River Boating Safety

Boat capsizes in Skykomish River, one sent to hospital

Herald StaffSat Nov 19th, 2016 6:50pmNews

GOLD BAR — Fire units from multiple agencies were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon after a boat with two men in it capsized in the Skykomish River near downtown Gold Bar.

One man was able to swim to shore and call 911, reporting he’d lost sight of his companion in the river, said Gold Bar Fire Lt. Brandon Vargas.

Rescue boats from the Monroe and Gold Bar fire departments were sent out to search for the missing boater.

A rescuer in Gold Bar’s boat spotted what looked like a log with blue cloth in the river. It turned out to be the missing boater, who was partially submerged and not breathing, Vargas said.

The rescuers performed CPR while bringing him back to shore. He was transported to EvergreenHealth Monroe, with the medics continuing CPR in the ambulance. The victim’s status was not available late Saturday.

The victim had been in the water for about half an hour before he was pulled out, Vargas said.

Ouch! Hope he survives, does't sound good. Guessing they hit the snag at the top of the clay banks hole.

Anybody know anything else about this? I read the one guy didn't make it..

Thanks for asking.....I wondered also.......This river is not one that I've ever fished. Is this a drift boat or jet boat river or a combination type of water.....is the water bad at Gold Bar????

I know the rivers in my area....Humptulips, Wynoochee, and Satsop have had many accidents. Most of the accidents are not serious.....loss of fishing gear, maybe tear up a boat but I do remember a death at the "water intake" on the Wynoochee......should have roped the boat over the barrier but didn't, cost a young life....

More and more boats on the rivers in this area....high waters can change things, people take chances.....even experienced boaters get in trouble...

Be safe....to be first is not worth the risk, there are more fish to catch on another day.