Survivor Nick Schuyler to appear on Oprah Today

Survivors Father Stu Schuyler Talks

It’s been a little over a week since the tragedy at sea occurred which has changed the lives of many and left family members of the three victims lost at sea still asking why.  Two NFL football players and a former University of South Florida Will Bleakley lost their lives in what was suppose to be just an ordinary fishing venture.

Nick Schuyler talks about tragic boat accident on the ‘Today’ show‎ -

Survivor Nick Schuyler, was found by the U.S. Coast Guard 46 hours after the 21 foot boat capsized.  Coast Guard rescue teams spotted Schyuler sitting on top of the boat.  He suffered from dehydration, hypothermia, and slight kidney and muscle damage.   He was taken to a Tampa Hospital in critical condition where he remained for several days.  He has since been released and although his physical wounds are healing, his emotional well being is a concern to many.  Schuyler who gave credit to friend and former USF teammate Will Blakely, whose life was cut short as a result of the tragedy,  for saving his life.  He called Bleakley a “true hero.”    Continue Reading

Boating accident survivor Nick Schuyler shares awful details

*Posted by:  BBParks

*Related Stories:

• Private Search For Missing Boaters Begins [LINK]
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• Friends and Family Search For Missing Boaters [LINK]
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William Bleakley will be remembered as a brave soul who did everything in power to save one another.

Family and Friends of one of three men missing off the coast of Clearwater, gathered on Saturday at Crystal River United Methodist Church to remember former USF football player Will Bleakley.

Following the U.S. Coast guard search family and friends of one of the missing men Marquis Cooper began their search under the direction of Dallas Cowboy’s Terry ‘Tank’ Johnson.  Their search ended on Friday after the only surviving boater 26 year old Nick Schuyler who remains in a Tampa Hospital, was able to describe in more detail on how the remaining men just “slipped away.”

Nick Schuyler gave Bleakley the credit for his survival and in a statement made by Bleakley’s dad he said:

“Nick said to me that he would not be alive today if Will hadn’t been on the boat,” Bleakley said. “His mother and his older brother and myself felt and knew this all along. When Nick said it, we were proud and relieved.”

Bleakley said Schuyler told him: “Will stayed with me for 36 hours and was in my grasp when he lost consciousness and died.”

Bleakley said his son, “delirious and vomiting, succumbed to hypothermia and dehydration, and to the cold and the pounding of relentless waves.”

A memorial fund has been established in Bleakley’s honor. Contributions can be made to the Will Bleakley Memorial Fund, c/o Mercantile Bank, 1000 U.S. 19 S.E., Crystal River FL 34429.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and famlies of the three men who were lost at sea.

Posted by:  BBParks

• Friends and Family Search For Missing Boaters [LINK]
• Missing Boater William Bleakley [LINK]
• Coast Guard Press Release (VIDEO) [LINK]

According to the US Coast Guard: BREAKING NEWS

One of four men who went missing off the Clearwater Florida Gulf coast Saturday has been rescued. Nick Schuyler former USF player was found clinging to the overturned vessel according to the Coast Guard. Three others, including two NFL players, are still missing While being rescued Schuyler did tell authorities that they were all wearing life jackets.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the remaining three and their families however, we now have a glimmer of hope that they all will be found safe.

PERSONAL – Given name is William Ward Bleakley…

Attended Crystal River High School [Florida]

Graduated Summa cum laude from Crystal River High.

At Crystal River, Bleakley also was a standout baseball player, earning all-county honors and leading his team to the state tournament.

Attended SOUTH FLORIDA:  Tight end for the Bulls 2004-2006

He was USF’s starting tight end as senior in 2006 and had nine catches for 100 yards on USF’s Papa Johns Bowl championship team.

Posted by:  BBParks

USFBulls.com [LINK]

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a missing fishing boat with four people aboard.  According to  ESPN.com two of them are NFL players Detriot Lions defensive end Corey Smith and Oakland Raiders, linebacker  Marquis Cooper.  The other two men have been identified as Nick Schuyler and William Bleakley.

Troy Asmus, an agent for Cooper, and Ron Del Duca, the agent for Smith, told ESPN.com that the two players were among the missing.  NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said in an email:  “We are staying in contact with the Coast Guard and with the Lions and Raiders.”

According to sources, The four men left the Seminole Boat Ramp at approximately 6:30 a.m. on Saturday in a 21-foot fishing craft.  They failed to return as of 1:30 a.m.

Coast Guard helicopters, planes and boats are searching a 750 square mile area 50 miles west of Clearwater Pass in the Gulf of Mexico.

Posted by:  Beehindy

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