It appeared to be a normal morning in Georgetown on June 30 when Allen Carl and his son went out on Carl’s fishing boat.
Allen Carl and his son, John Allen, in front of the boat on which Carl lost his arm in shrimping accident in June.However, as father and son were about three hours into a day of shrimping, Carl’s hand became entangled in the fishing net as the boat’s powerful motorized winch lifted it from the water. Within seconds, his left arm was torn from his body.
In an instant, Carl’s life was changed forever. However, he believes each step – from the first horrible moments of the accident to his arrival home five days later – was watched over and guided by the hand of God.
Carl’s 11-year-old son, John Allen, witnessed the accident in shock, but had enough composure to follow his dad’s instructions and help save his father’s life. (John Allen was later honored by the South Carolina’s Sheriff’s Association with a life-saving award that included a plaque and medal.) It took approximately two hours from the time of accident for Carl to reach the hospital by medical helicopter.
“It was truly a miracle how my left arm was severed, because it was twisted and severed, which caused the artery to immediately close, causing very little blood loss,” Carl said.
Even in the swirling chaos of the moment, Carl said he remained calm because he knew God was with him and had a purpose for allowing this to happen in his life.
He said he has wondered what that purpose could possibly be, because his livelihood was not only as a shrimper but also as a barber. He is not sure what the future holds, but says he knows that God holds his future.
This is the second time Carl has come close to death. In another boating accident, he broke most of the bones in his face.
His pastor, Jason Williams, said Carl is a greeter at church and, on the first Sunday following his accident, was back at his assigned post at Screven Church in Maryville.
Through tears, Carl said it is clear that what matters most to him is the blessing to spend another day with his wife and children. The accident “has brought my wife and me and my children closer together,” he said.