Teen leapt to assist victims of Lake George tragedy

October 2 was a picture-postcard day in Lake George, so the Rahal family, members of Our Lady of Annunciation parish in Queensbury, decided to enjoy the unexpected warm temperatures and magnificent autumn colors in their boat.

The "crew" included Alexandria (Allie), 13, who would soon play a key role in a dramatic event.

As they approached Cramer Point that Sunday, the Ethan Allen tour boat was cruising nearby with 48 senior citizens from Michigan. In a tragic moment, the boat capsized, taking the lives of 20 people.

A month later, many of the first responders on the scene are still trying to find a sense of balance and peace in their lives again. Among them is Allie. She and her parents pulled people into their craft -- some struggling to survive, some already dead -- while her four younger siblings were below deck.

Scene of tragedy

"We were coming back from the Narrows, and we saw smoke," Allie told The Evangelist. "We went over to the bay; the boat was flipped over, and we saw people screaming and struggling. We threw anything into the water to help them float."

Within minutes, the Rahals had brought six individuals into their boat. Then, someone from a neighboring boat yelled, "Does anyone know CPR?"

Allie called back that she did.

Into action

"My mother looked at me and said, 'Allie, are you sure you know what to do?'" the teen said. "'Once you start you can't stop.' I said I knew I could do it, so I jumped onto the other boat and started CPR. It was really hard to do, because the space was cramped. I just kept going until the paramedics came."

Allie had learned cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) last year in seventh-grade health class at Queensbury Middle School. She thought at the time that it was strange they were spending so much time on it.

"We had to practice for days on a dummy, take a written test and then take a practical test," she said. The teacher "kept saying it's really important to pay attention to each step. Now, I know exactly what he was talking about!"

Adrenaline rush

Allie said, "When they called me out to the other boat, I felt tingly all over. I just knew I could do it, and I did it. Everything just comes to you. The process falls into place. All that adrenaline kicks in. I knew how much pressure to apply; then I looked for signs" of life.

Allie performed CPR on the victim for about five minutes. Later, that person died.

Allie gained insight well beyond her years that day. "I learned that you can do anything if you put your heart to it," she reported, "and that life is too short. When [the accident] happened, it felt unreal. It still feels unreal."

Angel day

Allie said the scene "was on my mind all of the time. It was hard to close my eyes, but it's better now. Sleeping is okay now."

She credits her family, friends and God for helping her process the experience she had on October 2, the feast of the Guardian Angels.

"My parents and friends have been great through all of this," she explained. "I talk to God when I have problems, when I'm alone, and sometimes before I go to bed."

Life has changed in some ways for Allie, but much remains the same. She's looking forward to snow boarding this winter and playing varsity tennis next fall. She enjoys hanging out with her friends and younger siblings.

Being the oldest child, Allie knows the pressure is "always on" to set a good example. That example now extends to her father, Mounir; inspired by her efforts, he is enrolling in a CPR course.

Said Allie, "It feels pretty cool to know that my father learned something from me and is looking up to me."

Saying goodbye

The day the survivors were released from the hospital, Allie's parents went to the airport to see them as they returned home to Michigan.

"My Dad gave them crystal statues of St. Christopher, Mary and Jesus," Allie said. "We promised we'd visit them in Michigan."

Meanwhile, life is getting back to normal for Allie, but she knows she has changed. On the waters of Lake George, she did exactly what Jesus asked of His disciples: to take care of one another with kindness and love.

(11/10/05) [[In-content Ad]]