Let me just start out by saying that you couldn't find two better people in this world than Meghan and Jim Whitney, a photo-duo from South Carolina. That's the theme behind today's post.
James Whitney
"Hey Jamie, if you see any suspicious characters with recently aquired water housing, give us a call."
A few weeks ago, Jim went to the North Shore to shoot a few Carolina rippers. Upon his United Airlines return trip on January 4th (Honolulu, San Fran, Chicago, Charleston) he picked up his Pelican case off the conveyor belt and found that it was lighter than it had been when he dropped it off. Whitney did not lock the case. He has found that TSA has always broken the locks in the past to inspect the contents.
SPL Water Housing
"As a traveling surf photographer, I have flown many times in my life. I usually encounter the same old issues: the over achieving, do gooder, check-in employees that try to get me to check in my 600mm lens. The long lines at the TSA scannings, the out of control rates for board travel, the flight attendants that insist that my lens wont fit in the over head compartment--the usual run around," says Jim Whitney, " I am always happy to cooperate — ready to get to my destination."
At some point between checking his bag with United Airlines and arriving home, someone had stolen his Canon EOS 20D camera body, the vertical grip, an SPL Water Housing and port, a 400mm 5.6 telephoto lens, a 15mm fisheye lens, and a 20mm wide angle lens. They left the four t-shirts he'd used to protect his gear. Nice guys.
James Whitney
Whitney shoots his old friend, Tamayo Perry on a 70s Lopez singlefin.
First off, the surf photography world isn't that big. Someone's going to be looking to fence the stuff soon. (Keep an eye on Ebay). But unless there's a new photog bobbing around in the water of Ocean Beach or Lake Michigan, there's a good chance his water housing could get right back to the North Shore. Photogs should know that this could happen to anyone and everybody should be keeping our eyes peeled for the gear on the beach and in the water.
The Whitneys, both ESM Senior Photogs, are fanatical about keeping receipts. After his 20 hours of travel, James was back at the airport the next morning to prove what he'd paid for each item. Johnny Law said he'd never seen anyone so organized with records. Because of their diligence, they will most likely be compensated. But for now they are without their gear.
If we all spread the word on this, it may help in not only recovering the gear, but prevent it from happening to someone else. According to investigators, they've recently busted thievery rings where TSA employees are working in conjunction with the ramp workers in Atlanta, and reports are becoming more common.
James Whitney
Nice shot. Somebody get this guy his camera back.
Here is Jim Whitney's advice, should this happen to you:
1. Report the theft immediately to the nearest baggage claim department. Make sure you get the name, contact info, and job title of the person you are reporting it to.
2. Fill out a MISSING PROPERTY QUESTIONNAIRE--This is an official report that contains all of your personal info, your flight itinerary, a detailed description of your stolen goods, and a statement of loss that needs to be signed. I flew UNITED AIRLINES, and there is a clause on the MISSING PROPERTY QUESTIONNAIRE that states: "PLEASE NOTE. United airlines is not liable for loss of money, jewelry, cameras, electronic/computer or photographic equipment, negotiable papers or securities, heirlooms, antiques, artifacts, work of art, silverware, irreplaceable books or publications, manuscripts, business documents, precious metals and other valuable or commercial effects." IGNORE THIS FOOTNOTE. THE AIRLINE YOU ARE TRAVELING WITH IS 100% RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHECKED IN BAGGAGE.
3. Furnish all receipts for your stolen goods, and submit them with your MISSING PROPERTY QUESTIONNAIRE. Get copies of all paperwork.
4. File a police report with the AVIATION POLICE of the airlines that you flew with. Make sure the police get copies of your MISSING PROPERTY QUESTIONNAIRE, as well as any receipts and/or serial #'s for your stolen goods. Make sure you get the name, contact info, and badge # of the police officer that files your claim.
5. You should be given a claim # for your police report, and a claim # for your airlines case. You can follow up accordingly.
I have been told that the normal claim resolution is between 30-90 days. Since we are still waiting on our resolution, I cannot tell you how this will end for me. I have been told that UNITED AIRLINES should write me a check for the original purchase price of my stolen goods, especially since I gave them all the receipts and serial numbers for my stolen stuff. I am about 2 weeks into this, and I have heard nothing except that my claim was filed and id under investigation. Each person that I have spoken to has been cooperative, but apparently it just takes some time...you know, the usual run around...
*Insure your photographic gear with PERSONAL ARTICLES INSURANCE. If your gear is insured, you can file a claim with them as well. You will need to furnish all receipts and police reports.
I hope this information is useful to you. Don't let this happen to you!
Aloha,
Jim Whitney
ESM Senior photographer
James Whitney
The view back toward the beach park. This guy should not be separated from his camera.
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Contributors
Jon Coen
Jon is from New Jersey and continues to reside there with his wife and dog—which means occasional empty barrels and the occasional session in the snow.The state isn't as dirty as people might think, but he'll let them keep believing that.
Jake Howard
Jake lives, writes, and surfs in San Clemente, California. He spent his formative gremlin years surfing points north of San Francisco, and for the last 10 years has been contently surviving behind the Orange Curtain.
Kimball Taylor
Author of Return by Water, as well as books on Jeffreys Bay and Pipeline, Kimball drives a red hot Camero, and back in the '70s, he used to party with your Dad.
Daniel Ikaika Ito
Daniel surfs like a hippie, but dresses like a homie. The Native Hawaiian originally hails from Hilo, but now resides in Honolulu. He enjoys twin-fins, new sneakers and being ESPN's "Cuz On The Scene" in the 50th State.
Jason Kenworthy
About as majestic as a turkey vulture, when he's not shlepping his lens around the world or looking for road kill, Jason can be found at home in Dana Point tending to his growing brood.
