Late in the evening of October 1, 1999, 64-year-old George Buffett rescued a fellow crewman from the freezing Atlantic waters, some 10 kilometres off Cape St. Mary's, Newfoundland. The man was working on some equipment when he was accidentally knocked overboard. Weighed down by his heavy clothing, he quickly became exhausted trying to stay clear of the boat as he feared the rotation of the propellor would pull him under. Seeing his ship mate in distress and unable to reach the life ring thrown by the crew, Mr. Buffett jumped off the scallop dragger and began swimming towards him. Despite limited visibility and a strong surface tide that pulled the victim farther away, Mr. Buffett managed to reach his side and tow him back to the life-ring. Fifteen minutes after the ordeal began, both men were hauled back safely onto the boat.