COUNTYWIDE / CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR

Coast Guard Honors Pair for Rescue Attempt

Seven months after their friend and sailing partner drowned in the Santa Barbara Channel, a Ventura couple have been awarded a Public Service Commendation from the U.S. Coast Guard for their heroic efforts in trying to save the man’s life.

On July 28, 38-year-old Jim Donnell and his wife, Heather, 35, were returning to Ventura Harbor after a trip aboard their 50-foot sailboat Thistle. Ahead of them was the 32-foot sailboat Hydrotherapy, belonging to Jerry Ball, 53, and his wife Diane, 51, of Valencia.

Thirteen miles from the harbor entrance, the dinghy on the Balls’ boat came loose and started drifting. Jim Donnell maneuvered the Thistle toward the dinghy. “The wind was blowing about 25, and the swell was 4 to 5 feet,” Jim Donnell said.

Jerry Ball tried to bring his own boat around and in the process was struck in the head by the boom and knocked overboard. “I threw a man-overboard pole and a horseshoe buoy over the side,” said Heather Donnell. “And Jim jumped in the water.”

While his wife kept the Thistle under control and made radio contact with authorities, Jim Donnell tried desperately to keep his unconscious friend above water. After about 15 minutes, the effects of the cold water set in and Donnell began to tire.

“It was tough keeping both of us up. I just couldn’t do anything to keep him above the water,” Jim Donnell said.

Ball, who was not wearing a life preserver, slipped out of Donnell’s grasp and disappeared in the deep water.

Diane Ball said she was filled with horror and fear as she watched her friend struggling to save her husband, the owner of a machine shop in Valencia. “I was hoping that he wasn’t dead,” she said.

Despite a search by the Coast Guard, Ball’s body was never found.

During an awards ceremony Thursday at the Coast Guard Station in Channel Islands Harbor, Commanding Officer Dan W. Hess said Jim and Heather Donnell exemplify the helpful nature of mariners.

Diane Ball agreed. “They are terrific friends, and it took a lot of courage to do what Jim did,” she said.

Donnell said he and his wife were doing what came naturally.

“I’ve never had any training. I had a clear idea of what to do, and I felt comfortable with Heather as standby seaman,” he said.

The Coast Guard also honored one of its own Thursday by presenting engineer Rodolfo Moreira, 26, of Oxnard, with its sailor of the year award. Officials said the commendation recognizes crew members who go beyond the call of duty. “This is something that will provide some extra points on my resume,” Moreira said.