‘It’s An Honour’: Nanaimo Captain Gets Award For Rescuing Father And Son From Frigid Waters Of Dodd Narrows

Rodrigo Menezes says ‘if I had to, I’d do the same thing again.’

Rodrigo Menezes is an oceanographer with a master's degree in conservation biology who has worked on marine conservation projects for over 16 years in Brazil, with a focus on monitoring the population of Southern Sea Lions and Fur Seals. He has over 6,000 hours of onboard experience in the industrial fishery fleet monitoring the accidental capture of seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. He currently studies marine life in the Salish Sea and enjoys hiking, paddling, and birdwatching in his free time. Credit: Vancouver Island Whale Watch
Rodrigo Menezes is an oceanographer with a master's degree in conservation biology who has worked on marine conservation projects for over 16 years in Brazil, with a focus on monitoring the population of Southern Sea Lions and Fur Seals. He has over 6,000 hours of onboard experience in the industrial fishery fleet monitoring the accidental capture of seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. He currently studies marine life in the Salish Sea and enjoys hiking, paddling, and birdwatching in his free time. Credit: Vancouver Island Whale Watch

A boat captain who last year rescued a father and son from the frigid waters of Dodd Narrows off Vancouver Island has been honoured with a prestigious award. 

“I just did the right thing. I was lucky to be at the right spot at the right time and do the right thing.”

Rodrigo Menezes
Rodrigo exemplified true courage when he rescued the father and son from the frigid waters of Dodd Narrows. This act of heroism is a testament to his dedication to the marine environment and the well-being of those who inhabit it.
Rodrigo exemplified true courage when he rescued the father and son from the frigid waters of Dodd Narrows. This act of heroism is a testament to his dedication to the marine environment and the well-being of those who inhabit it. Credit:
Rodrigo Menezes Margoiano on Facebook.

Rodrigo Menezes recently received a Silver Medal for Merit from The Lifesaving Society, a charity that works to prevent drownings and water-related injuries. 

“I was super excited about it. It’s an honour to be recognized for something like that, and it was also a huge surprise for me,” he told Nanaimo News Now, which reported on the rescue last year

Menezes is the marine operations manager of Vancouver Island Whale Watch. He was among 17 local heroes to receive recognition at the Society’s annual awards ceremony, which was held in Burnaby. 

“I just did the right thing. I was lucky to be at the right spot at the right time and do the right thing. It’s something I don’t want, this kind of situation, for sure, but if I had to, I’d do the same thing again,” he told CHEK News, saying that work commitments prevented him from attending the awards ceremony in person.

Rodrigo Menezes is an Oceanographer with a Master's Degree in Conservation Biology who has worked on marine conservation projects for over 16 years in Brazil, with a focus on monitoring the population of Southern Sea Lions and Fur Seals. He has over 6,000 hours of onboard experience in the industrial fishery fleet monitoring the accidental capture of seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. He currently studies marine life in the Salish Sea and enjoys hiking, paddling, and birdwatching in his free time.
Rodrigo shares his knowledge of the Salish Sea ecosystem with customers while on one of the three whale watching vessels he navigates. His passion for conservation and expertise in marine life allows for an educational and memorable journey through the waters. Source: Vancouver Island Whale Watch.

“Rodrigo didn’t hesitate in his actions. He saw what was happening, and he knew he could help them.”

Leana Grace, executive director, The Lifesaving Society

The rescue took place in April 2022 as Menezes was captaining a 30-foot whale-watching vessel. When he arrived at Dodd Narrows, between Mudge Island and Vancouver Island, he saw two men in a canoe trying to navigate the choppy waters. 

Then the canoe flipped. An initial rescue attempt wasn’t successful. Menezes waited for the current to carry the father and son, who were wearing life jackets, to a safer part of the narrows. At that point, “he was able to shut down the engines, get closer to the canoe, and throw out a life ring,” as Nanaimo News Now reported at the time. 

The Lifesaving Society’s executive director, Leana Grace, praised Menezes’ decisive reaction. “Rodrigo didn’t hesitate in his actions. He saw what was happening, and he knew he could help them.”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Ruedi Pletscher's passion for knot-tying is evident in his joyful expression, as he expertly weaves together the intricate strands of his latest creation.

      How This Campbell River Local Is Reviving The Overlooked Art Of Maritime Knot-Tying

      Passionate about promoting sustainable and responsible fishing practices, Mark Urwin is committed to protecting the rights of prawn fishery license holders and preserving area access. As a prawn fisher and license holder with over 10 years of experience, he is equipped with marketing expertise gained from running 46 South Fish Co. Ltd.

      How This Fifth-Generation Harvester from New Zealand Became a Successful B.C. Prawner