Accidents of the Week - December 7, 2024
BoatTEST publishes “Accidents of the Week” as a public service for our VIP Subscribers to acquaint them with potential boating dangers and by inference their prevention.
Fisherman Pulled from Frigid Lake on Thanksgiving
11/28/24 – Santa Rosa, CA
A fisherman spent part of Thanksgiving morning being stripped of his soggy clothing, after he tumbled into the waters of a lake in Santa Rosa, California.
Santa Rosa firefighters Matt Schillings and A.J. Alcocer rescued the man, who was spotted clinging to his overturned kayak at Nagasawa Community Park off Fountaingrove Parkway.
The man was helped out of his clothes to be warmed up by blankets and heaters after falling into the 50-degree water. He was then taken to Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center.
Two Rescued on San Francisco Lake After Boat Capsizes
11/24/24 – San Francisco, CA
Two people were rescued from San Francisco’s Lake Merced, in California, on the afternoon of 24 November, according to the local fire department.
San Francisco Fire crews assisted two people who were on top of a capsized boat, the department said.
A rescue swimmer and a good Samaritan with a paddleboard assisted the people and were able to get them onto the board and swim them to shore around 4:45 p.m. First responders were waiting at the shore to medically evaluate them.
"Fortunately, both had on life jackets because they weren't able to swim," said the fire department.
Kayaker Rescued by Good Samaritan After Capsizing
11/24/24 – San Antonio, TX
A kayaker was receiving treatment after being rescued when his boat capsized in a local lake in San Antonio, Texas.
Around 2:30 p.m. on 24 November, crews arrived at the scene after receiving reports of a boater in distress at Braunig Lake Park. Witnesses at the scene realized that a boater had capsized their kayak when a bait bucket became tangled in their craft's rudder.
PSD ‘Probably Saved His Life’: First Responder
While first responders were en route to the boater, a good Samaritan noticed the person in distress and was able to pull him into their own boat.
"He was wearing a life jacket," said Jarrett Vocke, San Antonio Fire Batallion 8 Special Operations. "That life jacket probably saved his life today."
The kayaker was being treated for exhaustion and mild hypothermia.
Kayaker Rescued by Coast Guard from Oregon River
11/22/24 – Portland, OR
A “severely hypothermic” kayaker was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after he fell into the waters of Oregon’s Siuslaw River and was not able to help himself. Officials said the rescue took place on 22 November near the mouth of the river.
The man, who was not identified, was taken by the Coast Guard to a hospital for further treatment. His condition was not known.
Fire Destroys Boats at Arizona’s Roosevelt Lake
11/26/24 – Roosevelt, AZ
Crews responded to a fire that damaged several boats at Arizona’s Roosevelt Lake on the morning of 26 November.
The fire happened at the G Dock at Roosevelt Lake Marina, with officials declaring that three boats and one personal watercraft were destroyed, and two houseboats were damaged.
"We experienced a boat fire on G Dock at Roosevelt Lake Marina early this morning," Roosevelt Lake Marina wrote on Facebook.
"Thankfully, the fire has been extinguished, and everyone is safe. We are in contact with the affected boat owners and are committed to providing support during this challenging time. Thank you to our community for your understanding." No injuries were reported.
Woman Found Dead After Kayaking in River
11/23/24 – Glasgow, VA
A woman who flipped from her kayak on 23 November in Virginia’s James River near Locher Landing was found dead the following day, according to her family.
The body of Octavia Richardson was found after a search-and-rescue mission undertaken by the Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office. Searchers found the kayak and its oars, then found her remains.
Two Injured After Boat Hits Break Wall
11/26/24 – Clinton, CT
Two people were injured, fire officials said, after a boat hit a break wall in Clinton, Connecticut, on 26 November.
The Clinton Volunteer Fire Department responded to the Kelsey Point break wall for a vessel that had lost power and drifted onto the break wall, officials said. The vessel was taking on water with two people on board.
"Our members assisted in removing the individuals from the wall, bringing the vessel to the boat launch, and getting it out of the water before it sank," fire officials said. "Two individuals were evaluated on scene for minor injuries."