Sawing off two of his fingertips, Messenger was able to free his hand enough to make his escape before his boat sank during a fishing trip on the Wynoochee River in southwestern Washington state.  Moments later his help arrived and Messenger, 51, was taken to a nearby hospital.

Messenger, had been fishing in the 16-foot drift boat with his daughter's boyfriend, Jarrad Todd, who screamed for help when the boat got stuck in logs.

Galen Vestal, who heard the shouts, told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer that he saw Messenger trudging to shore saying that he had cut off his fingers.  Vestal agreed to find the digits and pack them in ice.  Surgeons are said to have reattched the fingers, and Mr Messenger is reported to be in a satisfactory condition.

Local police said that although they admired Mr Messenger's survival instincts, a few more moments would have seen help arrive.  

Article: John Burton

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written by Big John , June 28, 2007

Sounds a bit OTT to me, but I guess you had to be there!

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written by Solitude , June 29, 2007

A bit OTT.....He would give you a two finger salute if he heard you say that.....well maybe he would just wave his fist a little!!!

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