John Batchelor - Canadian Sailor Missing In Bahamas

[witchcraft]

Don,
Thank you so much for posting this. John had told us about his new dingy motor, but managed however to leave out the flipping incident. He did say it could be almost scarey but would test it fully in warmer waters.
He talked about you to us from time to time, so I recognize your name.
We also had the leap frogging experience in the Bahamas and on the way home to Ontario with John. He also showed us a lot about various places we might otherwise have passed up. We spent many happy hours with him and Dingo, both ashore and aboard our boat.
You are exactly right when you describe him as strong minded. We have known him to ask for help, but it was not often. He was as you say a sailor and loved it.
Thank you once again for this.
Fair Winds
Witchcraft

[Erik C]

So what happened to Dingo? Is he still in the Bahamas?

[Waterway Guide]

Yes, he is being nursed back to health by Nathan Moody of Old Bahama Bay Marina, although he is still very weak. We are working on getting donations together to help pay for his vet bills and transport to his new family.

[Erik C]

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

Yes, he is being nursed back to health by Nathan Moody of Old Bahama Bay Marina, although he is still very weak. We are working on getting donations together to help pay for his vet bills and transport to his new family.

That's great.

[sailcruiser]

Originally Posted by Waterway Guide

Yes, he is being nursed back to health by Nathan Moody of Old Bahama Bay Marina, although he is still very weak. We are working on getting donations together to help pay for his vet bills and transport to his new family.

WG is there a PayPal address for this? If so would you share it here if permitted by the mods or send a PM. I could only hope someone would do the same for me helping my dog get well and back home. SC

[sailingmonica]

Now, I know this is not what we normally do on the CF, but given that John had no family of his own but was part of the cruising community for a long time, maybe a tribute to a fallen sailor would be something we should do.

Do you have any stories about John you would like to share (funny preferred; sad OK) so as to bid him a proper farewell?

[witchcraft]

That is a very nice idea sailing monica. So will the mods have us begin a new thread for this. It would be nice to honor a friend and a man who viewed himself as free.
Witchcraft

[orion1]

Haven't been here for a long long time, but this situation is so moving. I too would like to help DINGO in some way. John knows that he is being cared for and that is making him happy. I only wish I had met John as he seems to have had his life in total order, something that eludes so many of us in this hurry up world.

[orion1]

Last night I was searching other sources for information on John and Dingo. Under a search of Memory Rock I discovered a site titled "cruising.ca", (google) which seems to be about cruising Canada. There I found many photos of John and Dingo and the Joy B, taken over time, and apparently posted there by members in tribute to John.

The site ask for a pass word, but I could find no way to fully access it. I was able to view the part related to John and Dingo however. Untitled Document

I hope this does not duplicate a previous post by another member (did not see one) and thought that you will find it touching. They were apparently quite well thought of by all who were lucky enough to come across them over the years.

[boatman61]

Nice one Orion1...
Look like they were a great trio... and had good times together...

[Southern Star]

Yes Orion1, thanks for the link. The early photos show a man, his dog and his boat living a harmonious and joyful, if simple life. I must say, however, the photos taken of a malnourished Dingo after his rescue stand in stark contrast to those taken during happier days. Very sad indeed.

Brad

[S/V Antares]

We crossed over from Ft Worth to Memory rock Jan 7,2012. There was a pilot house boat anchored between Memory rock and the Pole in the indian passage A good sized dog was sitting on the foredeck. We crossed to Fl. with Joy B and others last year from the bahamas and I thought it was the same boat but not sure. I am so glad the dog was rescued. I cannot get this out of my mind. I just hope John is resting in peace.

[sailingmonica]

Came across a new article:

Toronto - The Globe and Mail

[sailingmonica]

...and a picture of John mooning someone

John Batchelor | HERMES WANDERINGS

[Doek]

Here is a copy of the e-mail I just received from the guy that towed John's boat back into harbor:

Hi

Thanks for the information, I think you are correct, I towed the vessel back from where it was anchored near Memory Rock on the edge just in the sand .

The ladder was over the stb side, the sails squared away, the inside not well kept, but ransacked maybe by thieves when I got there .

The Dog had been taken off by OBB dehydrated, doing fine now, with Nathan Moody Old Bahama Bay. The boat was left there another day unguarded.

The anchor was down, no Battery power but did not look further than the switch, dingy in the davits.

What I did see was a 10' piece of 1 1/4" green poly, sun beaten, with one end frayed, 5' of it was still in the water and the other hooked over the rail on deck.

Like it was thrown up over the side, so I think your take may be the case, There are no cases of piracy in the area in my life time .

Gary


It looks like my idea was right. He ran over a poly line and tried unsuccessfully to remove it by himself.


A sad ending.

Smooth Seas,

Capt Don