Sol_on_the_Duc's opinion brings up a question in my mind.
So, I wear breathable waders with a belt and do my best to keep a PFD on while my boat is moving.
What would happen if dump accident occured and everyone on board were wearing breathable wader with belts and PFDs.
If that still not enough to keep everyone floating above surface to swim out?

This is a very tragic situation. I know the two who made it out alive. One I have known for over 22 years. I spoke with Terry yesterday and we did not really talk to much about what happened. I can bet he and Jim would like everyone to offer prayers for Tony and his family and help out in anyway they can. I also could bet they do not want people pondering on what went wrong or even blaming the campers who did nothing to help Terry. The whole incident was out of everyone's hands when the boat went down. If a heart attack is what happened to Tony, boots and lifevests would not have done any good. As for their experience my understanding is Jim and Tony had fished the Duc for years. Sometimes God has other plans for people. Knowing Terry and Jim, I would imagine when they want to talk about this they will. Lets also give them our support and understanding during this very trying time.

Amen! I just hope none of us ever has to find out what this is like. No matter how much you plan and think things out, there is always something that can get you.

Well said Big Jim! This is simply a tragic accident and second guessing won't do a darn bit of good now. My heart goes out to the families affected by this!

I've always liked the fact that neoprenes help keep you afloat. Lately I'm seriously looking into the inflatable PFD's as they look much more comfortable to wear. Since I'm way over weight it is very hard to find any PFD that will fit so I often don't wear one After reading things like this I realize that I need to change my ways!

I would appreciate any info on how to get a hold of Pat Graham. He was nice enough to grab some gear for these guys. I just need to get ahold of him.
Please contact me
Seth at 253-315-1480. Or Ross at 253-926-4391. We will be trying to get the boat back with jim tomorrow.

although it wont bring anyone back.....they still ought to arrest the two campers that refused to help. or yank their citizinship...

Pat's number is 374-5313
cell is 640-0956

thanks bob

I would like to thank everyone for all of their efforts during these trying times. To help satisfy everyones curiosity we were all very experienced on the river, I would like to believe that was a stroke of bad luck. I would especially like to thank Pat Graham for all he did, He is not only a true sportsman but an honorable professional. THANKS PAT. The image of a friend in trouble and not being able to do anything about it will be with me for a very long time. It was a beautiful day that turned tragic in the blink of an eye. Tony was a very happy, positive and loving man, always offering advice or a helping hand. He will be deeply missed. Neoprene waders saved my life, not only because of ther bouyancy but ther insulating factor as well. We were on the river bank until 2:30 am with no survival gear. If it were not for the insulating ability of my waders I would probably not be here either. I have since put together a small waterproof floatable bag that includes a flashlight, frs/gps radio combo, lighters, waterproof matches, cotton balls soaked in vasoline, a few pieces of cold weather clothing shrink wrapped and fresh water. This will always be a part of my gear. I would like to address the campers that were not willng to help. I find it hard to believe that people who enjoy the outdoors would try to benefit from someone elses bad fortune. They now own a set of carlisle oars and a lot of gear. I truly hope this message gets to them and they have a change of heart.Once again I thank the combined efforts of those involved and the kind thoughts of everyone who acknowledged this incident. Be safe and enjoy every day in the outdoors. WATER BOTH GIVES AND TAKES LIFE.

Welcome to the board. If we can be of help to you, please don't hesitate to ask.

Terminator: Death never seems to be a timely event, and the situation that took your friend was indeed tragic. Everyone who floats that drift with any frequency will no doubt be effected in some fasion. I went out and got an inflatable vest, for istance.

I always default to this thought when someone dies: That is that their life should be celebrated. Your friend died doing what he loved, doing what we all love to do. Not withering away in a nurseing home. When the powers that be decide to take me, I hope I too, am fortunate enough to go doing what I love to do. Take care and keep fishing.

Hi All

What happened last week was a sad thing. We just never know. I was bank fishing the lower end of the Hatchery run Friday morning. I think I talked with the 2 guys mentioned above as they drifted by (in a drift boat)between 7:30 and 8:30 am. They told me about the accident and that a rescue boat was bringing the body out (that came by an hour or so later). But I got the impression that they helped out. They told me that they were going to drift the entire river and camp along the way. I'm not sure if they were the guys but they knew about the accident and went by me real early in the morning. Does anyone know if there was more than 1 group camping & fishing in that area?

I've been fishing the Forks area for 15 plus years and I have found people more than willing to help out in any situation. Nothing surprises me any more but what happened was not right.

I'm the investigtigator that's assigned to the fatality. I posted a lenghty reponse on the "campers wouldn't help" board. The Daily News pretty much outlined what happened. If there are any questions contact me.

You are quite right with the comments and it wasn't inexperience.

Randy Pieper