"In the dead of night on July 24, 2013, John Aldridge was thrown off the back of the Anna Mary while his fishing partner, Anthony Sosinski, slept below. As desperate hours ticked by, Sosinski, the families, the local fishing community, and the U.S. Coast Guard in three states mobilized in an unprecedented search effort that culminated in a rare and exhilarating success. Aldridge's wrenching first-person account intertwines with the narrative of the massive, constantly evolving rescue operation designed to save him. A tale of survival, perseverance, and community, 'A Speck in the Sea' tells of one man's struggle to survive as friends and strangers work separately, and together, to bring him home." --publisher's description, lower cover

Includes index.

Prologue -- Overboard -- Montauk fisherman -- A speck in the sea -- "He's not here" -- Daylight -- In the command center -- "We're in big trouble" -- "Johnny Load is missing" -- To the west-end buoy -- Command and control -- The landward watch -- Cutting loose -- Found -- "It's over" -- Saved -- The good daughter -- Postscripts and parties -- Epilogue.