In a recent ABC News exclusive, a viral video capturing a brawl at an Alabama dock has shed light on the chaos and violence that ensued.
The footage shows a group of boaters attacking Damien Pickett, a ferry boat crewman, and his co-workers who came to his defense. Now, for the first time, Damien and his colleagues are sharing their stories. Damien, a lead deckhand, recalls the events that transpired on that fateful day. As the boat attempted to dock, it was obstructed by an illegally parked boat. The crew repeatedly asked the owner to move, but their requests fell on deaf ears. The situation escalated when the individuals on the obstructing boat became aggressive, hurling insults and profanities.
In an attempt to maintain the safety of the passengers and their own boat, Damien and his crew refused to engage with the instigators. However, a shirtless man became physical, prompting Damien to defend himself. Within seconds, multiple assailants outnumbered Damien, and he found himself on the ground. It was at this moment that his co-workers, including 16-year-old Aaron, rushed to his aid.