Lester Drisko Sr was dragged by a lobster trap rope into the chilly waters off the coast of Maine and entangled him but his 8-year-old grandson didn’t panic. Instead Drisko’s grandson, Mathew Drisko reached over and tied a life jacket around his barely conscious grandfather and took control of the boat. He bravely saves the life of his grandfather. For his act of bravery at such a tender age Gov. John Baldacci and the Legislature honored him in the State House.
It is reported that Mathew, of Columbia Falls, was with lobsterman Lester Drisko Sr. in late May when Drisko’s leg got tangled in rope to a lobster trap he had just thrown overboard. Drisko Sr. kicked off his boots, freeing his leg from the rope. But he was immobilized by the cold water and unable to climb back aboard. Mathew took quick decision and reached overboard and tied a life jacket to his grandfather to keep him afloat, and then took over the boat’s controls. Drisko Sr. recalled that Mathew kept circling him and wouldn’t leave him until he could spot the other boat.
It is told that after about a half hour, Leland Faulkingham Jr. approached in his boat and lifted Drisko out of the water. Mathew’s father, Lester Drisko Jr., said his son kept his cool because he’s been on boats ever since he could walk. He added that if Mathew hadn’t been there he wouldn’t have father today. After getting a standing ovation in the House, the Drisko family went to the Senate chamber, where Mathew also was recognized.
