Bassmaster Pro James Niggemeyer Saves Man and Toddler in Lake Murray Rescue
🎣 Bassmaster Pro James Niggemeyer Saves Man and Toddler in Lake Murray Rescue
Dramatic Rescue on Tournament Day
On the morning of Thursday, May 12, 2011, Lake Murray was the setting for the first day of the Bassmaster Evan Williams Bourbon Carolina Clash—but for professional angler James Niggemeyer and his Marshal, Russ Sorrells, the focus quickly shifted from fishing to a desperate rescue.
Speeding toward their initial fishing spot, the pair spotted a situation often warned about, but rarely witnessed: a father and his young son struggling in the water, their own vessel still running dangerously close by.
Collision to Save Lives
As Niggemeyer recounted the shocking scene:
“When you see a head in the water, arms flailing, and a boat running, it’s a bad situation,” said James.
The two men quickly realized the father and toddler were in immediate danger from their own out-of-control boat, which was still under power and heading right toward the victims.
Acting instantly, Niggemeyer steered his own tournament boat directly into the path of the unmanned vessel to stop it.
- “James put the boat we were in, his boat, in front of it,” recalled Russ Sorrells.
- “I tried to do everything I could to stop it, but it rammed James’ boat.”
A “Baywatch” Moment
The selfless act of using his own boat as a shield momentarily slowed the runaway craft, creating a crucial window for action. Russ Sorrells immediately leapt into action.
“Russ was Johnny on the spot,” said James. “It was like Baywatch, he jumped in there, killed the ignition and grabbed the boy.”
The toddler was safely wearing a life jacket, but the father was not. Thanks to the quick thinking and decisive action of Niggemeyer and Sorrells, both the man and his son were pulled safely aboard the Bassmaster boat.