Accident Database: Accident #118

River:	Delaware
Section:	Lambertville Wing Dam
Gauge:	15,000 cfs
Water Level:	High
Difficulty:	III
Injury Code(s):	Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal
Age:	32
Private/Commercial:	Private
Boat Type:	Open Canoe
Number of Occupants:	2
Number in Group:	4
Number of Victims:	1
Detailed Description:	LAMBERTVILLE WING DAM CLAIMS CANOEIST May 21, 1989 Robert Eschelman, 32, paddling tandem and accompanied by a second tandem canoe, drowned in the large waves in the rapids near Lambertville on the Delaware River. The river was running extremely high, (estimated at over 15,000 cfs) and 5-7' waves are not uncommon. Although the victim was wearing a life vest, it was not enough to keep him alive. Local rescue squads chased his body two miles downstream; he was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. SOURCE: AMC Paddle Splashes
Conclusions:	ANALYSIS: This rapid, a mile-long Class II in summer, becomes a big water class III+ at high water. Even expert tandem canoe paddlers had best be careful here, and I suspect the second boat had their hands full, and was in no position to offer assistance. The river is over a half mile wide here, and there are no eddies. Swamped paddlers can expect to be washed a long way. Canoes without flotation become completely unmanageable when swamped. Hypothermia is the real risk here because of the length immersion, and probably contributed to this drowning.
Report Status:	Completed