Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Arviat (Aug 17/05) - A 10-year-old boy's quick thinking helped save his father from drowning off the shores of Arviat this past week.

Timothy Taleriktuk Sr., 64, is a seasoned fisher, used to being alone on the water.

Lucien Taleriktuk's quick thinking helped save his father, Timothy Taleriktuk Sr., 64, from drowning off the shores of Arviat this past week.

On the morning of Aug. 9, Timothy was heading out to do a bit of fishing when his daughter, Doreen, woke his 10-year-old son, Lucien, and suggested he go along.

They were fishing about halfway between Arviat point and Century Island when disaster came calling.

Friend of the family, Jason Steele, recounted the events to Kivalliq News through an interpreter.

Steele said it appears something went afoul with the lower unit of the 18-foot boat's outboard motor.

The boat lurched violently with such force that the handle broke off of the motor and Timothy was tossed into the water.

Lucien felt the lurch and looked back to see his father in the water with the boat still plowing ahead.

The 10-year-old remained amazingly calm under pressure and made his way back to jam the motor into neutral to stop the boat.

"When the father was tossed into the water, the CB radio, which was bolted to the seat, actually went over the side with him, so that will give you an idea of the amount of force involved," said Steele.

Lucien saw his father go under the water twice while he retrieved a life-jacket, put it on the end of a paddle and tried to get it to his father.

The two were about 25-feet apart as Lucien strained to reach his dad.

Meanwhile hunter, Max Okatsiak was in his boat about 800 feet away.

Eye on the boat

Steele said Okatsiak had been keeping an eye on the Taleriktuk's boat because he had a strange feeling that something just wasn't right.

"When Max first saw the boat turn quickly, he thought they had spotted a beluga whale and were heading in its direction.

"A few seconds later, however, he realized what was happening and quickly went to drag Timothy out of the water."

Heroic deed

Timothy and Lucien were taken to the local health centre, where they were treated for minor injuries and released.

Lucien was shaken up by the incident, but is proud he was able to help his father.

"Hopefully, Arviat hamlet council and the Nunavut Commissioner's Office will provide some sort of recognition for Lucien's act.

"For a 10-year-old boy to remain that calm and do what was necessary to save his father's life is nothing short of heroic in my books.

"There's six other kids and more than 20 grandchildren who are some happy Lucien was there."