Fishermen lost in Appalachicola River

[jsuber]

http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/46552507.html

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission says 29-year-old Mark Hamilton of Marianna, Florida and his 28-year-old friend were fishing Saturday afternoon (5/30) on the Apalachicola River.

Sometime between 3 and 3:30pm, they hit a wake or strong current about a mile south of Chattahoochee and both were ejected from their 14-foot boat.

Neither were wearing a life jacket.

Hamilton was rescued by Larry Hooper of Havana who was fishing nearby and heard the boat spinning in the water.

Hamilton said the boat hit his friend and he lost sight of him.

Authorities aren't releasing the identity of the missing man until next of kin are notified.

Authorities say Hamilton suffers some back pain but isn't hospitalized.
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An official with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission says at about 4 Saturday afternoon, they received a call about a boating accident on the Apalachicola River just below Chattahoochee, Florida.

FWC says one person has been pulled from the river and one person is missing.

We don't know the condition or identity of either boater at this time, and authorities are still searching for the missing person.

We'll bring you more details as they become available.

[Outdoorsnole]

I know I'm bad about it but this is where wearing the kill switch could've made this end up more positive. You never know when you could hit something and get tossed outta the boat.

[Barhopr]

x2
I don't wear mine as much as I should. Need to get in the habit again.

[cmccord]

x2
I don't wear mine as much as I should. Need to get in the habit again.

x3.

My heart goes out to those affected by this situation. Perhaps more of us will be able to make a learning opportunity out of this and prevent it from happening to someone else.

After my brother had a similar situation (that came out positively) I have learned that wearing a kill switch is worth the discomfort/inconvenience. These are machines that we are working with that have parts that wear out and are greatly affected by Mother Nature. There is no way to know when something may happen.

My brother's boat, a 17' Boston Whaler Outrage with 150 hp Johnson, had the steering cable break while running at cruising speed, causing the boat to jolt to one side, throwing him many feet from the boat. The boat continued to run in circles for a few hours while he, a number of bystanders and the Tennessee Authorities watched. The boat finally caught a rock with the foot and stalled out. Fortunately, he did not suffer any damages (besides some stained britches and some financial woes) and came out of the situation with a greater appreciation for the presence of unforeseen circumstances and things beyond our control.

It is worthwhile for each of us to consider safety and avoid complacency when boating. We all have others who count on us coming home, and being as prepared as we can be will help to ensure that we get there.

Safe Boating!

[Reel Cowboy]

I saw that this morning on the news.

[jsuber]

Wearing your PFD while running at the very least,would also be a good practice.

[boggob]

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/2009 ... body+found

[Sir reel]

75 hp on a 14 aluminum .... would be pretty tricky if a sudden event should happen

[rbraswell]

I have never seen a 14 aluminum rated for a 75hp. That sounds pretty risky. God be with their families.

[Reel Cowboy]

75 hp on a 14 aluminum .... would be pretty tricky if a sudden event should happen

Wouldn't that thing be a little overpowered?

I've been thinking about the "auto-inflate" PFD for when I'm running but just haven't bought 'em yet. With all of the accidents happening lately, I just might bite the bullet and pick 1 or 2 up.

[Sir reel]

I've been thinking about the "auto-inflate" PFD I just might bite the bullet and pick 1 or 2 up.

I saw something on TV last week that indicated some sort of program from FWC to promote those with a $10 coupon. Don't know any details.

[Reel Cowboy]

I've been thinking about the "auto-inflate" PFD I just might bite the bullet and pick 1 or 2 up.

I saw something on TV last week that indicated some sort of program from FWC to promote those with a $10 coupon. Don't know any details.

I'll try to find something out about that. They're dang expensive if you never have to use it, but worth every penny if you need it. Hopefully, I never will.

[Sir reel]

As a follow-up to RC's last post, I've been able to track down the source for the promotional information on coupons for the purchase of PFD's. I sent a email question to "ask FWC" and was blessed with a reply today. I'm awaiting the specifics as they are not fully complete, but there is in fact a program that will provide a $15 coupon towards the purchase of certain PFD's. The program is called "WEAR IT FLORIDA" and the link is www.WearITFlorida.com The way the program will work is, In order to receive a coupon, one must take a pledge to wear the suspender or side pack. These types are being promoted because of they're comfort. I have been in contact by phone with the FWC and they have also agreed to have someone at the NFGFC meeting this Thursday to explain the program, demonstrate the different types, and have folks try them out if they would like. There was some mention of possibly having coupons as well and since all our members are of a highly honorable and trustworthy caliber, FWC can rely on their pledge to follow the commitment