CANOE CAPSIZES; ONE DROWNS
Middle Island Creek near Arvilla, WV: April 17, 1994
DESCRIPTION: Middle Island Creek is a large, fast moving stream with a few easy rapids. It was running extremely high due to recent rains. The victim, G.B. Boggs, entered the river on April 17 with a friend in a 13' canoe they had recently purchased. The pair capsized after hitting a submerged log. His partner made it to shore, but Boggs clung to the swamped canoe. Area residents tried to rescue Boggs by throwing him a garden hose and an extension cord. His partner waded out to attempt a rescue, but Boggs fought him off. He slipped out of his life jacket and disappeared beneath the surface soon after. The PFD was recovered some distance downstream.
SOURCE: Turner Sharp, Charleston, WV; West Va. DNR
ANALYSIS: Inexperience, cold water, and the absence of life vests are a common scenario in the spring. A It is not uncommon for people suffering from hypothermia to become belligerent, and this report should serve as a reminder to potential rescuers
