Saved boater returns to Cayman to be saved again

| 14/08/2017 | 35 Comments

(CNS): Edward Hendricks-Hyde (a.k.a Rivers) has returned to the Cayman Islands after his incredible ordeal at sea and was in church this weekend fulfilling a promise he said that he made to God while adrift on the water. Hyde was saved by Mexican fishermen who found him in very poor health aboard the boat in which he and Chadwick Bodden left West Bay for a fishing trip in June, and which turned into a nightmare when the small boat’s engine failed. Bodden was not as lucky as his fishing companion as Hyde said that Bodden died some days before he was rescued. 

Having finally returned to Cayman, he attended the Seventh-day Adventist church in George Town at the earliest opportunity to be saved again.

“He made a promise to God while at sea that if He saved his life the first thing he would do was to give his life to God through baptism,” said Pastor Sethres Dixon from the Adventist church who officiated at the ceremony. “I suggested scheduling it another weekend to allow time for better preparations, but he would not wait – it had to be done the very first Sabbath – it was the first thing he wanted to do as he got home,” Dixon added.

Hyde’s mother, Ezona Moore, is a member of the church and the pastor said that he is close to the family as they are originally from the Bay Islands, Honduras, where Dixon is from. Hyde has not yet revealed the full story of his 44-day ordeal at sea and what happened to Bodden but officials from the Adventist group said he has plans to call a press conference shortly.

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  1. JAY says:

    I wonder where is the fishing equipment Hook, sinker, gaff, rods & reels, bait???? after all the boat didn’t flip! and experience fisher men with fishing gear & BAIT would try catch something even flying fish C’mon bro now u run to the Lord after trying run to we all know where. PROVERBS 14:5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies! if that engine neva brake down you woulda neva find the LORD and where is Chad huh? always making up some story —_____—

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    • Anonymous says:

      Stop the speculation and bad-mouthing. Do any of the reports claim that no fishing gear was on the boat? Chad fished all of his life and this was a genuine fishing trip. Only wish he had come back. Only wish we knew what really happened to him. The silence on this issue is deafening.

      • Fred the Piemaker says:

        “Stop the speculation and bad-mouthing”. And then you say you only wish you know what had happened to him, when Hendrik Hyde’s has said what happened. Who speculating and bad mouthing now, bobo.

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  2. Anonymous says:

    How any of you asses believe you have the right or legitimacy to pass down judgment or direction to a man that has been through Edward’s ordeal is…baffling.

    The man stared all but certain death in the face and likely witnessed a dear friend perish before his eyes.

    Nevertheless, so many of you idiots are on here spewing the most bullshit.

    I wish you all the best going forward Hydes.

    RIP Chadwick.

    – Who

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    • anonymous says:

      I sort of agree with Who at 11:46: Give the guy a break. The Good Book says we have all sinned and come short. And let us not judge, lest we be judged.

      Let us rejoice that he has now found his way to this new perspective on life. I am glad and I open my heart to receive him as we all journey through this life with all of its ups and downs, disappointments and miracles.

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  3. Anonymous says:

    This would be such a great story if he TOLD THE TRUTH now that you are ok and back up and running not going say saved as that part is iffy..But the mere fact THE GOD OF THE UNIVERSE has speared your life, now use it to try and help others from going down the path you went..But like some others has posted HE full well know it was NO fishing trip he was on…

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  4. Anonymous says:

    This is stupid! This guy goes out in conditions with no experience. one small baring maintained engine to 60 mile bank with no safety gear or communication equipment. Any experienced navigator know they went to Jamaica and broke down along the way. Now to hide behind god. Come clean mister!

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    • Anonymous says:

      Where on earth did you get the impression they had no experience? Chad has fished all his life from being a little boy. Just because many simply cannot afford fancy equipment and second engines on their boats, and fish to earn a living and feed their families, this makes them inexperienced? They could probably show you a thing or two.

  5. Anonymous says:

    YEAP!! Another Cock & Bull story

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  6. Anonymous says:

    Good choice god bless you

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  7. Anonymous says:

    Anyone with boat and navigation experience will clearly know/understand they did not break down anyway off the western coast of Grand Cayman, heading towards 60 mile bank.

    That being said, I’m happy that Eddy survived and has given his heart to the Lord. Everyone screws up in life (one way or the other) and deserves another chance to turn their life around.

    I suggest that he share his ordeal with the other South East boat runners, teenagers and others; to discourage them from such a voyage.

    Write a book, donate part of the proceeds to your church, to Chadwick’s family (kid’s if he had any) and other charitable organizations on island.

    Let some good come from this tragedy, afterall, you were given a second chance so there must be some potential in you, after surviving such an ordeal. (40+ days adrift)

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  8. Anonymous says:

    Why did this god not savr tge other guy ?
    I am amazed about the naivety of simple minded people, still believing that crap about a god.
    I understand the leaders of churches and politicians, it is all about money in the pocket.
    I just dont understand why somebody would actually think there is a god figure that controls the lives of 6 billion people.
    I am sorry. I sailed off shore: epirb sat phone and liferaft. You will be picked up within 24 hours.
    DO NOT RELY ON A GOD !!!

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    • Anonymous says:

      You are a sad pathetic animal i bet if you were out there you would had been looking praying and hoping GOD had rescued u..You should THANK GOD he wakes your pathetic butt up everyday..I am glad I KNOW THERE IS A GOD ABOVE who controls the UNIVERSE we live in…May GOD BLESS YOU AND SAVE YOU BEFORE ITS TOO LATE…

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  9. Anonymous says:

    Chadwick could have gotten delirious and really jumped overboard.

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    • anonymous says:

      From the look of photographs I saw of this gentleman at the time of rescue, it is clear that he has had a near death experience. In that context, poor Chadwick’s demise is not surprising. My deepest condolences to Chadwick’s family. Many people continue to pray for solace for you at this sad time in your life.

      Incidentally, I saw on Facebook a comment about why Pastor Dixon had suggested a little more time for the baptism — it may not be clear to everyone, but the reference to preparations was with regard to the baptismal arrangements, and not to the personal spiritual readiness of Mr. Hyde.

      Let us give Mr. Hyde a chance to tell his story at the imminent press conference he has promised.

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    • anonymous says:

      Yes, 6:37 pm, it is not inconceivable that Bodden was suffering from all sorts of impacts of his ordeal after those five weeks with no water and food, other than any fish they may have been able to catch.

      Hyde himself, in his severely weakened state, would perhaps not have been fully aware of exactly what was happening to Bodden. They may both have been delirious from the unrelenting heat by day and cold by night.

      Hyde is no doubt still not fully recovered from his ordeal even now.

      I look forward to hearing from him when he is able.

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    • Anonymous says:

      Yes, of course! I’m sure if you believe that you also believe they were legitimately out “fishing”. There’s 3 sides to this story his, the lies he has fabricated one after the other and Chadwick’s but we will never hear his….

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    • anonymous says:

      True, 6:37 pm. My father was severely ill and was caught in circumstances where he did not have access to proper medical care. He suffered from a high fever due to pneumonia and became delirious. He had to be restrained in his hospital bed to prevent him getting out of bed and running.

      So sad that his had to happen to Chadwick. I pray that his family will ultimately find comfort as they come to grips with this sad outcome.

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  10. Anonymous says:

    I have not followed this closely, but was his companion still in the boat when Rivers was rescued?.

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    • anonymous says:

      Anonymous at 4:32 pm — Mr. Hyde was the only one in the boat at the time of rescue. By the looks of the photos, he was rescued just in time. I think I read that he was lying in the bottom of the boat unresponsive.

  11. Anonymous says:

    The real thanks goes to the Mexicans actually willing to help.

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    • Caymanian cuban says:

      Correct, unlike what we do to Cuban refugees.

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      • Anon says:

        I don’t see the parallel with the Cuban migrants. The Cubans are looking to migrate illegally and are held pending negotiations with the Cuban government for their return. Hyde was not wishing to migrate. He was rescued near death and rendered humanitarian aid and like any other visitor had the right to return home voluntarily.

  12. Anonymous says:

    Piece of the puzzle is missing

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  13. Anonymous says:

    What happened to Chadwich there is piece of the puzzle missing

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  14. Anonymous says:

    A press conference?? How about telling the family of Mr. Bodden one story and sticking to it? Since you are now a born again Christian, do his family and yourself a favor. PROVERBS 14:5 An honest witness does not deceive, but a false witness pours out lies!

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    • anonymous says:

      3:05 — let’s give Edward a chance. Remember that both gentlemen were going through an experience testing human survival that we can never quite imagine.

      The fact that Edward was near death, from all accounts, speaks for what may have happened to Chadwick.

      And, as someone observed, Chadwick may have been delirious — and so may Edward have been in the days leading up to his fortunate rescue.

      A man near death may simply not have the normal sense of reality about his surroundings and events.

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  15. Anonymous says:

    Glad you made it through Eddie Poo Poo, rest in peace Boy Chad.

    Class of 1994.

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  16. Anonymous says:

    I would scorn the religious nonsense for allowing my friend to die.

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    • anonymous says:

      2:22 — I feel your pain. This is one of the most difficult areas of theology. Every parent who has lost a child must feel this way at some time or the other.

      And I can’t explain it — I leave that to the theologians — but I do believe that God has a purpose for our lives.

      Still, it can be a painful reality when you face this as a parent, wife, husband, friend.

      I pray that you find comfort in these difficult times.

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  17. Anonymous says:

    Sincerely hope the rumour mongering will be put to rest.

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  18. Anonymous says:

    I would be saved after my only 60hp engine died on the way to 60 mile banks for 5 days with no other safety or communications gear.

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  19. Anonymous says:

    You could not have made a better decision. Blessings always.

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