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Accident Database: Accident #446
| River: | Seymour, BC, CANADA |
| Section: | Upper |
| Location: | Near the take out |
| Gauge: | flood |
| Water Level: | High |
| Difficulty: | III |
| Accident Code(s): | Long Swim (L.S.) |
| Injury Code(s): | Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal, Fatal |
| Age: | 39 |
| Experienced/Inexperienced: | Experienced |
| Private/Commercial: | Private |
| Boat Type: | Kayak - Unknown |
| Number of Occupants: | 1 |
| Number in Group: | 3 |
| Number of Victims: | 1 |
| Hazard Codes: | High Water |
| Initial Report: | On March 19, 1997 Morgan Chang, 39, and two other kayakers from Vancouver, BC were attempting the Upper Seymour River (normally class III) at flood levels. Internet postings describe Chang as a "keen intermediate" paddler. He flipped near the take-out, attempted a roll, and bailed out. The group had discussed this situation before the run and agreed that the best course of action if it happened would be to abandon their gear and swim to shore. Chang held onto his gear and was swept into Seymour Canyon, which is Class IV+ even at low flows. He was found 1 kilometer downstream, below the canyon. He was rushed to the hospital where he died from injuries sustained during his swim. |
| Report Status: | Completed |
