[Paddlewise] Kayak Fatality

Details are sketchy, but it would appear that the occupants of a double
kayak capsized during the night (Wed, 2:00 am) just off White Rock, which
is near the Canadian and US border, in the Boundary Bay area.

The media reported Wednesday morning that a kayaker was found severely
hypothermic wading ashore at 2:30 am. He said the double kayak he was in
with his friend flipped over, and only he had made it to shore. He was
immediately hospitalized in very rough shape. Authorities searched through
the night and following daylight hours. I have not heard if the have found
the other paddler yet (or his body).

The incident sounded a bit peculiar, so I called my contact at the Rescue
Coordination Center, even while the search continued. It seems that the two
kayakers were paddling an "old, decrepit black sit-on-top kayak with what
authorities are calling old growth over the boat (possibly algae). The men
were wearing dark clothing, wore no PFD's, and carried no light or distress
equipment. They were not dressed for immersion. I assume these details were
collected from the man who made shore.

I could not get names, as next of kin of one of the men has yet to be
notified (presuming he is dead). I made a comment that perhaps some kind of
clandestine operation was afoot. No comment by staff, of course. Perhaps
they were running
drugs to the states, perhaps it was a stolen boat - don't know. Conditions
were a 5 knot breeze, high tide. Got to go...

BC'in Ya
Doug Lloyd
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