View Full Version : Fisherman Drowns


Bronko
09-18-2010, 07:07 AM
Last night in Sandwich...Old Harbor. Just now on Channel 5. It sounded like 2 surf fisherman got themselves in trouble and one drowned. I know myself and a few others here fish those areas. Anyone have any news?

Backbeach Jake
09-18-2010, 07:09 AM
I just read that it was Bob Samuelson. My thoughts and prayers.

Renegade6
09-18-2010, 07:18 AM
Mike from M&D's confirmed it was Bob on the other site.......

this is such a shock, and a huge loss..... horrible news.....

just met up with Bob last week, his easygoing smile was there as always.... thats how I'll always remember him...

as i asked on the other site, people who know Bob's family/situation - please post here about whatever can be offered, contributed to help most effectively/immediately.....

afterhours
09-18-2010, 07:30 AM
terrible news...bob was a good guy and will be sorely missed by many. deepest condolences to his family and many freinds.. please be ultra careful out there guys.

MAC
09-18-2010, 07:47 AM
OMG, such terrible news. Bob was a great guy. Always willing to lend a hand. He will be missed greatly.

My condolences to his friends and family.:(

niko
09-18-2010, 08:18 AM
so sad to hear about. he was a good guy, my condolences

AL617
09-18-2010, 08:22 AM
Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family. He was always super friendly when we traded plugs on the other site. RIP Bob

piemma
09-18-2010, 08:22 AM
This is terrible. I knew Bob. We actually fished together on the Cape years ago.

Rob Rockcrawler
09-18-2010, 08:27 AM
I think i may have knew bob, the name was very familiar. What a tragedy. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Every year we seem to lose someone from our community.

chief10
09-18-2010, 08:46 AM
very sad news. Bob will be missed.

Slingah
09-18-2010, 08:51 AM
that is terrible news...God bless his family...R.I.P. Bob

ProfessorM
09-18-2010, 09:03 AM
omg . thoughts and prayers to his family. Man what a shock.

Pete F.
09-18-2010, 09:04 AM
Very sad and scary, thoughts and prayers

Nebe
09-18-2010, 09:09 AM
:(
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

stripercrazy
09-18-2010, 09:30 AM
that really sucks, he was a great guy.rip bob:(

mrstriper
09-18-2010, 09:37 AM
thoughts and prayers...RIP

Fisherwoman
09-18-2010, 09:41 AM
Very Sad indeed, thoughts and prayers to his family and friends, boy what a week.

SurfCaster413
09-18-2010, 09:42 AM
Horrible news, thoughts and prayers.

iamskippy
09-18-2010, 09:42 AM
truely sad, i didn't know him but anytime you lose someone it hurts. my condolences to friends and fam.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

JohnR
09-18-2010, 10:00 AM
Very sorry to hear this. I had heard early this morning that two people were swept away, one made it out, search continuing for a second person. I did not know him well but everything I've heard is of a nice, stand up guy. Thoughts and prayers for his family and friends.

Was one of several contemplating going there last night. Figured it would be a zoo so I went to old semi-reliable.

milo
09-18-2010, 10:12 AM
terrible news.........always smiling ..great guy

fishermans wife
09-18-2010, 10:48 AM
Sorry to hear thoughts and prayers to his family and many, many friends and fishing family

numbskull
09-18-2010, 11:06 AM
A great person, a great fisherman, a great loss to us all.

Slipknot
09-18-2010, 11:25 AM
OMG what a shock :(
My thoughts and prayers go to his family.
Another great loss of a really good man to the fishing community :( I am so shocked to see this.
Bob's a great person, and a really good fisherman. Conditions last night were tough, I wasn't far away last night until 2:30 am .
this sucks, what an awful tragedy , not the kind of thing you expect to see when you log on....
Guys, if you fish those places especially nights like last, wear an inflatable lifevest, I did last night. I am so sorry to hear this:(
we'll miss you Bob

PRBuzz
09-18-2010, 11:47 AM
Apparent drowning victim recovered from water off Sandwich, Mass. (http://www.necn.com/09/18/10/Apparent-drowning-victim-recovered-from-/landing.html?blockID=313573&feedID=4206&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

Mike P
09-18-2010, 12:17 PM
It's weird how you react to the death of a friend. Especially when they're suddenly taken away. You're totally numb. Shock just deadens the emotions for awhile while it sinks in. No, it can't be. Not Bob.

Then it hits you and the tears start flowing.

RIP Bob, and condolences to his family.

And lets keep Greg--Little Bull from Red Top--in our thoughts. Greg was the guy who was with Bob, and who the Sandwich rescue guys got out alive. He must be going through hell right now. If you know Greg, and run into him, please try to comfort him.

freebie
09-18-2010, 02:04 PM
terrible news. didn't know Bob on a personal level but that never stopped him from helping with a few fishing tips here and there. my thoughts and prayers are with his family.

JohnnySaxatilis
09-18-2010, 02:59 PM
Thats awful. my condolences to his family. I'm pretty sure greg was the one who helped me yesterday when i stopped in at red top to get a few things. Conditions were scary last night i was further down the cape on the northside, and i can see how easily something this tragic could happen. Makes me think of all the times a wrong step could mean the difference. Be careful fellas!

Saltheart
09-18-2010, 03:25 PM
What a sad lose for his family. My Condolences.

There is no way you have participated in this sport for even just 5 years and not had a moment when you realize you were just lucky not to be in that kind of trouble. A slip , a step into a hole , a sudden surge of current or big wave. When you end up on the live side of that knife edge of luck you just forget it in a minute. This is a sad reminder that you really need to be carefull at all times.

Sea Dangles
09-18-2010, 03:32 PM
A big loss for the fishing community.Bob was always there to help and was a genuinely nice person.A quiet and accomplished angler as well.Terrible news.

Goose
09-18-2010, 03:32 PM
What a nightmare, didn't know the guy buy his family is in my prayers.

PaulS
09-18-2010, 03:37 PM
How sad. It should be a reminder to all of us to be careful out there.

Saltheart
09-18-2010, 03:59 PM
Not Good - SurfTalk (http://www.stripersonline.com/surftalk/showthread.php?p=7587125#post7587125)

Normally I wouldn't post a link but many many people here will recognize him from the picture who are drawing a blank from just the name.

Tagger
09-18-2010, 05:21 PM
will miss you Bob ... RIP

Slammer223
09-18-2010, 06:14 PM
Bob was someone that when you left him,you were hoping that you would see him again soon.Geez,I liked that guy.It's a real kick in the stomach to find out that he is gone.Thoughts and Prayers to his loved ones.

JohnR
09-18-2010, 06:17 PM
He has posted here occasionally as BS4SHORE for those that didn't know him.

Great guy, wish I had the chance to know him better.

hyefisherman2
09-18-2010, 07:48 PM
When I first read this I was in complete shock! So sad. RIP Bob. Condolences sent.

BigFish
09-18-2010, 08:12 PM
Found this sad news when myself and several from this site returned home safely from a beautiful morning on the water.......it can go bad so quickly for any of us at any time.....no matter how well seasoned we may think we are. Bob was a good fisherman and a good person. It struck me as ironic when I heard the news that not too long ago, at another dear friends wake and funeral, Bob and I lamented how "you just never know when your time will come". I am just so sorry to hear that Bob's time came much too soon. I think a man's mark in life can be measured by how many he touched......how many that man made an impression on, and it can't be measured with any certainty until that man is gone. Bob touched us all and left an impression of generosity, kindness, caring and a pure joy for this passion that we all share. Rest in peace Bob. May fair winds and fishy waters be yours always.:(

I understand that Greg jumped in to save Bob. Such a selfless act...it just leaves me speechless. Get better soon Greg.

FISHING_FOOL
09-18-2010, 09:33 PM
This is terrible. RIP

fishbones
09-18-2010, 09:45 PM
Wow, I just heard about this. RIP, Bob and condolences to his family and friends.

redcrbbr
09-18-2010, 10:39 PM
thoughts and prayers

bloocrab
09-19-2010, 07:17 AM
Very sad news indeed.......:(

saltydog
09-19-2010, 10:23 AM
Thoughts and prayers to friends and family.
GOOD LUCK GOOD PLUGGIN

luds
09-19-2010, 11:22 AM
I'll miss you Bob.

eelskimmer
09-19-2010, 12:30 PM
Did not know Bob, but he was a member
of our community and will be missed.
God's blessings on his family.

Slipknot
09-19-2010, 01:36 PM
By Cynthia Mccormick
cmccormick@capecodline.com
September 19, 2010

SANDWICH — A Plymouth fisherman who was wearing waders drowned when he got caught in the outgoing tide and was swept into Cape Cod Bay at the mouth of Old Harbor Creek early yesterday morning, Sandwich Fire Department officials said.

The Sandwich police identified the fisherman as Robert Samuelson, 43, of Plymouth.

Another fisherman who was with Samuelson at the time of the incident, Gregory McSharry, 32, of Carver was rescued after spending at least a half hour in the 65-degree water.

The two men had been fishing by the creek near the Sandwich Boardwalk when the current carried them about 200 yards out and at least a quarter of a mile east along the bay, fire officials said.

When it became clear Samuelson was in trouble, McSharry took off his waders and attempted to assist him, Sandwich Fire Capt. Timothy McMahon said.

"That guy is a hero," Sandwich Fire Deputy Chief Tom Corriveau said of McSharry. "He put his own life at risk to try and save his friend."

Sandwich police and fire officials as well as the Coast Guard responded to a call for help from two other fishermen who witnessed the event from the east side of the creek, the Salt Marsh Road side, Corriveau said.

A Sandwich Fire Department rescue boat crew pulled a still conscious but exhausted McSharry from the water at about 1 a.m., Sandwich fire officials said. The rescue crew also retrieved Samuelson's body and brought it to the Sandwich Marina.

McSharry was taken to Jordan Hospital in Plymouth, where he was treated and released.

Corriveau also credited the fishermen who called for help with keeping their eyes trained on the men in distress, which helped coordinate rescue efforts. "It probably made a difference with (McSharry), who was still treading water," Corriveau said.

The Coast Guard set off several parachute flares to illuminate the water and was preparing to launch a helicopter when the men were spotted, a Coast Guard spokesman said.

Samuelson was an experienced fisherman who was acquainted with the area, Corriveau said. "Unfortunately, he lost his footing, and it's a tragedy for everybody in the community," he said.

-----------------------------------

this article has it pretty much how it went down.
Greg should be commended for his heroism and almost ultimate sacrifice. As well as the 2 guys onshore who made the call and directed the rescuers' efforts to get the men out of the water.


I still can't believe this:(

Bob you are gone now, but will not be forgotten.

Swimmer
09-19-2010, 02:51 PM
I understand that Greg jumped in to save Bob. Such a selfless act...it just leaves me speechless. Get better soon Greg.[/QUOTE]

I was told this as well. Greg took off his waders and swam out after Bob. Coasties that pulled Greg out of the water said he was very close to not be able to keep his head above water. He needs our thoughts and prayers even moreso.

tattoobob
09-19-2010, 02:55 PM
This is very tough news, I'm sorry and my Condolences to all

iamskippy
09-19-2010, 03:07 PM
I understand that Greg jumped in to save Bob. Such a selfless act...it just leaves me speechless. Get better soon Greg.

I was told this as well. Greg took off his waders and swam out after Bob. Coasties that pulled Greg out of the water said he was very close to not be able to keep his head above water. He needs our thoughts and prayers even moreso.[/QUOTE]

this just speaks volumes to a bond between people that can be developed when they fish together. wish he well!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

BassDawg
09-19-2010, 03:08 PM
So sad to hear of his drowning,,,,,,,,,,

my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

we can never be TOO careful, there is no SHAME in

walking away from ANY situation in the surf,,,,,,,,,,

sorry for such an horrific loss; heal fast, Greg!

Mike P
09-19-2010, 05:21 PM
The wake will be held on Thursday at the Richard Davis Funeral Home, on Route 3A in Manomet. Here's the obit from this morning:

Samuelson, Robert Walter, 43, “Bob” by accident while fishing. September 18, in Sandwich. Beloved son of Robert T. and Sharon (Webb) Samuelson of Manomet. Brother of Thomas Samuelson of CA, and Sherer Samuelson McGee of Middleboro. He also leaves his grandmother Barbara Jones of Mansfield, his life partner Mary Donovan of Manomet and many friends. Robert grew up in Plymouth went to Plymouth Schools. After graduation he joined the U.S. Coast Guard and served 4 years. He was the store manager of the Falmouth Bait and Tackle Shop. He was a member of Striper’s On Line, and he loved fishing. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday September 23, at the Richard Davis Funeral Home 619 State (Rte 3A) Plymouth, (Manomet) 5:00 to 8:00 PM. All other services and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to Stan Gibbs Cape Cod Canal Fisherman’s Statue Fund, P.O. Box 117, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532, or the Friends of the Plymouth Pound P.O. Box 578, Manomet, MA 02345.

ProfessorM
09-19-2010, 08:16 PM
thanks Mike, still hard to believe.

NIB
09-19-2010, 08:22 PM
I talked to slip this smornin an he told me what happened.I could barely speak as I fought back the tears.Bob was really one of the good guys.One of my favorites.I knew I could always find when I came up.We would make plans to hook up as he would go out of his way to get out with me.I spent many late night tides fishing with him.We would often have breakfast afterwards.He always offered me a place to rest up but of course I never obliged.He would come down to jersey as Mary his girlfriend had family here.It was always great to see that big smile of his.. He was a real gentleman who treated me like royalty when I stopped in the shop to see him..
Habs, Steve and now Bob..Seems every year one of the good ones go early.Well he is in good company..
Life IS short.Treat each day like it could be yor last.Be Careful out there.And be kind to others.
So Sad..
Mike if you go the the wake can you please pass my condolences to Mary for me.She is a real sweetheart and I feel very bad for her and his family..What a tragic loss..

maddog2020
09-19-2010, 09:28 PM
WOW, his name sounded familiar and when JohnR posted his handle, I had traded w/ him on other site a few years back. :(

Man that stinks. It just shows you that it can happen to any one any time you go out. Just be careful out there guys. Good reason to wear SOSpenders.

Prayers to his family.

Mike P
09-19-2010, 09:35 PM
I talked to slip this smornin an he told me what happened.I could barely speak as I fought back the tears.Bob was really one of the good guys.One of my favorites.I knew I could always find when I came up.We would make plans to hook up as he would go out of his way to get out with me.I spent many late night tides fishing with him.We would often have breakfast afterwards.He always offered me a place to rest up but of course I never obliged.He would come down to jersey as Mary his girlfriend had family here.It was always great to see that big smile of his.. He was a real gentleman who treated me like royalty when I stopped in the shop to see him..
Habs, Steve and now Bob..Seems every year one of the good ones go early.Well he is in good company..
Life IS short.Treat each day like it could be yor last.Be Careful out there.And be kind to others.
So Sad..
Mike if you go the the wake can you please pass my condolences to Mary for me.She is a real sweetheart and I feel very bad for her and his family..What a tragic loss..

Will do, Tony, as I'm sure Slip will, too.

I was thinking of Habs and Steve, too, and how we're coming up on 3 years since John left us.

Raven
09-19-2010, 10:11 PM
it's so sad... this had to happen

made me think there should be a way to tether (anchor)
yourself to the rocks
so ya can't get swept away....

too :point: short a life for someone so nice. :hs:

My Condolences to His Wife and Family

chumbucket
09-19-2010, 10:42 PM
Deepest sympathy to Bob's Family.

RIJIMMY
09-20-2010, 08:38 AM
Really choked up reading all this. I had no idea. My condolences go out to all that knew him, sounds like a great guy.

MarshCappa
09-20-2010, 12:05 PM
Didn't know Bob but my heart goes out to his loved ones. This is a tragic event. Greg sounds like a hero and a good friend and he's going to need some help from his friends going forward. I can't even imagine what he's dealing with now.

Brian L
09-20-2010, 12:35 PM
What a shame.

I just heard from an extremely trustworthy source that it was Mike V. "Redlite" and another fisherman who were on the beach and made the call to the coast guard. Probably saved Greg's life from the sounds of it. Good work fellas, you saved one of your own, and heroic one at that.

Rest easy, Bob, and condolences to the family.

agsurfr
09-20-2010, 02:17 PM
That's a damn shame. Didn't have the pleasure but my heart goes out to those that did and loved ones.

Please be careful folks...

ab

Steve K
09-20-2010, 03:21 PM
That is just awful. My condolences to his family and friends.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

late-start
09-20-2010, 05:45 PM
terrible news. thoughts and prayers to all involved.

stay safe out there.

Slipknot
09-20-2010, 06:42 PM
What a shame.

I just heard from an extremely trustworthy source that it was Mike V. "Redlite" and another fisherman who were on the beach and made the call to the coast guard. Probably saved Greg's life from the sounds of it. Good work fellas, you saved one of your own, and heroic one at that.

Rest easy, Bob, and condolences to the family.

Mike(redlite) and Dan deserve a lot of credit like the Sandwich Fire Deputy Chief Tom Corriveau said in that article.
I wasn't sure if they wanted it known so I didn't mention their names. Dan I hope you are doing well and come to grips with this, remember your call saved a life. The whole incident is hard to understand.


NIB, sorry to have been the bearer of such bad news. Yes I will pass my condolences on as Mike said. You should come on up here real soon like you mentioned earlier in the year, life is short and you never know what will happen down the road as we seem to be reminded unfortunately. :(

RIP Bob

ivanputski
09-20-2010, 07:19 PM
You often hear about the guy in jeans and sneakers getting washed in, so you think to yourself..."ahhh. I'm way more experienced and prepared. wont happen to me" but when you hear that someone as experienced as this loses their life doing what we all do on any given night, that really shakes you up... I think many of us have no idea just how close to danger we come simply because nothing has ever happened... My thoughts and prayers to all friends and family... may God carry you through.

Swimmer
09-20-2010, 07:45 PM
I rarely if ever go on the other site, but did so today and found one thread with about six posts in regard to this tragedy. Dont they care over there. Maybe I just looked in the wong place.

Slipknot
09-20-2010, 07:52 PM
Ya you looked in the wrong place maybe because there seems to be a scattering of threads by now, probably more than 6 threads

the main one was posted by Mike Thomas in mass forum Frank, sticky "not good" it's long

Chris in Mass
09-20-2010, 08:38 PM
It'a like 16 pages...

Mike P
09-20-2010, 08:55 PM
I rarely if ever go on the other site, but did so today and found one thread with about six posts in regard to this tragedy. Dont they care over there. Maybe I just looked in the wong place.

There are threads about it in at least 5 different forums over there. Bob was leading the bass division of their "Ditch Troll" derby, and the guys voted to close it and award him the bass division, to re-name it the Bob Samuelson Memorial Ditch Troll Derby in the future, and to close it every year on 9/18 in his memory.

People from Maine to NJ knew Bob. Mary had family in NJ, and every year Bob and her would make a trip down for their "Food Fling" and to visit the Asbury Park club's tackle show.

Thumper
09-20-2010, 09:16 PM
thoughts and prays are with his family and friends. RIP Bob.

BasicPatrick
09-21-2010, 12:20 AM
I knew Bob a little as a nice guy and a hard core surf fisherman.

I got cell signal coming off Race Point and had phone calls asking me if I was Ok because many people know that I fish that spot (and it's cousi up the road) pretty often. I had a close call there many years ago and can easily imagine how even a prepared angler could get in trouble rather quickly.

It's on all of us to make sure Bob's death is remembered so that others may try to avoid dangerous situations.

My prayers are with all involved.

JohnR
09-21-2010, 06:55 AM
Mike(redlite) and Dan deserve a lot of credit like the Sandwich Fire Deputy Chief Tom Corriveau said in that article.
I wasn't sure if they wanted it known so I didn't mention their names. Dan I hope you are doing well and come to grips with this, remember your call saved a life. The whole incident is hard to understand.

I wasn't going to bring this up, not sure if it was my place, but as horrible as this was it could have been worse so big thanks to Mike & Dan for being on the ball and calling and maintaining contact as long as possible with the Coast Guard.

RoyL
09-21-2010, 12:36 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to Bob and his family. Bob was a great guy who know was a great asset to Red Top, Falmouth B&T and all that knew him. I left about a half hour before all this happened. Leaving behind some friends in that surf. When I got the call neither of the two had yet been rescued. I now where to people were and tried calling my other to buddies to see if they were alright. After not getting a hold of them, I jumped back in my car and headed back down looking for there vehicles. It was a relief to not see there cars, but seeing gregs and bobs put a huge lump in my throat and those I was keeping close phone contact with. I have to say, this is something that will haunt me for a long time. I can only imagine what those that were there must be going thru. This is sad for all of us and its not about if you knew Bob or not, but about remembering one of our own. The ocean is unforgiving is what my dad always told me. So be careful out there. This is something that could happen to anyone of us. It was a nasty night to be out and that surf was angry, but no fish is worth a life.

A couple days after I had a dream that I was walking the beach and as I came to a sand bar there was a guy sitting down at the base of it and another guy out on it. I asked the guy sitting down if they were getting any fish as I turned on my light. That's when I saw it was Bob. I asked what had happened and he replied.....I slipped, I just slipped Roy and then told me they were killing them as he pointed out to the guy on the bar. That's when I turned out to see Steve standing there with a nice fish. In my dream I then told them I wouldn't crowd them and let them have this spot to there own tonight, and it was great to see them again. I then woke up and realized this was my last good bye to two great fisherman.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

piemma
09-21-2010, 02:21 PM
Your dream gave me goose bumps

Fish_Eye
09-21-2010, 06:18 PM
This is terrible news. I cringe every time I hear a sad story like this. My condolences to family and friends. I've lost two very close friends to diving accidents and Internet friends to fishing mishaps. I can only pray that people will be more careful after this tragedy and learn from this awful loss.

Sundowner
09-21-2010, 06:36 PM
condolences to the family and friends and all of you that knew him. I was the jeans and sneakers guy 2 yrs ago and had a few close calls, I have had just as many that were just as sticky since. Do not overestimate the protectiveness of your equip/ wader belt/ or knowledge. obviously from what I am reading, Bob knew his %$%$%$%$. ie... walking across the steet

Mike P
09-21-2010, 09:12 PM
Bob wasn't reckless or careless by nature. In fact, Bob was one of the very few locals who routinely wore Korkers on the Canal rocks.

BigFish
09-21-2010, 09:21 PM
As others have stated......what happened to Bob could have happened to anyone of us at any time. As skilled, knowledgeable and careful as you can be......accidents can and do happen.

ProfessorM
09-22-2010, 08:08 AM
I heard many say Bob fished that area often and was a seasoned fisherman but sometimes being experienced or knowledgeable about a certain area or technique can work against you being that you are comfortable with it and sometimes complacent with a situation that someone who doesn't know that area would not go out in. Not saying Bob was reckless by any means. It was rough that nite and I assume they felt it was doable as they probably have fished that area in similar conditions before, heck onshore wind and outgoing current is what they wanted, just one tragic misstep or wave. Unfortunately a terrible tragic accident occurred and has occurred at that spot several times. All one can say is always be careful and never let your guard down weather on foot or by boat. So sad.

pmueller
09-22-2010, 06:01 PM
Rest in peace Bob. Fair winds tight lines.

Raven
09-22-2010, 06:13 PM
it's synchronization too ....if you step in a hole going under just as you exhaled or were about to inhale ...and in a blink of an eye, your choking on water because of bad timing....

then your in a real struggle for your life and you don't always win.
this is so different than how HAB'S and Flaptail left us...
they were not fishing at the time....

so i feel more bewildered by this
having a hard time wrapping my head around it
just shaking my head in....disbelief ....kinda...

i remain stunned....

Mike P
09-20-2017, 05:26 AM
I'm going to bump this thread up. On Christmas Eve that year, Red Top had an open house, as they did every year until recently. When I pulled in, I was floored to see Bob's truck parked outside, in the same spot he always parked in. Mary had driven it there. I've fallen out of touch with her. I hope she's doing well.