Stuart Crang BattleBox Unsung Hero (2001-)
‘I like to help people and they needed my help’
You do not have to climb mountains, scale rock faces or command armies to be extraordinary. Our BattleBox Unsung Heroes are those that in the course of their everyday lives go to extraordinary lengths to help others or overcome adversity.
Stuart was only 11 years old when he saw a couple in trouble on the sea and took the brave decision to help them himself.
On Monday 23rd July 2012 Stuart was out fishing in his 8ft rowing boat off an area known as Fishcombe Point Brixham, he had been fishing for approximately 1 hour when he spotted a small sailing dinghy, with a couple on board, repeatedly capsizing, Stuart watched the dinghy for a little while until his curiosity got the better of him and he rowed about 3/4 of a mile out to see what was happening. On arrival at the dinghy Stuart found the couple who had been in difficulties for about 45 minutes, extremely cold and with the boat was filling with water, due to the ‘bung’ on the boat parting away.
Stuart realised that the couple needed help, and having attached a small line to their dinghy and given them his bailer, offered them the opportunity to board his boat, this they declined for fear of capsizing him. His option now was to tow them back to shore against the wind and tide so Stuart started the row back into Brixham harbour which took 30 minutes.
Stuart said "I decided to help these people as they were waving to lots of people on the shore and on boats and no one had spotted them and I spotted the dinghy did not look right. Even though it was difficult to tow the people and their boat, I knew I had to get them to shore as quick as possible as they were very cold, I like to help people and they needed my help."
We thought that Stuart deserved to rewarded for his presence of mind, his courage and his detemination so BattleBox sent him an Ultimate Dangerous Den kit, as you can see, he seemed quite pleased, though he doesn't really understand what all the fuss is about apparently.
