Water rescue

TWILLINGATE - An unexpected dunking in cold water was not at all expected by a couple from Chanceport on New World Island as they were returning home from Twillingate at midday on June 9, but that's exactly what occurred.

Roland and Flossie Jenkins were on Route 340 near Rocky Pond (formerly a separate smaller pond known as Jack Cooper's but now linked with Rocky Pond) when their van swerved off the road and travelled some 200 feet over bushes and into the pond to stop right side up with water to the bottom of the door windows. Neither of the Jenkins couple was injured. Mr. Jenkins was able to leave the van and walk ashore.

"I don't know what happened," said Mr. Jenkins, "but it was like a cloud of smoke was in front of me - and I know that doesn't make sense - but then I was headed off the road and into the water."

Fortunately a passer-by who saw the incident phoned the RCMP who immediately contacted an ambulance, the fire department and fisheries personnel, the last because of possible oil leakage. Also the Twillingate Town office was alerted since the pond in question forms part of the municipal water supply. However, there were no signs of oil leakage.

The police were quickly on the scene. Mrs. Jenkins was still in the van and standing in water at the driver's side. With the fear of her becoming hypothermic, Constable Ian Kaulback of the Twillingate RCMP waded out to the van that was some 40-50 feet from the shore and assisted Mrs. Jenkins ashore. From there both Mr. & Mrs. Jenkins were taken to the local hospital to be checked out.

"We were there for about two hours, but we were all right," said Mr. Jenkins. "However, we'd like to thank all those who helped in the situation and especially the young Mountie who rescued my wife from the van. I realize, too, that if the van had landed on its side the situation could have been much more serious."

The RCMP reported that the incident is still under investigation.