There was a boating accident on the Cowlitz yesterday above Blue creek by Brim bar. A very experienced boater had an accident and his boat overturned. The operator made it out physically unharmed. His friend was recovered. But did not make it. We were able to recover his boat. But his dog is missing so if any of you are on the Cowlitz or even Spencer, Brim rd area would you please keep an eye out for an older chocolate lab. She goes by the name Shilo. The operator and others are actively looking right now. Would love to see the 2 reunited. If found you can call my cell 36o-431-4918.


The Cowlitz is running at 2300 cfs and may drop to 2000 cfs. It can be really treacherous so please be careful.


Would also like to thank the guides and boaters that assisted yesterday!
Thanks
HntnFsh

Wow! I'm really sorry to hear that. I have a home across from Ethel Bar but I was not around yesterday. Has the dog been found? Any more details on what happened?

Just talked to my neighbor about this accident. He spoke to an eye witness yesterday, and apparently the 2 older gentlemen in the sled were not paying attention as they drifted about in a back eddy, and were pulled out into the main current and then into a sweeper while unable to get a motor started. Boat flipped, the guys went in the river, and the 72 year old passenger was unresponsive before the skipper could get him to shore on Ethel Bar. Multiple EMT folks arrived at the scene but they were unable to revive the man. Neither guy was wearing a PFD. Apparently, no one has seen the dog. Very sad, and seemingly preventable.

I didn't want to ask the guy but from what Ive pieced together hearing him talk and other witnesses this is fairly accurate. I did hear him say that he ran to the top end of the drift. Shut down his big motor and went to start his kicker. He didn't realize that the eddy pushed his nose out. He said he thought he ran up on a log.

Remember the Cowlitz is glacier fed and I don't think it ever gets out of the high 50 degrees. Its dang cold. Its also really low running at 2370cfs or so. There are more hazards and lots of really skinny water so be careful out there!

On the local news this morning said the guy who didn't make it had a heart attack. This was from the coroner.

In the case of a heart attack, much probably could not be done, but I have to ask ? Did either have life jackets on ?

I even wear an inflatable when I am wade fishing.

I have been in the water twice and am thankful I always wear a flotation device. If I hadn't I might not be making this post. In one case I was able to stand up, the other I went 8 feet down and the PFD poped me to the surface as I did a Hail Mary with three thousand dollars of camera gear held high.

The camera gear didn't make it due to water damage, but more importantly my wife didn't need to make a claim on my life insurance and I am still here 30 years later from that incident.

I am frustrated when ever I see an adult in a boat of any sort and the child is wearing a flotation device but the adult is not.

Having kids really increased my safety awareness and politeness. It's interesting how some of my behaviors changed when I started doing things like I want my kids to do. That much more important that I come home to them too.

The funny thing is that getting my pistol did the same thing. One example, I thought I'd look pretty dumb if I drowned with a pistol on my hip (in case I need it), but no pfd on.

So is the theory the guy hit the cold water and the shock triggered a heart attack?

Don't know how to share the link but on Lewis county sirens Facebook there is a story that Shilo was found today near where the boat capsized. She didn't survive the accident.

Damn shame all aorund. WEAR THAT PFD!!!