Canoeist Body Found

Mousefield · Apr 16, 2010

Sadly a life was lost, probably needlessly, if only he would have worn a life jacket.
As spring and warmer wether comes, more people will be out on the water. Hopefully this story will jog people into wearing a life jacket.
Note: Chad wan not wearing a life jacket.

The body of a canoeist who went missing almost two weeks ago on the Nanaimo River has been found, RCMP said today.
Chad Thornhill, 23, was canoeing in the Nanaimo River on the afternoon of Saturday, April 3, with three friends. The group split into two separate canoes. One canoe safely navigated rapids near the Cassidy rest area on the Trans-Canada Highway, but when Thornhill and his partner tried to follow, their canoe capsized, sending the men into the water. Thornhillç—´ partner made it to shore, but Thornhill, who was from Burnaby, was swept away by the river, and his companions were unable to reach him.
Nanaimo Search and Rescue were unable to locate him and turned the search over to RCMP. This morning, RCMP Const. Sue Phillips said his body was found.

dmccarty · Apr 20, 2010

It is spring time.....

Time for people to drown.

We had the first two this week. Father and two sons fishing. One teenager fell in the water. Father tried to rescue. Both drowned. Other son had to watch both die.

What likely got them was the cold water. The air temperature here is warm but the water temp is still cold. People fall into the cold water, that cold water gasp reflex kicks in, they breath water and drown. It has been happening year after year after year.

Cheap PFD would have saved them. They would have gone home and had a funny story to tell about how Joey had fallen in the water. They would have been telling the story well into their old age.

50 degree water, 50 yards from shore and no PFD you have a 50/50 chance of surviving.

Later,
Dan

crusty 1 · Apr 20, 2010

As a past vol. fire fighter/first responder I can say these things aren,t very pleasant to go through.People being people I susspect it will happen till the end of time.Bye the way small towns are having problems getting young folks into the service so if you,re up to it I,m sure you,d be welcomed with open arms.It,s very rewarding to help your fellow man and a good way to test yourself for what may lie down the road.Easy to talk not so easy to do.Hope this gets a few of you young bucks thinkin.Dave:thumbsup:

mroe21877 · Apr 20, 2010

life jackets arent even enough at this time of year. people get complacant. a nice saturday and finally the temps are warm so why not go out on the water? well the water is still cold. I have kayaked nj waters in november and the water this time of year is just as deadly. but i have a dry suit and flannel liner. People really need to be mindful of the water temps and its not easy - i sometimes feel like an idiot on my kayak in a full bright orange drysuit while guys on boats are in t-shirts. People just dont realize the water is cold and even 48 degree water can kill you. all it takes is a few minutes. most people arent going to spend 400 on a drysuit and where it in warm weather. of course if you fall in the drysuit on deck wont help much. Ayway if you are going out be careful and check the water temp.

Wis Bang · Apr 29, 2010

Growing up on the Delaware river w/ a grandfather who worked for the canal [great grandfather was a supervisor] and w/ my dad growing up spending his summers at his pappy's house on the river; I was treated to the joys of canoing at an early age. The river was off limits until after Memorial Day! Every year I read about someone loosing their life during April or May.

My wife and I enjoy our restored 1958 Oldtown wood/canvas canoe...June thru August!

beenthere · Apr 29, 2010

In summer of '59, I learned to water ski on Lake Michigan (near Sheboygan) in 46 degree water. It was indeed cold. Being pulled up by a novice boat driver and a 25 hp Johnson outboard didn't help. One would do everything to keep from falling back into that cold water.

Life jackets were not heard of in those days. Maybe a stuffed seat pad in the boat was a possibility.
Tragic to lose anyone to drowning, or any other way. The highways are the worse danger. Not the water.

tallyho8 · May 8, 2010

When I read the title I thought it was able this local tragedy.
Bodies of best friends who fell into Mississippi River are recovered | - NOLA.com

Mousefield · May 8, 2010

tallyho8 said:
When I read the title I thought it was able this local tragedy.
Bodies of best friends who fell into Mississippi River are recovered | - NOLA.com

Sadly there will be dozens of stories similar to this one coming over the next few months as boating weather is here. Only the names will change.

The Haymaker · May 9, 2010

We get a that a lot here too. A few years ago in an abnormally highwater spring, we lost a bunch of "adventurous" kayakers.

And then, two weeks ago, we also found the body of a 19 year old snowmobiler who ventured onto a large lake months before it would be solid.

If common sense were still common, the news would be a boring hour.

wvpolekat · May 9, 2010

Darwin in action.

sweettractors · May 10, 2010

Here in Central Ky, Last weekend we had 8-9 inches of rain and Green river rose to historic levels. Two kayakers from nearby cities decided to put in the high water at Munfordville, Ky and 4 miles downstream, they called for rescue. one was rescued and the other was found drowned about 5 miles downstream when the river water receded. They got caught up in the log jams and swift current. Of course our thoughts prayers are with the deceased's friends and family. Ken Sweet