Accident Database

Report ID# 318

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  • Pinned in Boat Against Strainer
  • Does not Apply
  • One Boat Trip

Accident Description

CANOEIST PINS ON TREE, TRAPPING PADDLER

Lower Kings River below Pine Flat Dam: May 29, 1993

DESCRIPTION: The Lower Kings River below Pine Flat Dam is a popular fast-moving float trip. The victim, Amadeus Ramirez, 20, was paddling a tandem canoe which broached against a tree growing from the center of the river. He became pinned underwater, between the canoe and the tree, and drowned.   

SOURCE: NORS Currents

ANALYSIS: The area downstream of a swamped canoe is extremely dangerous, and this incident underscores the need to stay on the upstream side, or better yet, swim away from the boat.

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