Zulu and Levante ChartersTributes have begun pouring in for a respected Port Douglas fishing boat captain, described as “the kindest man you could meet on the water” after his tragic death at age 46.
TRIBUTES are pouring in for a respected Port Douglas fishing boat captain who lost his brave battle with a terminal illness.
Zulu Game Fishing skipper Casey Dent, 46, died on Friday at the Mossman Hospital after an almost two-year fight with kidney cancer.
The much-loved marine industry skipper was diagnosed with the illness after complaining of severe lower back pain and sciatica symptoms.
He was initially prescribed pain killers before a scan revealed the cancer had spread and was incurable.
His partner, Amanda Haines, has fought bravely by his side and has shared her torment through a series of heartbreaking social media posts.
“I already miss you so so so much. My heart is completely broken, my body feels as heavy as a rock and I don’t know how to do life without you,” she said in one post after his passing. “I just want to talk to you and get a sign that you’re out there somewhere and not in the pain that stopped your heart yesterday. “My pain is only just beginning.”
Friends and colleagues have also taken to social media to pay their respects to the “gentle soul” who would “literally give you the shirt off his back”.
A Zulu Game Fishing spokesman said Mr Dent’s skills, experience and knowledge were “simply irreplaceable”.
“He will forever be ingrained in every aspect of our operations,” one post said. The Cairns Professional Game Fishing Association said he was “the kindest man you could meet on the water”. “It is with deepest sadness and a heavy heart I share the news of the passing of Captain Casey Dent from the Zulu,” the post read. “A true gentle soul and the kindest man you could meet on the water.” “Condolences to Amanda and the Dent family who have been by Casey’s side this whole time.” “If anything this past few weeks prove that life is very fragile and short. RIP Casey.”
Ms Haines, who worked alongside Mr Dent on the Port Douglas-based fishing charter, told her followers she was starting to feel the “after” of a long and courageous fight.
“I would do anything to go back to ‘before’ but that would just be transferring the pain back to you babe Casey Dent – I’ll carry it for you now.”
Source: Port Douglas and Mossman Gazette https://bit.ly/3jO6xvr
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