Capsized In Icy Water

[David Ortley]

Last Sunday after a full day of goose hunting on an icy river I watched my 18 year old son and the 25 year old passenger in his small Jon boat take on water and eventually capsize as we headed to the boat ramp. I was in another boat forty yards ahead of them with the other man's dad. The river is about fifty feet deep where they went in and the water temperature was around forty degrees. Fortunatley we were able to get the guys on our boat quickly, salvage the floating gear, and get to shore so we could turn the boat back over. We only lost a shotgun and a push pole. The episode taught some valuable lessons that I feel compelled to pass on. If one person who reads this someday has to deal with this situation I hope it helps.

What we did right: We were traveling close to each other and relatively close to the shore line. It was dusk and I insisted that we maintain visual contact. When we saw the situation unfold we were able to get out hands on these guys within a few minutes. Being close to shore allowed us to get them to shore, haul the capsized boat to shallow water, and salavge the floating gear before I ran the guys to the boat ramp to warm up. One of the guys had on wool pants but had a change of clothes in the truck. My son had on a pair of Cabelas Super Mag waders and did not take on water! He was able to stay upright and along the boat until we got to them. We had five dozen goose decoys with us. The floaters were in single slot bags and became instant life jackets.

What we did wrong: The smaller boat was overloaded and the load was not balanced. With too much weight up front the bow was able to strike a wave and take on water. The guys understandably panicked-as they took on water they both baled out of the boat on the same side and it flipped. They had life jackets but one was not wearing his! On the gear side the lost gun was in a gun case that was not a floating case. Everything in the Avery floating blind bag survived, including a brand new digital camera.

Lessons learned: Travel close together so that you can help each other out in the event of a problem. Before pusing off look at the boat and how it is loaded and sitting in the water. Know what the weight limitations are and get an idea of how close you are before you are treading water. Travel as close to shore as possible. Wear the life jacket!! When hunting with others insist that your partners wear theirs. Travel in the wake of the boat ahead and not off to the side. It was a wake from my boat that caused the initial problem. If you take on water do not jump out. The boat will not sink any lower than the gunwales if it is a "modern" boat with flotation. Don't worry about the "stuff." My son was most concerned about his calls in the blind bag not his life. We can replace gear but not family and friends. Have a spare set of clothes stashed in the truck just in case you end up dealing with the unexpected. Stay calm- we had a huge problem to deal with and we did it without any yelling or panic.

Two final thoughts-invest in an Avery Floating Blind Bag and a Floating Gun Case and close them before leaving!! We were back on the water two days later just as enthusiastic and a lot smarter!

[Shane Burrup]

Great info for us all. I am glad that it all worked out ok. Sorry about the lost gear, but at least everyone was safe.

[OutForBlood87]

Thats good that nobody got hurt, and I have developed a new catch phrase

New Phrase: Avery, killin geese and savin lives.

[Kile Jones]

I am glad everyone is alright and safe! Thanks for your post, I learned a lot of things to avoid!

[hardcore dekem]

Thanks for the informative post. That sucks about the shotgun but, like you said you came out with the most important things and that was the lives of your son and friend!
Kelcey

[Mark Brendemuehl]

David- Thank God they came out ok. Any luck yet with the evidence recovery team finding the gun?
Mark

[Joe Fladeland]

That's some scary stuff, David. Thank God everyone is alright.

[Chad Ryan]

dave i am glad that bailey is ok-the river here is dangerous, every year people die from something that could have been prevented. i have heard of a lot of crazy stories; we really make sure that we have our crap in a pile before we venture out on the waters. the one thing that i am starting to do is keep my waders off till i get to where i am hunting. those things can fill up with water in most cases and can sink u- i talked to a fish and game officer and he said they often find guys that are bobbing upside down cause somehow the waders start to fill up and because of the air in the boot it will make them go feet up..scary stuff..

[Jeremy DeVries]

Glad to hear everyone is alright. I'm also very thankful we have had unseasonably warm weather the past weeks.

[Cody Frazier]

If you don't panic, you can stay afloat in waders in the water.

This summer go jump in a pool or shallow water (with someone there to assist you if needed) and learn how to float with your waders on. It can be done and could save your life.

Might also help wash the smelly funk out of your waders from the previous season. ;)

[Money Maker]

Glad to hear all went ok!!

Mike
Freestyle Calls Pro-Staffer

[Montauker]

Great post-

Waders- especially neoprene will float you (or at least not sink you)- test it yourself- or see pitboss's dvd (he jumps into a pool)

One point to add - you should never jump ship unless the boat is absolutely going under- meaning basically stay in the boat until you are submerged or floating as this will reduce exposure time.

Glad to hear that this one came out ok.

[Tom Cannon, www.Outdoor-z.com]

Glad everyone is okay! number one rule on the water... wear a life jacket when operating the boat. Much like a seat belt it saves lives and should be automatically put on when you get in the boat.

[Chad Ryan]

very interesting about the waders....i have never had the nerve to jump into water with my waders.....i will gather some of my BEST friends and try that this summer...good idea cody

[Ben G Peterson]

glad everyones alright.

[Kent Contreras]

Some good points to remember and thanks for laying it out there. I can't say when it happens but at some point during the season we get a little relaxed and forget the golden rules, and that is to take our time, get the safety gear on such as PFD's, light and wader belt. Remember, it can happen to any of us in a heartbeat and I really hate seeing one of us become a statistic.
Thanks again for the reality check David.

[Honkers45]

I'm glad to hear everyones was ok...it can get scary out there on the water and it can happen in a split second before you realize it...Honkers41

[reel slick]

Glad your crew was able to be saved. Many people never get a second chance. All involved should be thanking their lucky stars. What you did wrong-Not wearing a life jacket. In a small boat you have zero time to prepare for a accident. You really should wear them any time the motor is running. Traveling in pairs saved your son's life. If they were alone it might have been fatal. Bildge pumps, VHF radios or SAT phones and a EPIRB should really be on board in a watertight box. I survived a capsizing last year in my duckboat but lost a great friend in the accident. The lifejacket I was wearing saved my life. If you care about your friends and family, put the jacket on whenever that motor is running. It might be your only help if you go over. 40 degree water is no match for anyone, with or without a jacket. I have been fishing the Northeast canyons for the last 20 years 80-100 miles offshore, I have over 200 trips under my belt. I would describe myself as a safe and careful captain. This kills me to write about it but please take a note and get the necessary safety equipment and know how to use it. Your life really is worth it. Glad to hear you had a happy outcome.

[Ryan Kleinschmidt]

I have been in that exact same situation myself. I was the guy in the water. I know the feeling and it will change the way you approach harsh weather and conditions in the future. Good to hear everyone is ok.

[Robert Nelson]

Thanks for taking the time to write this
very informative post. I like learning from
others, though this one is not the best
situation as bad things happend. I am glad
everyone is ok, and thanks again for sharing
some valuable information.

THIS ONE SHOULD GET A STICKY !!!!!, Especially for the new Guys !!

Regards,
Robert Nelson

[Greg Owens]

Here's something to remember about waders. Even if they are FULL of water, they still do not weigh any more than they did on dry land when you pulled them out of the box... The water that fills the waders does not weigh anything, (compared to the water surrounding the waders) until you try to get out of the water...

The best thing you can do is to tuck your knees up to your chest, this will keep air in the leg portion of the waders which not only provides boyancy, it also reduces your exposure to the fridged water in that portion of your body. If you have a life jacket on, you will be able to hold this position for quite a while.

Try it for yourself this summer, and hope you never have to use this information.

Greg

[David Ortley]

Since my original post our local volunteer dive team, which is a component of the Sheriff's Department, made five training dives utilizing techniques used for recovering evidence in criminal cases. As you will recall, the water was fifty feet deep and 35 degrees. Because of the temperature dives were limited to thirty minutes. Diving was supended for two week when the river froze shut. After several attempts, and methodical searching, Rich Schuster and Sam Fussell found the shotgun at the end of a thirty minute dive. The Avery push pole remains at the bottom and will eventually be found and brought up.

The gun was under for just over a month. It had some light surface rust on worn exposed metal. After complete stripping and treatment with Break Free it shows no effects whatsoever.

My thanks to Rich Schuster, Robert Hanson, and Sam Fussell for their commitment and dedication to their sport and their service to our community!

http://img254.imageshack.us/img254/7828/richsfindjg2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Rich brings it to the surface

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/8973/richsambw5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Dive buddies

[Double B]

I had almost the same situation happen to me and two other buddies this year. Our boat overturned the day after thanksgiving on a local lake and we were on top of the boat at about 7:30 am yelling for yelp! Lost two guns, two blind bags and a mr. buddy heater, but recovered all except my blind bag. Thank god everyone is ok, thats all that matters in my eyes. Guns, and other items can be replaced after situations like that. Surely opened my eyes, and showed me not to take anything for granted. Everytime I step foot in a boat from now on I'm wearin a life jacket!!

Here is a link for the story and video if any of ya want to watch. I'm not in the story because in the whole incident my phone got wet and they were not able to get ahold of me. So these are my two buddies.

http://kstp.com/article/stories/S265994.shtml

[David Ortley]

Double D

I grew up hunting in Mankato and know the lake you were on. Quite a story! That life jacket is a pain but it may be the verythnig that saves you. Having watched my son go down I know I will always have mine on.

[Allen Riggs]

Makes you think about the way you approach water in the winter. Thanks.

[whackemnstackem]

I know that I will always think about safety before climbin into the boat. its happened to me too. never recovered the one gun. mud up to the hips there.

[koondog]

David,

Great post! I took a plunge this past December and learned some valuable lessons.

1) Neoprene waders provide better floatation and warmth in comparison to breathable waders
2) Keep dry clothes available (waterproof bag in the boat)
3) Always wear PFD
4) Don't overload the boat
5) Use the appropriate boat for the water you are traveling
6) Have a plan in case you capsize

[Mark Brendemuehl]

That is awesome that they could find it. I wouldnt have thought it possible to be honest. That is some deep water and with current etc. that is pretty amazing. Great job to the dive team.
Mark

[Rob Jepson]

Kudos to the dive team! Wow...if that isn't a testimonial to the need for an Avery floating Gun Case, I don't know what is.

[Dave Weidner]

I'm glad it was a rescued gun and case rather than a body.

Safety and lessons learned can go a long way if we remember to implement them consistently.

Dave

[Massey MD Hunter]

Kudos to the dive team! Wow...if that isn't a testimonial to the need for an Avery floating Gun Case, I don't know what is.

:confused: It sank :confused:

[Michael Reed]

Man, that is sooo scary! Great post David! I am glad to hear everyone is ok...

Stay safe!

[Trey Peterson]

Glad to see everyone made it out ok. Some great advice too!

[cy younger3538]

glad to hear everyone is ok

[Double B]

Double D

I grew up hunting in Mankato and know the lake you were on. Quite a story! That life jacket is a pain but it may be the verythnig that saves you. Having watched my son go down I know I will always have mine on.


Ya David it will definatly make me approach the water in a much safer manner!! All I have to say is when your in 36 degree water for over a half hour.....well lets just say guys we know what happens!! haha:D :D :D Have to try and keep my humor through all of this haha!!:D

[wack-n-stack]

thank god everyone is safe

[Bailey Ortley]

This was one of the scariest times out duck hunting Ive ever had. I was fortunate to have a another boat around to help me out. If they werent just a few 100 feet away Im not sure what would have happened. Thanks Dad!

[David Ortley]

Talk about committed!! Rich and Dusty continued to dive and today they recovered the Avery Push Pole that was lost when the boat capsized. Methodical searching paid off! Thanks guys!

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/5959/richpoleve1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Rich surfaces with the pole

http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9761/richdustyyb0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Rich & Dusty

[Zak Rozich]

Thanks for the info, and glad to hear everyone is ok

[spud]

If you don't panic, you can stay afloat in waders in the water.

This summer go jump in a pool or shallow water (with someone there to assist you if needed) and learn how to float with your waders on. It can be done and could save your life.

Might also help wash the smelly funk out of your waders from the previous season. ;)

i never knew this, i figured if you fell out of a boat with waders you'd be a goner, i'm going to try this to see what happens, thanks.

[Cougars88]

yeah i might have to also try it.