Hilton Head Island Fisherman Overcomes Life-or-Death Challenge After Rogue Wave Hits

Hilton Head Island Fisherman Faces Life-or-Death Moment After Rogue Wave Incident

It was just another sunny day on Hilton Head Island when Bluffton Mayor Larry Toomer decided to take his beloved shrimp boat, The Red Baron, out for a spin. Little did he know that adventure would soon turn into a desperate fight for survival.

On September 1, after a series of fortunate shrimp hauls, Toomer was hauling in a heavy net—filled with shrimp and unexpected jellyfish—when out of nowhere, a cable snapped. You could feel the frustration as the catch was thrown back into the ocean to lighten the boat for the ride back. “I felt I needed to be there, and I was right; we found the shrimp,” Toomer said with a reflective smile. But just as luck had been on his side, misfortune struck.

As the two fishermen worked to secure their boat, a monster rogue wave came crashing over the stern. The situation quickly escalated and before they knew it, it was too late—the water was rising way too fast for them to bail it out. “We had no choice but to steer the boat as close to Hilton Head beach as possible,” Toomer explained. “It was either that or risk capsizing a quarter mile offshore.”

After a tense and nerve-wracking journey, Toomer aimed the boat towards the shore, his heart pounding in his chest. Just moments later, The Red Baron hit bottom, leaving him and his friend standing in what felt like an ocean of trouble—and water that was up to their chests.

Community Rallies to the Rescue

Once the boat was on the beach, Toomer took a moment to breathe before realizing the support that would soon follow. “It was a humbling experience,” he noted. Friends and family rushed to help, ready to lend a hand in any way possible. “They all dropped what they were doing to come assist,” he said with gratitude. “It made me feel so fortunate to be part of this community.”

After approximately 28 hours, on September 2, Toomer and his family managed to get The Red Baron off Hilton Head Island. During this time, his wife, Tina Burdette Toomer, took to Facebook to share her appreciation for the outpouring of support. “This is true fishing, y’all,” she wrote. “Counting my blessings as thankfully, it’s only a boat.”

The South Carolina Shrimpers Association also expressed their support and concern, highlighting the dangers inherent in the shrimping profession. They noted, “The Toomers have contributed significantly to the local economy and heritage. Let’s show our support for them and all shrimpers during these challenging times.”

A Fisherman’s Resilience

For Mayor Toomer, who also co-owns the Bluffton Oyster Co., the incident served as a reminder of just how unpredictable life at sea can be. Despite having faced challenges in the past, he echoed that he had never experienced anything quite like this. “You never know what can happen out there,” he confessed, reflecting on the ordeal. Yet, he maintained his resolve, insisting he wouldn’t have done anything differently.

As the sun began to set on that unforgettable day, the residents of Hilton Head Island, along with Toomer’s friends and family, celebrated not just the recovery of the boat but the spirit of community that the event had ignited. Misfortune may have found Toomer, but it was the support, love, and resilience of his community that helped steer him back to safety.

With hurricane season looming, this tale serves as a reminder for all residents—especially those involved in traditional occupations like shrimping—to always be prepared for the unexpected. And for Toomer, it’s about building on that feeling of community and helping one another through life’s unexpected waves.