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03/29/2005: "BREAKING NEWS Quick Reponses By Island Air Staff And Pilot Helps Rescue Survivor Of Plane Crash"

Tom Schramm of Island Air


A plane crash off of Orcas island could have been even worse than it was were it not for the actions of one of the men in the water and the quick response and eyes of Tom Schramm, a pilot for Island Air. He was the first to the scene where the plane went down, and saw someone in the water flapping his arms. He circled the area waiting for help to arrive and when it did he directed the rescuers to the scene. Members of the Coast Guard, the Navy, SJC Sheriffs boat, and the FH Fire Dept, Boat were all at the crash location to render help in the rescue and recovery.

Tom would like everyone know what an important role the flapping of the arms by a person in the water had in Tom being able to pick out the person alone in the water.

He was on the way to Orcas to pick up a passenger, when he got a call from Jackie Hamilton -owner of Island Air- informing him that a plane had gone down off of Point Lawrence by Orcas, and would he please go check it out. He was circling the area, not seeing anyone [or a downed plane either] when his attention was attracted by splashing in the water. As he pointed out, from 700 feet up, people are real small, and he might not have seen the figure but for the rhythmic slapping. He continued to circle while contacting emergency personnel and then directing them to the scene.

The figure which had been doing the splashing became quiet after a period. Conserving energy or - unconscious? One of the people pulled from the water is now at hospital in Bellingham where he is being treated for hypothermia. The second victim did not survive the crash. At this time the names of the victims are being withheld.