Thanks for such an amusing... yet unfortunate tale! As much as i find the sight of a rod taking off into the water mildly amusing, I do feel sorry for ya mate! Better luck next time! Oh and I hope it wasn't too much of an expensive loss!
I am always uber careful if I leave my rod unattended, and if it cannot be secured very well, will back the drag right off so it can be ripped off without any chance of the rod being dragged away
So.... were you tempted to jump in after it ?