After 20 Long Hours at Sea, One Family’s Safe Return Shows God Was Near All Along

A birthday fishing trip got turned upside down, literally, in Clearwater, Florida, on Nov. 25. After 20 hours on the water, the family was found at sea.

The group on the boat consisted of four family members: Dennis Woods, 70; Clarence Woods, 90; Cris Harding Sr., 42; and Cris Harding Jr., 18. 

Birthday Trip Turns Upside Down

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They fished for a few hours on the 25-foot boat, named “Money Well Wasted,” before the catamaran flipped. The survivors sat on the overturned vessel for 20 hours before help came. 

"It was probably less than five minutes before it rolled," Dennis said. "I didn’t have time to contact the Coast Guard. We were more concerned about getting a life jacket on the 90-year-old and the 18-year-old. The one I was going to wear got hung up, and I had to just leave it."

That night, they saw a coast guard helicopter, but they couldn’t get its attention. "The night was real tough because the waves picked up and we were having to try to get up on top of the rigging of it," Dennis said. 

Their Family Called the Police When They Didn’t Return

Dennis spent most of the night supporting Clarence, who had fallen several times. 

The crew’s family called the police when they hadn’t returned after sundown. “They honestly didn't think they were going to make it," Teresa Rucker, Dennis's sister, said. 

But the four prayed all throughout the night. Clarence even sang. They recalled seeing a cloud shaped like an angel, which they interpreted to mean they weren’t alone.

"Our pastor taught us that whatever comes your way, God's got you in His hand," Teresa said. "And I want everyone to know God's got you in His hands and whatever happens. He already knows, and He has already provided a way out. It's a miracle. I mean, for them to be out there … it's a miracle."

Lost Family Found at Sea

The crew was found around 7 am the next morning. 

Dennis said the experience was “rough.” 

"The water just sucks all the warmth out of your body, so they were just pretty chilly,” says U.S. Coast Guard Savannah O'Dell.

The Rescuers Pulled Them to Safety

"The 90-year-old man, he was on the outside. We were worried about him," she said. "We're very happy that everyone was still doing okay. The catamaran was pretty much fully underwater, so the fact that it was still above water was pretty great. I think their first words were 'thank you' to all of us.”

The rescuers pulled them to safety and ensured their boat reached shore. Three of the four men had to stay at the hospital overnight, and all were treated for dehydration and hypothermia. Clarence was also treated for cuts. 

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Even though they’ve had quite the ordeal, they aren’t heavy-hearted. "Chris Sr. told me to tell y'all he caught a six-foot shark before this happened!" Teresa joked to reporters. 

And Dennis laughed, "It was a good birthday, now that we are back on land.”

What a blessing that God kept them safe throughout that scary experience! They’ll probably be hugging land for a little while. 

WATCH: After 20 Long Hours at Sea, One Family’s Safe Return Shows God Was Near All Along

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h/t: People

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Michaela Gordoni is an avid reader and part-time globe-trotter. With a bachelor's degree in International Relations and experience in the non-profit world, she has a passion for people and reporting. You can check out her portfolio here.