Heroes hailed after rescue
Published: April 1, 2008
A FILIPINO fisherman was saved from almost certain drowning when two strangers came to his rescue at the Salmon Holes on Good Friday.
Ariel Dogello was fishing at the Salmon Holes with his family and friends when a large wave washed him into the ocean. Mr Dogello, who cannot swim, tried to climb back onto rocks but was pounded by the rough seas.
Reynold Williams and Lareena Woods saw Mr Dogello washed off the rocks and rushed to his aid.
They threw Mr Dogello a lifebuoy from the Silent Sentry installed by the Nathan Drew Trust in 2004.
However, Mr Dogello could not reach the buoy, so Mr Williams dived in and swam it to him.
Mr Williams struggled to return to shore. Ms Woods then swam to Mr Dogello and tried to bring him ashore until she also got into difficulty.
A bystander alerted police, who contacted Albany Sea Rescue.
A rescue boat was launched and collected Mr Dogello after he had been floating in the water for one-and-a-half hours.
“I owe my life to them,” Mr Dogello said after his rescue.
“I will always remember Good Friday. If I ever go fishing again, it will only be on the beach, not on the rocks.”
Mr Williams and Ms Woods said they had little choice but to dive in.
“He was nearly drowning, so I had to go in,” Mr Williams said.
Mr Dogello (35) has been in Albany for almost two years. He is a maintenance worker at Fletchers International abattoir at Narrikup.
His wife and two young children arrived in Australia for a holiday only two weeks ago.
The Nathan Drew Trust was formed to promote awareness and coastal safety after the teenager drowned at the Salmon Holes in September 2003.
The device was designed by the Drew family who have also worked tirelessly with the community and local buinesses to raise funds for life vests which can be hired from local outlets.
The device was the first of its kind in Australia and had received the support of the Department of Conservation and Land Management.
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