Accident Database

Report ID# 788

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  • Flush Drowning
  • Does not Apply
  • High Water

Accident Description

The rivers of British Columbia were also running high, and this contributed to two drownings on June 15th. Summit Creek is a six-mile stretch of fast, continuous Class IV-V running along a road down the east side of Kootenai Pass. The level that day was 2000 cfs, and there were very few eddies. Kayaker Joe Alteri, 29, bailed out after becoming stuck in a hole. His four companions tried to chase him down, first by boat and later by automobile. They threw him ropes, but he could not hold on. His body was spotted some hours later by a search helicopter.

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