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From: pgvii@aol.com (PgvII)
Newsgroups: rec.boats.paddle
Subject: Re: Death on Moose River, NY
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Date: 30 Nov 1998 19:56:34 GMT
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Xref: ix.netcom.com rec.boats.paddle:147933

This was a really bad weekend for boaters everywhere.  Scott and Martin both on
the same weekend!  These are really bad things.

Here's what I know of the Moose River incident.  It occurred above "Rooster
Tail" proper in the section known as Dog's Leg.  The level was about 3.6 feet. 
The section is marked by many ledges sending water in various directions and
making for some strange and fun cross currents and holes.  

Apparently Martin came out of his boat and was swimming this section.  It
appears to me that he might have been aggresively swimming for shore on his
stomach, trying to avoid a large rock and tongue of water that pours down
between it and several others.  He was swept down this tongue and his
sprayskirt got snagged on the boulder.  He was pulled under by the current  in
a laid back position and was unable to cut himself free.  The water was only
about 35 (approx.) degrees, so he must have lost strength quickly.  

We arrived at the scene about 30 minutes after the accident.  We had already
sent one member of our group back ot the cars due to the cold water.  He had
taken a swim at Iron Bridge and so wisely bowed out while the road was still
close. 

We gave assistance to the other members of Martims party and working together
got him free after about twenty or thirty more minutes.  Resusitation efforts
began immediately, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.  No autopsy
report is available yet, but it's conclusions seem easy to predict.

I didn't know Martin my self, but feel great sadness at the loss of another
boater.  I send his wife and family my heartfelt condolences and I'm only sorry
we arrived on the scene to late to do any good.