[Paddlewise] Nine Die as Charter Boat Flips

Dave said (snip):
>The bar at Tillamook is regarded as on of the most dangerous on the coast
of Oregon.  Local commercial fishers claim lack of dredging in recent years
has made the hazard greater....I've been to both spots, and during strong
ebbs, the wave action is extremely intense, even more nasty than the
Columbia River bar because the Tillamook bar is smaller and more confined,
with no "cheat routes" around breakers. The Columbia's bar is routinely
dredged for shipping.<

Dave, I don't want to "cross your bow" on this one as you are the resident
and I the outsider in terms of local knowledge, but from what I've been able
to ascertain The Columbia River Bar and the Florence usually rate more
dangerous. The Tillamook Bar was dredged, but only to a maintence level of
18. That should allow a dead center channel egress in all but big winter
conditions. However, perhaps debris has built up from jetty disintegration.
Given the fast run-out speed of exiting fresh and tidal water, one would
think the channel keeps reasonably clear on its own.

I did head down to Tillamook after joining you in Astoria last couple of
Mays ago, but I was running out of time and gas money, so thought I save it
for a couple of years. I'd definitely stay out of there on the ebb, and I'd
definitely be concerned about the sand bars on the outside of the jetties. I
wonder if the charter boat ran into difficulty as it was turning out. Still,
a very terrible tragedy. There's lots on that coast, but usually not so many
lives lost in such a short time.

I suppose many will consol themselves with the thought that sometimes the
sea just takes you. It was your time. I'm getting the same reaction as I
interview on the Nootka case. Personally I feel this notion has merit when a
certain level of indeterminacy exists, but such things as lack of personal
flotation devices, lack of immersion apparel, under-rated vessel sizes, etc,
all are cause for further reflection. Stuff happens, like propellers getting
damaged, paddlers hitting a wave at the wrong angle and bailing out, etc.
Where's the back up gear/plan/thinking, I always ask. Anyway, I'm looking
forward to further adventures down your way.

Doug Lloyd
Victoria BC

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"Whatever can be said at all can be said clearly and whatever cannot be said
clearly should not be said at all."
Ludwig Wittgenstein
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