Accident Database

Report ID# 50518

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  • Flush Drowning
  • Near Drowning
  • Cold Water
  • Poor Planning
  • High Water

Accident Description

Meant to add this incident some time ago.
 

Meant to add this incident some time ago.

Myself and friend spent the early part of the day on a nearby river deciding early afternoon to run Sandy based on quick research and short discussion with other local boaters of the current level, Portages (If needed). At the time the conditions were high 50, low 60, partly sunny, and level at slightly below 4000.

The takeout of the section is easily found though we decided against putting in above a section we had been Told had log jam. Instead we made our put in down A steep embankment. On the river we quickly realized you are truly in a gorge and that the water level had made the Described class III/IV seemingly harder.

That said as the day progressed we approached what we would latter discover was Boulder rapid (thought prior rapid was) due to wood right of the main center seen on approach. We eddied out right of rapid entrance into a adjacent strong circulating eddy.  Considering exiting here given it was hour till dark

We hauled one boat up. Eventually after surveying the rapid and feeling that we must be close to the takeout at the bridge we entered and eddied out. My partner made the wide eddy into the main stream avoiding a large log jam pilled on the river right. I did the same but was pushed back into the pathway of the log jam but hit an out stretched log as I passed and flipped. With one hand on the paddle I did not roll up and wet exit I avoided the center rock and started to make river Right to catch an eddy. My friend attempted to slow to allow me to catch his stern to no avail. Feeling  my strength fading I knew it wouldn't be long in the rapids till I would be struggling to keep my head up I eventually caught an eddy and pulled myself onto a rock to a shelf.

I explored the self but could only find a step cliff. With no real light left and no way out down stream. Meanwhile my friend had paddled downstream to get help. I hunkered down for the night after making Shelter. Later that night (much later than I initially Thought at the time) search and rescue found me.

The purpose for me to tell this incident is to Illustrate some core mistakes made. I will let those whom read this draw out the many mistakes made. I wish to thank my friend whom was himself put in danger having to paddle out alone. To the rescue personnel that left their families and plans To save me and the kind gentlemen who recovered my gear

 Lastly the good lord who looks after fools like me.

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