First date disaster unites couple

By: Kathryn Bursch

Port Charlotte, Florida – Standing by a canal in her back yard is about as close to the water as Jessica Lucarini and Mike Eckhoff want to be these days and after you hear about the couple’s very first date you’ll understand.

Mike had planned a sushi lunch and an afternoon of jet skiing near Charlotte harbor. And at first things were going along swell.

Mike Eckhoff, Planned date:

“We had a good afternoon and the water was calm at first.”

But then this dream date suddenly took a turn for the worse.

Jessica Lucarini, Survived date:

“So we were skimming over the water and the next thing Mike was saying, ‘Oh no, something’s wrong!’””

With not a house or boat in sight, the couple ditched the sinking Jet Ski and began slogging along the shoreline.

Jessica Lucarini, Survived date:

“We were trying to keep each other happy and laughing…so we wouldn’t panic.”

Mike and Jessica were stranded on their tiny mangrove beach for about six hours. But their ordeal could have lasted much longer without a very water-logged lighter. After clicking it for hours, they finally managed to start a fire and that’s what attracted the attention of a sheriff’s deputy in a helicopter.

Jessica Lucarini, Survived date:

“Oh my gosh, jumping up and down, screaming saying, ‘This has got to be for us. They have to see the fire’. We were so relieved.”

The couple jokingly calls Tuesday’s outing their “Survivor” date and yes…there will be a number two.

Mike Eckhoff, Planning second date:

“Ah…dinner and a movie…inland.”