I read this on my local news website today and thought I would pass it along. Just a reminder of how the simplest events can turn deadly when boating. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in this tragic accident.....

St. Charles County Man Drowns In Mark Twain Lake

Created: 5/16/2007 8:28:59 AM

Last updated: 5/16/2007 9:25:46 AM

HANNIBAL, Mo. (AP) -- An accident on Mark Twain Lake in northeast Missouri claims the life of a 74-year-old St. Charles County man.

The victim is identified as George Blue

The accident happened Monday evening. The Missouri State Water Patrol says Blue and his 79-year-old brother were tying up a boat after a day of fishing when Blue fell after stepping onto the dock. As he fell, his belt got caught in a mooring cleat. He went into about five feet of water, and he could not get up.

His brother tried to help, but it took about ten minutes before Blue was pulled from the water. He was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital and pronounced dead.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Harshman

wow thats a freak happening right there...it would seem his brother may have been able to help him but was to aged maybe....never like to hear of a drowning...it must be a horrible way to go

His brother tried to help, but it took about ten minutes before Blue was pulled from the water. He was taken to Hannibal Regional Hospital and pronounced dead.

Wha?????

I hate to be cynical over a tragedy, but unless his brother was disabled or there is some other extreme complication, why didn't his brother, unfasten or just cut the belt off.  Or if nothing else just get his brothers head above water till help came?

I'm sure there's more to the story.

He was 80 years old... probably not very capable of lifting another grown man, or even bending and reaching out to him in order to be of much assistance.  

He was 80 years old... probably not very capable of lifting another grown man, or even bending and reaching out to him in order to be of much assistance.  

I completley overlooked this in the original post.  my mistake.

what a horror for both of them.

WOW...... That's a real tragedy you never know when your time is up hope I can live to 80 and still go boating. My sincerest condolences to the family members and friends.

My grandfather used to always tell me that a man should always carry a knife on him.  It could save your life or someone elses.  

You here of stories of people being caught in their safety belts in cars and other incidents where if they had a good knife in their pocket things may have turned out better.  

That is really sad.  I guess I could think of worse ways to go though.  Going fishing with my best buddy and passing on at 80 wouldn't be all that bad.

Tragedy.  

Terrible story.

Sad, very sad. :'(

thats awful

My grandfather used to always tell me that a man should always carry a knife on him. It could save your life or someone elses.

You here of stories of people being caught in their safety belts in cars and other incidents where if they had a good knife in their pocket things may have turned out better.

That is really sad. I guess I could think of worse ways to go though. Going fishing with my best buddy and passing on at 80 wouldn't be all that bad.

Thats why I carry a knife on me everywhere I go except school.