Missing Boater on the MS River

[mhoward]

I noticed a lot of activity on the river a little while ago and knew it was not a good thing.  Then I got this email from WMC.


MEMPHIS, TN (WMC-TV)  Rescue crews with the U.S. Coast Guard are searching for a man who overturned in a canoe in the Mississippi River this afternoon.

Officials said the incident happened two miles north of the Hernando DeSoto Bridge.

[mhoward]

Looks like it was 2 guys in canoe.  One of them swam to shore and called for help.  The other one is still missing.

[madapple]

The missing man is my Landlord's Father...

[Elmore]

     The Commercial Appeal gives a different account of the location, saying it happened right across the river from downtown Memphis:

http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/mar/11/63-year-old-man-missing-after-canoe-overturns-miss/

     Also, Coast Guard spokesman Robert Hill says "the river is up right now," and that's news to me, because the river level yesterday was 9.1 feet on the Memphis gauge--rather low, really.  I would like to believe that Coast Guard officials are a little more in touch with the river than that.
     Oh well.  At this time I haven't heard any more news.  I hope for the best for Brad's landlord and his/her family.

[madapple]

I just talked to Josh, my Landlord, he will be going out again today to continue the search.

Something that has the family very upset is the reports that only the survivor was wearing his life vest. Apparently he only got his jacket after he got to shore. They have gotten many calls and comments about it and while they agree not wearing a PFD on the water is a bad thing - the press is making it sound as though the man survived because he was wearing his vest.

The Somes family is very grateful of everyone that is knowledgeable about paddling the river making it clear that being on the river this time of year is NOT a bad thing, that the river is not up, and paddling the river can be safe and enjoyable.

I will keep everyone updated as I hear from Josh, if any one is out boating the river today he would be very grateful for additional manpower in the search.

For those familiar with the Canoe and Kayak Race, Mr Somes and Josh were the team that paddled the old red and white Budweiser canoe.