County sheriff, S.W.F.D /Lifeguards, U.S. Coast Guard Mobile, Florida Fish and Wildlife, A U.S.C.G. chopper from New Orleans {250 miles away}, and the Okaloosa Sheriff dept.

Mr Smelley is eventually found 2 miles offshore by the U.S.C.G. , but the narrative alludes that he was rescued by his friends.

There are a lot of things that bother me about this incident.
Mr Karle’s illustrious recount of the event leaves me dumbfounded.
No where does he mention that the entire event could have been easily prevented.
There is no mention of safety, or the many things Mr. Smelley did wrong that precipitated this event.

His article is a total FLUFF piece, but probably the most irritating part of the letter is his treatment of “the hilarious part of this happy ending”. I found it to be arrogant and in very poor taste.

I wonder if the many many people who spent the day searching for Mr. Smelley got to watch the game?

Reading the many news articles about Mr Smelley’s heroic battle against nature {“release the kraken”} I noticed one disturbing thing. During his interviews he always makes a point of saying GOD, and the many people who prayed for him were the reason he was “saved”.

Not once does he apologize for his total stupidity, or mention and thank all the hard working professionals people who partook in the search for him, and his ultimate rescue.

He maintains the pompous and caviler demeanor of,
‘oh yea I am a total dumb ass, but in the end I got back in time to watch the bama ball game!”

One has to think, what if someone was in REAL trouble, and perished because all the resources where looking for Mr. Smelley

Mr Smelley’s actions certainly do not set a good example, especially from someone who makes his living as a coach, role model, and mentor to young people.

I think Mr. Smelley should be presented with the fuel bill for ALL of the aircraft and vessels involved in this totally preventable search. {note: The U.S.C.G. does not accept payment for rescues, we the tax payers cover the cost, choppers cost $1000 to $2000 an hour during flight.}
But there is a new trend where states are charging for rescues required due to gross negligence.
{When adventures go wrong: Should we pay to be rescued?}

Or at the very least he should make sizable donations to the multiple agencies that participated in the search.
How about buying a new jet ski for the S.W.F.D./Lifeguards.

Oh yea, and his kayak should be taken away!

You make some good points.

 

[Lake View Too]

I kind of felt the same way, but not as grumpily as Grumpy. Also, some reports said "15 miles out", and now we find out "2 miles out". Huh?

 

[Teresa]

WOW, what an amazing story of resilience, perseverance, but most of all, total STUPIDITY!

It boggles the mind that this 37 year old father of four young children acted in such a reckless and irresponsible way.

Mr. Smelley’s predicament was completely of his own doing. He chose to go out on the gulf early in the morning, alone, with no cell phone, no lifejacket, and with an offshore breeze.

Then with a total lack of “situational awareness” he paddles straight out to the offshore wind line.

Once he is out there, off he goes downwind.

The casual observer may deduce that Mr Swelley was in fact trying to commit suicide.

Hours later once someone finally realized he was missing, the sheriff is called and a search and rescue operation involving the Walton County sheriff, S.W.F.D /Lifeguards, U.S. Coast Guard Mobile, Florida Fish and Wildlife, A U.S.C.G. chopper from New Orleans {250 miles away}, and the Okaloosa Sheriff dept.

Mr Smelley is eventually found 2 miles offshore by the U.S.C.G. , but the narrative alludes that he was rescued by his friends.

There are a lot of things that bother me about this incident.
Mr Karle’s illustrious recount of the event leaves me dumbfounded.
No where does he mention that the entire event could have been easily prevented.
There is no mention of safety, or the many things Mr. Smelley did wrong that precipitated this event.

His article is a total FLUFF piece, but probably the most irritating part of the letter is his treatment of “the hilarious part of this happy ending”. I found it to be arrogant and in very poor taste.

I wonder if the many many people who spent the day searching for Mr. Smelley got to watch the game?

Reading the many news articles about Mr Smelley’s heroic battle against nature {“release the kraken”} I noticed one disturbing thing. During his interviews he always makes a point of saying GOD, and the many people who prayed for him were the reason he was “saved”.

Not once does he apologize for his total stupidity, or mention and thank all the hard working professionals people who partook in the search for him, and his ultimate rescue.

He maintains the pompous and caviler demeanor of,
‘oh yea I am a total dumb ass, but in the end I got back in time to watch the bama ball game!”

One has to think, what if someone was in REAL trouble, and perished because all the resources where looking for Mr. Smelley

Mr Smelley’s actions certainly do not set a good example, especially from someone who makes his living as a coach, role model, and mentor to young people.

I think Mr. Smelley should be presented with the fuel bill for ALL of the aircraft and vessels involved in this totally preventable search. {note: The U.S.C.G. does not accept payment for rescues, we the tax payers cover the cost, choppers cost $1000 to $2000 an hour during flight.}
But there is a new trend where states are charging for rescues required due to gross negligence.
{When adventures go wrong: Should we pay to be rescued?}

Or at the very least he should make sizable donations to the multiple agencies that participated in the search.
How about buying a new jet ski for the S.W.F.D./Lifeguards.

Oh yea, and his kayak should be taken away!

Maybe someone gave him this lecture, which is pretty on target...

I'm just glad all turned out OK. Well known by lots of families and kids, many are relieved he's safe. His status was all over social media. Friends and associates and random people everywhere were posting and pulling for him. I received text messages from friends in Alabama who know him (I don't).

I didn't see many articles with details of what happened. I posted the one I came across, by an Alabama writer, which provided more of a personal account of what happened. It is lighthearted. But the situation was anything but, especially for him and his family. It could have turned out much differently. I personally loved the happy ending as he joined family and friends at Harbor Docks for dinner and Alabama basketball.

Yes he should have been more prepared as I'm sure he's become well aware. I am sure he's extremely grateful for those who searched and rescued him, as any of us would be. That's what the agencies are professionally prepared to do.. That's why they exist. To rescue those in trouble. Whoever they may be or for whatever reason they are in trouble. And he was in real trouble from all I've seen and read.

I'm only surprised it doesn't happen more often with visitors who aren't used to the Gulf and surf conditions. May this serve as a caution to others.

 

[debesquire]

WOW, what an amazing story of resilience, perseverance, but most of all, total STUPIDITY!

It boggles the mind that this 37 year old father of four young children acted in such a reckless and irresponsible way.

Mr. Smelley’s predicament was completely of his own doing. He chose to go out on the gulf early in the morning, alone, with no cell phone, no lifejacket, and with an offshore breeze.

Then with a total lack of “situational awareness” he paddles straight out to the offshore wind line.

Once he is out there, off he goes downwind.

The casual observer may deduce that Mr Swelley was in fact trying to commit suicide.

Hours later once someone finally realized he was missing, the sheriff is called and a search and rescue operation involving the Walton County sheriff, S.W.F.D /Lifeguards, U.S. Coast Guard Mobile, Florida Fish and Wildlife, A U.S.C.G. chopper from New Orleans {250 miles away}, and the Okaloosa Sheriff dept.

Mr Smelley is eventually found 2 miles offshore by the U.S.C.G. , but the narrative alludes that he was rescued by his friends.

There are a lot of things that bother me about this incident.
Mr Karle’s illustrious recount of the event leaves me dumbfounded.
No where does he mention that the entire event could have been easily prevented.
There is no mention of safety, or the many things Mr. Smelley did wrong that precipitated this event.

His article is a total FLUFF piece, but probably the most irritating part of the letter is his treatment of “the hilarious part of this happy ending”. I found it to be arrogant and in very poor taste.

I wonder if the many many people who spent the day searching for Mr. Smelley got to watch the game?

Reading the many news articles about Mr Smelley’s heroic battle against nature {“release the kraken”} I noticed one disturbing thing. During his interviews he always makes a point of saying GOD, and the many people who prayed for him were the reason he was “saved”.

Not once does he apologize for his total stupidity, or mention and thank all the hard working professionals people who partook in the search for him, and his ultimate rescue.

He maintains the pompous and caviler demeanor of,
‘oh yea I am a total dumb ass, but in the end I got back in time to watch the bama ball game!”

One has to think, what if someone was in REAL trouble, and perished because all the resources where looking for Mr. Smelley

Mr Smelley’s actions certainly do not set a good example, especially from someone who makes his living as a coach, role model, and mentor to young people.

I think Mr. Smelley should be presented with the fuel bill for ALL of the aircraft and vessels involved in this totally preventable search. {note: The U.S.C.G. does not accept payment for rescues, we the tax payers cover the cost, choppers cost $1000 to $2000 an hour during flight.}
But there is a new trend where states are charging for rescues required due to gross negligence.
{When adventures go wrong: Should we pay to be rescued?}

Or at the very least he should make sizable donations to the multiple agencies that participated in the search.
How about buying a new jet ski for the S.W.F.D./Lifeguards.

Oh yea, and his kayak should be taken away!

The article hit me the same way, although I could not have expressed it as articulately as you have done. But let’s give Mr Smelley the benefit of the doubt and assume he is more humbled by the experience and more cognizant of and grateful for the efforts of those professionals (the only “heroes” of this story) who searched for and rescued him than Mr Karl’s article portrays him to be.

 

[Poppaj]

What would the writer or anyone for that matter be saying if this had been a drunken college student on spring break recklessly kayaking instead of a pseudo celebrity?

 

[Jimmy T]

 

[TimeIsFree]

The ocean didn’t want him that day…