Accident Database

Report ID# 98697

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  • Caught in Low Head Dam Hydraulic
  • Does not Apply
  • Inexperience

Accident Description

Fatal drowning. Group of three paddlers in recreational kayaks. Two were rescued or self rescued. Mr. Flatford was recovered at island in the river, within Veteran's park. A low head dam is upstream of the island.

Media coverage of events slightly chaotic for coverage. The Monroe County Emergency Management listed 3 water rescue events in that day, two were on this river stretch. Details on incidents were intermingled.
Best information here: https://www.monroenews.com/news/20200524/fatality-results-from-river-raisin-boating-accident

The river at this point is generally flat moving water. 
Water at this time was four days after flood level; diminished flow each day after. Seasonal spring high at time of incident. Media reporting of flood levels incorrect. 

Reviewer could not confirm type of warning at dam.

This section of river popular for recreational kayak use. There was a large influx of recreational boaters on this weekend due to the recent ease of restrictions for Covid stay-at-home orders. 

No pfd use.


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