Bluffton Mayor Survives Close Call While Shrimping Off Hilton Head Island

Bluffton’s Mayor Faces Danger on the Water

Bluffton, a picturesque town where the sun kisses the water’s edge, witnessed a real-life adventure this past Sunday when its mayor, Larry Toomer, faced the unpredictable nature of the sea. Growing up on the water, he learned early how dangerous conditions can shift in the blink of an eye. The day started out like any other for Toomer as he set out **_dragging for shrimp_** just a quarter-mile off the coast of Hilton Head Island with his trusty shrimp boat, the Red Baron.

A Day Like No Other

However, what was meant to be a typical morning turned into a terrifying experience. While they were working, the cable that lifts the shrimp catch from the water snapped, resulting in a chaotic shift of heavy loads on the boat. Almost simultaneously, a gigantic wave – **_roughly twice the size of the others_** they had encountered – crashed over the back of the boat, submerging its stern and throwing both men into a flurry of emergency measures. It was a heart-pounding moment that called on Toomer’s instinctive skills as a fourth-generation waterman.

Quick thinking kicked in as Toomer steered the Red Baron toward shore, hitting the gas in a race against time. The boat was taking on water but miraculously managed to hit the sand just before the engine gave up. “It was a wild ride,” remarked Toomer later, emphasizing how, in moments like that, every second counts. He was relieved but felt the rush of adrenaline that only came from being so close to danger.

Community Comes Together

News of the incident spread quickly, and soon family, friends, and other beachgoers gathered to **_offer help_**. Thankfully, aside from some bumps and bruises, both the mayor and his crew member made it back to solid ground safely. This episode served as a powerful reminder for Toomer of just how unpredictable Mother Nature can be. “If we had sunk in deeper water, things could have taken a darker turn,” he recalled, hinting at the unsettling thought of sharks being drawn to the boat by the fresh catch.

A Life on the Water

Toomer’s connection to the sea runs deep; it is something that is quite literally in his blood. His great-grandfather started a seafood business on Hilton Head in 1913, setting the family legacy in motion. For Toomer, now at 65, fishing isn’t just a means to make a living; it’s part of his identity. He fondly recalls starting as an 8-year-old who would oyster with his family, all while staying close to their watchful eyes. By age 12, he was out handling crab traps, and by 15, he was already at the helm of a shrimp boat. 

The Balance of Life

Today, Toomer and his wife, Tina, own Bluffton Oyster and Toomer’s Seafood Restaurant on the island, continuing the family tradition. He often balances his mayoral duties with his love for being out on the water. “I’m grateful to do what I love and be able to provide for my family,” he reflected, acknowledging the realities of his livelihood. “I’m not getting rich, and I don’t expect to, but it’s enough for me.”

As Toomer spoke over the phone from the Broad Creek Marina, he was busy picking up parts for the damaged engine of the Red Baron. “Lord willing,” he said optimistically, “we’ll be back out there in a week.” His passion for the sea is as invigorating today as it was when he first stepped aboard a boat all those years ago. With stories like these, it’s easy to see why Bluffton is more than just a beautiful coastline; it’s a community grounded in tradition, resilience, and the irreplaceable bond between man and ocean.