Bill Burden was never so happy to be on dry land. He was rescued by the Coast Guard Thursday morning after being thrown from his boat Wednesday afternoon.
"I left the boat in gear and I shouldn't have, walking to the back of the boat I was by myself," said Durden. "I went back to grab a rod, something yanked it and pulled me right over."
He found himself in the water with no life jacket and nobody around. Fortunately he had specialized water training.
"I used to be a pilot in the Navy and we trained for this every-year," said Durden.
The Coast Guard found Durden about 18-miles west of the shore. He was rescued by helicopter and then checked out by paramedics. First responders said he was in good shape.
Durden said he plans to go fishing again, but he'll make some changes to his next trip.
"I'm going back on a boat, but not by myself," said Durden.
