A Stranded Boat and a Determined Community
It’s been over two weeks since the shrimp boat Second Chance washed ashore in Port Aransas, just north of the Horace Caldwell Pier. Since then, the local community has shown remarkable resilience and support, raising over $23,000 through a GoFundMe campaign to help the boat’s owner, Captain Phillip Lara, and his crew.
Paula and Sean Jackson, long-time residents of Port Aransas, have been at the forefront of this effort. “Even if he’s out of Aransas Pass, he’s still a local to us. We live on a boat too, so we know what it’s like. If we had an emergency, we’d want some help. This is his livelihood, and we want to get him back out on the water,” said Paula Jackson.
A Community Comes Together
The beached vessel has become a symbol of the community’s unity. After the shrimp boat Second Chance was stuck on the shore on July 31, efforts to free it began almost immediately. The Jacksons and many others have been working tirelessly to assist Captain Lara. “We were all supposed to be here Monday. Sean Jackson explained, “I wasn’t sure how we were supposed to help get him out, but we were ready to grab lines and pull him out to sea as much as we could.”
Though the boat has been moved into slightly deeper waters, the challenge of freeing it entirely remains. Captain Lara, unable to do an in-person interview, expressed his deep gratitude for the community’s overwhelming support. “Without them, I would have lost my boat,” he said, acknowledging the community’s role in protecting the vessel from potential damage or looting. Locals took turns watching the boat, ensuring no one mistook it for an abandoned ship.
Support Beyond Donations
In addition to monetary donations, the community has found creative ways to support Captain Lara. Local artists and photographers have flocked to the beach to capture the beauty of the Second Chance, selling their work to contribute to the fundraising efforts. These acts of kindness have further strengthened the bond among residents, showcasing the deep sense of solidarity in Port Aransas.
Captain Lara plans to use the funds raised to hire a salvage company to move the vessel off the beach. However, given the complexity and expense involved, he noted that the process is still in its early stages.
A Testament to Community Spirit
The Jacksons are not surprised by the outpouring of support. “Everybody’s just supportive. That’s the way they always are. We’ve got the best community,” they said. Helping a stranger in need is second nature for them and many others in Port Aransas.
This isn’t the first time the people of Port Aransas have rallied together to support someone in need, and it certainly won’t be the last. As Captain Lara continues to work on getting the Second Chance back out to sea, the community remains steadfast in helping him restore his livelihood.