Bruce Dorrell breaks ribs during yacht incident in Whitsundays
The community is rallying around a skipper who was pinned down with broken ribs while his yacht smashed against the rocks. Read his harrowing experience.
Mackay
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An “extremely experienced” skipper had to radio for help after he woke to discover he and his yacht were being smashed against rocks on a Whitsunday region island.
Bruce Dorrell, 71, lost consciousness while sailing from Cairns down to Evans Head, his yacht Joyous — also his home — then running aground at Hook Island with 55 to 75km/h wind gusts.
Friend Kim Steedman said he was “lucky to survive (the) near tragic incident” with Mr Dorrell falling head first and becoming pinned under a table.
“He suffered what the doctors are initially assuming was a heart condition that caused him to black out as he was walking down to the galley,” Ms Steedman said.
“Some hours later he came to after being woken by loud crashing and banging as the yacht was hitting the rocks.
“Bruce was able to radio for help and not long after he was airlifted to Mackay.”
Ms Steedman said Mr Dorrell had bought his yacht after the death of his wife Joy.
“He never complained while caring for the love of his life and always saw the light ahead no matter how hard circumstances became, though deep down I knew he was just surviving and pushing forward hoping for the best,” she said.
“Sadly Joy passed away in their Evans Head home while he held her lovingly tight in his arms.
“Being Bruce, he eventually picked himself up, moved to Cairns and bought the boat … of his dreams.”
She said he had spent many months carefully returning the trip home to Evans Heads before the incident occurred.
Mr Dorrell broke down in tears as he told 7NEWS the final voyage was about retracing the solo trips he had shared with Joy.
Ms Steedman and others were now rallying to help cover the $20,000 bill to repair Mr Dorrell’s yacht that was dry-docked in Airlie Beach.
“This has truly been one too many blows a man should have to endure in a lifetime,” she said.
She said Mr Dorrell had suffered broken ribs and a fractured lumbar vertebrae in the crash but was pushing through the pain.
“We are optimistic that we can get (the yacht) repaired and back to a state that Bruce can live happily on it and move forward,” Ms Steedman said.
“We are truly grateful beyond words for the generous donations … made so far.”
Click here for the GoFundMe link.
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