Accident Database: Accident #498

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River: Rio Grande
Reach #:
Section: Pilar
Location: Race Course
Water Level: Medium
Difficulty: III
Accident Code(s): Equipment trap
Injury Code(s): Fatal
Age: 20
Experienced/Inexperienced: Inexperienced
Private/Commercial: Private
Boat Type: Kayak - Unknown
Boat Model: sit-On Top
Number of Occupants: 1
Number of Victims: 1
Initial Report: On June 8 there was an incident on the Pilar Run of the Rio Grande in New Mexico. A young man paddling a sit-on-top kayak flipped at Albert Falls and became tangled in a line. Outfitter Steve Harris of Far Flung Adventures reports that he was dragged over a mile through Herringbone and The Narrows before his partner could get to him. His partner, assisted by a commercial guide, began CPR. In a bizarre twist, the victim had apparently been denied access by a BLM ranger because he did not have a throw bag. He went to his car and returned with some rope stuffed in a mesh bag and was allowed to put on. It's not known if this was the same rope.
Detailed Description:

On June 8, 1998 there was a drowning on the Pilar Run of New Mexico’s Rio Grande River . A young man paddling a sit-on-top kayak flipped at Albert Falls and became tangled in a line. He was dragged over a mile through Herringbone Rapid and The Narrows before his partner could get to him. His partner, assisted by a commercial guide, began CPR.  In a bizarre twist, the victim had apparently been denied access by a BLM ranger because he did not have a throw bag. He went to his car and returned with some rope stuffed in a mesh bag and was allowed to put on. It's not known if this was the same rope that he got tangled in.

 

SOURCE: Steve Harris, Far Flung Adventures

 

 

Conclusions:

ANALYSIS: (Walbridge) Loose lines pose a real danger to whitewater paddlers, and they should make every effort to see that all rope is tightly and snugly stowed.

 

Report Status: Completed
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