Accident Database

Report ID# 636

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  • Pinned in Boat Against Strainer
  • Does not Apply
  • Solo Paddling

Accident Description

On March 21st Michael Dobek, an outstanding athlete described by friends as “fearless”, drowned during a solo kayak run on the Piscataquog River near Goffstown, New Hampshire. It was his first run in a brand-new kayak. Local paddlers describe the stretch as a popular beginner run. Dobek flipped, then became caught against a strainer. A local resident saw the kayak lodged there and contacted authorities. They retrieved the boat, and found his body still inside. Because there were no witnesses, it is unclear if running the river with other paddlers could have made a difference. But it is unfortunate that Dobek did not contact a local kayak club or outfitter for training before getting on the water.

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