Kayak Safety: Kayak deaths/ Accidents across the US

A week ago this happened but thought it would be a good reminder to all you kayakers to macke sure you have all the right equipment.

May 19

Experts see Casco Bay kayak trip's tragic end as reminder

They say two women succumbed to 20 mph winds and 48-degree water for lack of wet suits and larger boats.

By John Richardson jrichardson@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

The deaths of two young women who set out Sunday for a short kayak trip in Casco Bay are a sad reminder of the sport's dangers and the need to be properly equipped and prepared, say guides and safety experts.


Irina McEntee, 18, and Carissa Ireland, 20, were pulled from the bay Monday morning, about seven miles from their destination and a mile from their empty kayaks. They were rushed to a hospital but could not be revived.
McEntee, a summer resident of Peaks Island, had experience paddling around the bay and had made the 1-mile trip to Ram Island many times, according to friends. She and Ireland, a college friend who was visiting McEntee and her family, set off in the early afternoon, wearing shorts and T-shirts, in 12-foot kayaks.
Without larger kayaks, wet suits and some way to call or signal for help, experts say, the women simply couldn't survive the 20 mph winds they encountered or the 48-degree ocean water they apparently fell into.
"Assess risks before going out and be prepared for what can and does go wrong on the water," said Al Johnson, regional safety specialist for the U.S. Coast Guard. "In the world of paddle sports, one should dress for immersion."
The growing popularity of kayaking has increased the number of searches by the Coast Guard and other agencies, either because people are overdue or their boats turn up without them. In many cases, kayakers end up waiting safely on islands. In others, the search ends as it did Monday.
"The last few years, (kayakers) have just continuously increased the calls for service," said Maine Marine Patrol Sgt. Daryen Granata. "A kayak is a nice conveyance to roam the coast of Maine. It's very quiet. It's very easy. It's inexpensive."
But it's common to see coastal kayakers who are inexperienced and ill-prepared, he said, even though paddling a kayak can be more dangerous than operating a big speedboat.
Even experienced paddlers get into trouble if they underestimate the hazards of a short trip, experts said.
So far this year, there have been 21 recreational boating deaths in the Coast Guard's Northeast region, 11 of them attributed to canoe or kayak accidents, said Johnson.
"At this time last year we were at eight" recreational boating deaths in the region, he said.
The region stretches from New Jersey to Maine, and the numbers include inland and coastal accidents.
Even experienced paddlers who take many of the recommended precautions can become casualties.
Three years ago, two experienced kayakers set out for a short trip from Biddeford -- one wearing a wet suit and one in a dry suit -- and were surprised by strong waves near Wood Island.
One of the paddlers capsized and swam to the island, but didn't have a VHF radio or cell phone to call for help. The other, a well-known professor of mathematics at the University of New England, died.
"We all know that things change quickly," said Scott Shea, president of the Maine Association of Sea Kayaking Guides. "The conditions pick up, and that's when people are heading out to that next island out there that looks so beautiful and all of a sudden it becomes a little scary, especially if you are halfway there or already there and have to get back."
The two women who died in Casco Bay this week did at least two things that experts recommend: They wore life jackets, and told family members where they were going and when they would be back. Those precautions prompted an extensive overnight search, which ultimately found them but could not save them.
Guides and safety experts recommend that kayakers always check weather forecasts before any voyage, get safety training and have:
• Open-water sea kayaks, generally 15 to 16 feet or longer, which have watertight flotation chambers. The boats are more stable in wind and waves.
• Spray skirts that can keep water from washing into a boat and reducing stability.
• Wet suits or dry suits, until water temperatures rise above 60 degrees, or until the combined air and water temperature exceeds 120 degrees.
• A waterproof VHF radio, or a cell phone in a watertight case.
• Signaling devices.
• Life jackets.
• Name and phone numbers written on the boat.

The recent death of the Dad in the Nissequogue River in LI affected me deeply, possibly because I was there when it happened.

My heart goes out to the family of the officer who drowned.
Sadly, today there is a 5 year old growing up without his father. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...cons/icon9.png
I can't let it end there, I feel I must do more.


So I've decided to do a comprehensive documentation of all the kayak deaths in the US, every year. Complete with stats, but stats don't always tell the story.

Stories and details do....because it is these details that will eventually reach people and cause them to either become more safety oriented, or contact their legislators and get them to iron out some tougher safety laws.

I realize this is a slippery slope here.
I'm very hesitant to push for things that will make it more onerous or expensive to own a kayak. I hate government intrusion into our lives as it is. Don't want to be the source of more of it. And I know some kayakers will hate the fact that I am talking about this stuff here....

Nonetheless, I feel it's important to raise awareness, to the extent that some might feel I'm preaching about it. And their assessments, would be correct. :)

I just don't know of any other way to raise awareness of the risk without talking about the deaths.

I would like to point out there are many successful kayak trips each year.
It's a great way to go out and enjoy the water.


There are those who say we are on a slippery slope here...if legislatrors can regulate kayak safety, perhaps they will regulate whether we can creep around on jetties at night, as their next objective.

A friend said:
"Rich we live in a country of freedoms. We can't be expected to pretect people from not taking precautions on their own. People have a right to make safety mistakes."

I agree with that, but when kids are involved, and you're not out there by yourself., perhaps there should be some more guidelines.

Sometimes, the only way for those guidelines to be followed is by laws being enacted.
I don't have any concrete proposals yet, but am willing to align myself with and promote any group that is promoting kayak/small craft safety and wants to get the word out there.....


So, here you have the kakak deaths thread...
the most in-your-face-way to raise awareness that I know.


I'll start it out, then please feel free to add to it if you can, providing the appropriate link to each story about a kayak death.

I know this may be upsetting to some, but couldn't forgive myself if at least I didn't try to raise more awareness....

Thanks for reading. :HappyWave:

This is a total of all whitewater boating fatalities. You can see for kayaks, in the earlier years, there were more fatalities as more got into the sport. Then there is a trending down. I would hypothesize that in the years 2010-2012 that number will be trending upward as more people are involved in the sport than ever before......

2008 Whitewater Boating Fatalities

The number of whitewater accidents declined in the second half of 2008. Between July and December American Whitewater received reports of 6 kayak, 5 canoe, and 9 rafting fatalities. The number of whitewater kayaking deaths this year, 16, is somewhat higher than in recent years. This is probably due to the increased presence of recreational kayaks on whitewater. This year's 8 canoeing deaths are about average, but the total of 29 rafting fatalities is the second highest number on record. The rafting number is always pushed upwards during Western big-water years. There were 12 commercial deaths, which seems high. Strainers, dams, and high water flushes continued to be major issues for both experienced and inexperienced paddlers.

Attachment 14038






NB: Although American Whitewater does not receive reports of all whitewater accidents in the USA, we think our list of whitewater kayak accidents is pretty complete. This table includes some fatalities of Americans paddling abroad.


http://www.nrsweb.com/safety_tips/wh...fatalities.asp




*****Caveat, the above list does not include ALL kayak deaths for this period. The actual number could be higher and is subject to revision as I do more research.

*

Note, these stats and pics come from Qajaqrolls, a thoroughly informative blog run by Christopher Crowther of Minnesota.
Please take a moment to visit his blog here.
http://www.qajaqrolls.com/
If you have a chance, sign in and thank him for all he is doing for safety. :clapping::clapping:

It contains some of the most comprehensive tutorials on kayak rolls and safety maneuvers that I have ever come across. :clapping: :thumbsup:




2010 Kayak death statistics
http://www.qajaqrolls.com/2011/06/an...-incident.html



52 people died and 34 people reported injuries in kayak incidents.
6 deaths and 3 reported injuries occurred in rented kayaks.
Attachment 13937

Attachment 13938


Attachment 13936


Attachment 13935

*

*

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DarkSkies

Nonetheless, I feel it's important to raise awareness, to the extent that some might feel I'm preaching about it. And their assessments, would be correct. :)

Sometimes, the only way for those guidelines to be followed is by laws being enacted.

---

Well, dark, then maybe you want to get together with some other folks from LI and work on the PFD law. Here is what I found, from May 1- Nov 1 an adult does not have to wear one, but it has to be within his reach. For children, it is mandatory, good thing. What about adults? I think it should be mandatory too and you should be cited if you are not wearing one, especially on a kayak. I say this as someone who has been yakking over 15 years. Too many accidents out there lately.

Here is the law:



QUOTED:
Personal Flotation Devices
Every pleasure vessel including
canoes, kayaks and rowboats operated
upon the waters of NYS must
have on board one U.S. Coast Guard
approved wearable PFD for each person
on the vessel. In addition, vessels
16 feet and greater in length must
also carry a type IV throwable PFD.
All PFDs carried on board your vessel
must be serviceable, readily accessible,
and of the appropriate size for the
wearer. A serviceable PFD must be
free of rot, tears, punctures, or waterlogging.
All straps and buckles must
be attached and fully functional.
Readily accessible means that the
PFD must be quickly reachable in an
emergency situation.

BUT FOR CHILDREN:
Youths Under 12
Any youth under the age of 12 on
boats 65 feet or less in length must
wear a securely fastened U.S. Coast
Guard approved personal floatation
device of appropriate size. It does
not apply if the youth is in a full enclosed
cabin.
NYS Nav. Law Section 40.1(d).

Thanks dogfish. :HappyWave:

Some deaths or rescues I found on the site here-


http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ags-guide-away

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...wsbury-kakayer

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...-kayak-tragedy

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...entnor-firemen

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/showthread.php?6658-Sad

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ker-found-dead

http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...Whitman-bridge

7-2-11 Brick NJ woman killed
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...kking-accident

2 kayakers rescued, these guys were flat out plain stupid!

http://online.wsj.com/article/APd8dd...b50ce62b0.html

<LI class="dateStamp first">AUGUST 27, 2011, 10:59 P.M. ET<H1>2 kayakers rescued in NY as Irene whips up waves </H1>

Associated Press

NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg says two kayakers had to be rescued after they capsized and were floundering in New York Harbor in water whipped into a frenzy by the oncoming Hurricane Irene.
Bloomberg says police officers responding to a 911 call about 7 p.m. Saturday pulled the two people out safely.
They mayor called the decision of the kayakers to go out in waves churned up by the storm "reckless."
He says their actions diverted badly needed police resources and put first responders at risk.
Police say the men are both from Staten Island and are ages 34 and 35. Their names were not released. They were given summonses.
Police say the kayakers were in the water near Mayberry Promenade, off the southeast end of Staten Island.

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/...irene_des.html



Mayor Bloomberg blasts kayakers who had to be rescued during Hurricane Irene despite warnings

BY Reuven Blau AND John Doyle
DAILY NEWS WRITERS
Sunday, August 28th 2011, 8:31 AM


http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/20..._bloomberg.jpg Kristen Artz,NYC Mayor’s Office/AP Photo
Mayor Bloomberg criticized a pair of careless kayakers who had to be rescued in the storm.




Mayor Bloomberg blasted two kayakers who ignored his advice and had to be rescued by the NYPD Harbor Patrol after their boats tipped over in the pre-hurricane waters of Lower New York Bay on Saturday, police said.

"Why they were out there despite all the warnings? I don't know. They were rescued and are ok," said the visibly annoyed mayor at an evening press conference.

The two launched the kayaks from Staten Island and paddled into the bay as the storm roared up the East Coast, police said.

The vessel capsized in the rough waters near Mayberry Promenade in Eltingville, about 9 p.m. police said.

They were plucked from the water by the patrol boat about a half-hour later, cops said. Both men were wearing life jackets, police said.

"They went out and they thought they could handle the surf," said a police source.

The men, both Staten Island residents in their 30's, were taken to the dry land in Great Kills and then to the 123rd Precinct in Tottenville, where they were each issued criminal court summonses for violating a local emergency order, a misdemeanor, said police.

Those guys should have not been out in that weather, they put a lot of people at risk to rescue them.

The men, both Staten Island residents in their 30's, were taken to the dry land in Great Kills and then to the RD Precinct in Townsville, where they were each issued criminal court summonses for violating a local emergency order, a misdemeanor, said police
Thats the problem with society today. Lock them up for 5 years. Make an example out of them and this country will be a better place.
Sick of so many people screwing up others lives because all they think of is themselves and they disregard this country's laws. The penalty must exceed the crime (BIG TIME).

Dark I almost thought that would have been you out there? Guess not.:HappyWave:

I agree with you Monty, what were these guys thinking?

Cowherder, in my wildest compulsions I would not have been out in that weather. I watched Wunderground hourly forcasts for 3 days before that storm hit. The fist trip I did Fri morning, the water was like glass, winds 0-3mph.
When I pedalled back the winds were maybe 5mph, the kind of light and mild weather that makes a dream trip.

I did plan on going out again at night before the Sat, on Fri night. The tide I wanted to fish was 11pm, so I would have been off the water by midnight... winds again forecast as barely a breeze, E about 0-5mph throughout that time frame. I did get talked out of that trip by Pebbles. Even though I knew the forecast inside and out, she didn't, and wasn't happy with the idea of me being out there. As I said, if there are people who depend on you it's good to take their feelings into consideration as well.
Those guys were out on the water almost 24 hours past my last time frame that I considered it safe to be out there.





From land, Pebbles and I started driving up and down the beach at around 4pm that Saturday. At that time it was a "no-go" for anyone who has any kayak experience at all, winds 20-25, sustained gusts of around 35-40. The thing is, those winds were from the E and starting to kick up a big swell. There is no logic whatsoever in fishing that close in front of a hurricane as the fish by that time are all hunkered down, even if you are fishing on the beach.

Actually, I don't even know if those guys were fishing, it's not clear from the article.

Instead, it seems they wanted to go out and see if they could "make it" through hurricane force winds and live to tell their friends about it. :kooky:

I know the area they lauinched in pretty well. The flats aren't that bad, but they were near the Verrazano, some of the swiftest and deepest current in our area. The area behind Staten Island offers you a bit of a lee, but that trip should only be done on the calmest of days, precisely planning around the current, and NEVER with winds/swells that high.

Monty and you other guys are right, they should throw the book at these guys. They give all kayakers a bad name. Their recklessness put the first responders at risk. And, if they have any family or people at home who depend on them, they rolled the dice that they would not be coming back for those loved ones.

(Un)fortunately, they will probably get off with a slap on the wrist.
I'm at a loss for words to further describe how irresponsible this behavior was. http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...ons/icon13.png

Good points dark. I read the article and it doesn't mention anything about fishing. Guess they were out there to see how tough they were? Stupid is as stupid does.

This guy didn't die but came close
http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...2726#post52726

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DarkSkies

There is no logic whatsoever in fishing that close in front of a hurricane as the fish by that time are all hunkered down, even if you are fishing on the beach.

Actually, I don't even know if those guys were fishing, it's not clear from the article.

Instead, it seems they wanted to go out and see if they could "make it" through hurricane force winds and live to tell their friends about it. :kooky:

---

That's what it's all about for some thrill-seekers today ds, they go out there for kicks and don't think of what might happen. Stupid is as stupid does.

This is not a death, but maybe you want it in this thread, Dark. If not feel free to edit out.


http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...5057#post55057

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by nitestrikes

This is not a death, but maybe you want it in this thread, Dark. If not feel free to edit out.


http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...5057#post55057

---

Nitestrikes, thanks, and good idea. We'll expand this thread to cover kayak deaths and accidents. In the long-run, I want people to be able to view this thread and see how compelling kayak safety is.

Here's one where MSG Dan aka Kayak Dan saved a guy who was trying to commit suicide last week at Monmouth Beach...



http://stripersandanglers.com/Forum/...Monmouth-Beach...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by DarkSkies

I'm hereby honored to present his story....

"I was just ready to launch and I noticed a mid 20's male loooking like he was ready to take a swim. He comes over to me and wants to know if I can take him to the dredging ship about 1/2 mile off shore. He telles me that he HAS to go to the ship. I told him my kayak can not take two people and he gets undressed and starts swimming out! I told him that he would die with the water temps but he was determined. As he enters the water, cops start rushing down to the water and start screaming at him to return, but he keeps swimming.

I already launched and was a couple hundred yards away when he starts screaming that he can't swim and he needs help. The cops on the beach are yelling at me to help him and I start to paddle over to him. As I approached him, I told him to just hold onto my kayak and DO NOT try to get on. I also told him that if he flips me, he would not have to worry about killing himself, that I would kill him!

He held onto the side of the kayak, and I paddled him in close enough so he would just have to make a few strokes and he would be able to walk into shore.

The cops were trying to thank me, but I had my sights on fish breaking water a few hundred yards south.

---

The latest....
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A 49-year-old man from Ambler, Pa., was rescued early Friday morning near Kiptopeke through a coordinated effort by the Virginia Marine Police and the Coast Guard.
The man, who had been kayaking along the Eastern Shore, called 911 around midnight reporting that his kayak had capsized east of Kiptopeke.
The 911 call was transferred to the Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center watchstanders, who dispatched a 25-foot Response Boat – Small crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles along with an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. Two Virginia Marine Police boatcrews also launched to search for the missing man.
While fishing, a good Samaritan heard shouts from a man in the marsh and notified the Virginia Marine Police boatcrew, who then retrieved the man from the marsh and took him to a boat ramp where he was picked up by the Jayhawk crew. The Jayhawk aircrew transported the man to Norfolk Sentara Hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia.
“The man was wearing a life jacket in this case, which bought precious time in the cold water for responders to get to him,” said Lt. Jack Smith, a public affairs officer at Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads. “This probably saved his life.”

Be careful out there dark and crew!

Posted: Nov 07, 2011 1:48 PM EST Updated: Nov 22, 2011 3:52 PM EST
By Kye Parsons -



DOVER, Del.- Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officials say the body of a kayaker reported missing over the weekend has been found in Rehoboth Bay.
After a search by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, fire company members recovered the body of 31-year-old Adam R. King of Rising Sun, Md. early Sunday morning.

A state medical examiner determined the cause of death to be hypothermia and drowning.

King had been reported missing Saturday evening. According to witnesses, he had taken the kayak out at around noon Saturday to go fishing in Rehoboth Bay. Officials said he was wearing a life jacket.

Thank you for that Shorelady. I have grandsons who kayak. One of them keeps talking about the great fishing at Kiptopeke. I have sent them a link to this thread.

Missing canoe out of Northport Harbor:

I found this on another site, dark. Hope they find him


PLEASE LISTEN:

ANYONE IN THE NORTHPORT/ CENTERPORT AREA WHO KNOWS FREDDIE, PLEASE CONTACT THE SHOP IF HE HAS BEEN PHYSICALLY SEEN THIS WEEK ANYWHERE.

FREDDIE WAS LAST SEEN PADDLING OUT IN HIS CANOE SEVERAL DAYS AGO INTO NORTHPORT HARBOR DURING THE SUNSET HOURS.

FREDDIE'S CANOE HAS BEEN FOUND EMPTY AND FLIPPED.

FREDDIE APPEARS TO BE IN HIS 60'S. HE HAS LONG GRAY HAIR AND WEARS A RED BANDANA MOST OF THE TIME. HE IS ABOUT 5'7" AND WEIGHS 160.

FREDDIE USUALLY FISHES EVERY DAY IN THE SCUDDER BEACH AREA AND ON HIS CANOE IN THE BACK OF NORTHPORT HARBOR BY BIRD ISLAND.

THANK YOU

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by finchaser

. The death wish Kayak crew were 2 miles out many you couldn't see in the swell and chop,they are not going to be happy until someone gets killed and restrictions are put into effect.

---

I'm posting this here as a means to document it. I may know the guys who were in that area. For the record, the date was 4-4-12, and the general area was Bay Head.

When I get a chance, I'll try to post up on KFS and let them know.
I'm not looking to anger or offend anyone with this statement, but it's important to put it out there.

Just to be clear, if you were the guys who were approx 2 miles out, yes it applies to you..:beatin: .if you weren't in that area, you're not the guys being referred to....

The way for us to all get along is to be aware if we're in a situation where our behavior or presence affects others, due to something we are doing.

Finchaser's complaint is a valid one.
He further mentioned that with the big swell, it was hard to see some of the kayaks....

Does this mean someone out there is trying to tell a kayaker what to do?
Absolutely not.....

But if youi're out there, and somone in a boat can't see you because of a huge swell, the potential danger to all involved should be recognized........

When the swells are 3', a kayak flag doesn't cut it....
I'm not chastizing these guys as much as trying to prevent a disaster in the future...

I think that was Finchaser's intent as well...
If he felt he could not see them ( they were bouncing down up and down among the swells) other boaters
would possibly feel the same way......

I've been around long enough to know how these things sometimes play out....
Boater doesn't see kayaker, hits him by accident and kayak is swamped..
Kayaker narrowly escapes with his life, manages to get back to kayak, and limps in to shore.....'
Or...the worst scenario....the yakker is hit, knocked unconscious....and drowns before rescue personnel can get to the area.......


Don't think it can't happen....
or that it can't happen in NJ.....
I was there in Nissequogue the day last summer that the Dad died taking his son out in an inflatable kayak...:(

If it does happen...
the yakkers will say the boater was an idiot,...
the boaters will band together and have meetings on why yakkers shouldn't be licensed and have to take some sort of safety course.....
lawsuits will be filed....
And at the end of this ugly rainbow,,,, possible new laws mandating all yakkers on the water need to pass a safety course and licensing exam.......

One Big Cluster Eff of Pain, Litigation, Arguing, and New Legislation......
all because a few, didn't think of the consequences of their actions.....


As I get older and wiser, I'm trying less and less to start trouble

and more and more to prevent certain things from happening, before they get out of hand....
It's a curse for me...
:o

As I can see the potential of these things happening, when others clearly can't....
And as long as I can see the potential of these things happening....I feel compelled to point it out, to posssibly prevent tragedy and the resulting loss of my freedom as a kayaker...



Thanks for reading, folks....:HappyWave:

ds some recent ones I found -

http://www.pressherald.com

4/15/12 missing kayaker off S Maine beach dies

SACO, Maine—A 51-year-old kayaker who was reported missing near Saco Bay in southern Maine has died.

The Maine Sunday Telegram (http://bit.ly/ITHcvx) says the unidentified kayaker died at Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he was taken after he was found face-up in the water Saturday evening.

A Maine Marine Patrol aircraft found the man's kayak upright and empty about 150 feet off Higgins Beach. A Coast Guard rescue helicopter located him, but he was unresponsive. He was wearing a lifejacket and wetsuit.

The kayaker was transferred by Coast Guard boat crews to Maine Medical Center.

4/15//12

Father of 2 drowns in pond near des plains Chicago after being attacked on kayak by swan?


http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2012/04/...r-des-plaines/
Father Of Two Drowns In Pond Near Des Plaines

April 15, 2012 10:29 AM

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http://cbschicago.files.wordpress.co...0415.jpg?w=300Anthony Hensley and his wife, Amy. (Credit: Facebook)


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Heard on WBBM 780, Local, News, Seen on CBS 2, Syndicated Local, Watch + Listen
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Anthony Hensley, Bay colony Drive, Des Plaines, drowning, Geese, pond, Swans, villa park

Updated 04/15/12 – 4:19 p.m.
DES PLAINES, Ill. (CBS) – A man who neighbors say was devoted to caring for the swans of a Des Plaines area apartment complex might have paid for that devotion with his life.
CBS 2′s Mike Puccinelli has the story of a Villa Park man who died in what witnesses say was a freak incident.
Early Saturday, Anthony Hensley, 37, was in a kayak on a pond at an apartment complex in the 9300 block of Bay Colony Drive in an unincorporated area of Cook County near Des Plaines, checking on swans that were kept at the pond to keep geese away. Officials said he either got too close to the swans, or their nest, when one of the birds swam towards his kayak, and the kayak flipped over.
“His kayak wasn’t upside down, but it was, like, upwards,” eyewitness Daniel Gamanov said “You could see the tip of it.”



Gamanov saw the tragedy unfold right outside his family’s apartment Saturday morning. He and his friends watched as Hensley’s body was pulled from the pond.
It was Hensley’ job to care for the swans at the Bay Colony Drive apartment complex near Des Plaines, but Saturday morning something went wrong, and there was an altercation with at least one of the large birds.
“They probably thought that he was going too close to their eggs, and they were too scared, and they just attacked him,” Gamanov said.
He was awakened by a witness pounding on his apartment window, screaming for someone to call police. By the time he looked out, he could see the kayak, but could see no sign of Hensley.
Witnesses said Hensley came up at least once after his kayak tipped in the pond, but by the time police finally pulled him out of the water, more than a half hour had passed.

An autopsy Sunday afternoon determined Hensley drowned.
According to his father, Hensley was a good swimmer, but he ended up in the water while fully clothed and wearing boots. To make the situation worse, police said the swans continued to swim at Hensley as he tried to make it to shore.
His two daughters are so young, they have yet to be told their daddy never made it home from work.
His father, Raymond Hensley, said “They’re too young. They just know their father is not here, and they don’t know why. It’s tragic for him to have to spend the last few moments like that. That’s always my worst fear, drowning.”
Anthony Hensley’s wife of four years was too distraught to talk about her loss, so her brother spoke for her.
“He’s my brother-in-law, and I’m going to miss him,” Tony Macri said.
He also spoke of how his sister and nieces are now without a bread-winner, and without a secure future.
“I just want to say it’s very evident that he’s well-loved in the community, it would be great if the community could come together for the family,” he said.
The family now must come to grips with the fact that they have to say goodbye to a 37-year-old father known for his sense of humor, and his devotion to his family.
“He’s going to be remembered as one of the most wonderful fathers in the world. A very good father, a very good husband; there wasn’t a mean bone in his body,” his father said.

4/15/12 Kayaker missing at Selma Weir, Australia
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Kayaker missing at Selma Weir
April 15, 2012: A thirty year old kayaker is missing after being swept over a weir’s edge at around 11am.
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Kayaker missing at Selma Weir



http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/...54d8ad34b0||||



Kayaker missing at Selma Weir
April 15, 2012: A thirty year old kayaker is missing after being swept over a weir’s edge at around 11am.
Date: 15/04/12
Views: 1495


Video by: News

I don't mean to sound judgemental here, its a sad thing that he died from the swan chasing after him. If it was me I would wring that bird's neck and eat it over an open fire along with some fresh piping plover. Me or the animal, are you kidding? I am coming home with roasted swan.

I agree. Very tragic to read about any kayak deaths. But if it was my life or the swan's, or the life of any animal against mind, I would take that life to preserve mine. What says the king of swans on this one, how about it Dark?:don't know why:

Be careful out there guys!

JFK Kayak rescue 4-26-12
From another site, hope it is ok to post here.
:clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping::clapping: to Jasone for saving this guy!



"Around 10am we drove by a kayak floating around with no one on it.Got closer and spotted the guy floating next to it hanging on. said he was in the water for 30-40 mins. we got him onboard and NYPD boat and heli were out looking for him a few mins after we picked him up.



i was shocked with 4 other boats fishing close by, no one else noticed him in the water before we got there.



unfortunately i already forgot the guys email, so hope he sees this. curious to hear how hes doing.

http://www.noreast.com/postedreports...ges/103252.jpg
32inch
http://stripersandanglers.com/images/blank.gif
http://www.noreast.com/postedreports...ges/103253.jpg
nypd towing the yak

Sounds like a real close call. He is lucky for sure that boat came along. :clapping::clapping: to the guy who saved him!

This guy was 4 miles off cape may. 4 miles? Wow some of you guys fear nothing, I guess. Hes lucky to be alive.


http://www.nj.com/newsflash/index.ss...7c97622620d2b4


Coast Guard rescues kayaker in waters off south NJ

May 27, 2012, 12:44 p.m. EDT
AP
CAPE MAY, N.J. (AP) — The Coast Guard came to the rescue of a man whose kayak capsized in waters off southern New Jersey.
Officials say Thomas McCabe was traveling in the Delaware Bay, about four miles off Cape May Point, when the kayak overturned around 5:25 p.m. Saturday. He was able to call a friend, who notified the Coast Guard.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew was dispatched from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City and soon located McCabe. A 25-foot response boat from Coast Guard Station Cape May then arrived on scene and brought McCabe on board.
McCabe was then taken back to the Cape May station, where he declined medical attention. Coast Guard officials said he was wearing a life jacket, which "greatly aided in his survival."

They just rescued this yakker off Kiptopeke, boy was he lucky!
http://coastguardnews.com/va-marine-...ch/2011/12/09/

Va. Marine Police, Coast Guard rescue 49-year-old kayaker near Kiptopeke Beach


http://coastguardnews.com/wp-content...s/D5-logo1.jpg December 9th, 2011 | Comments Off PORTSMOUTH, Va. —

A 49-year-old man from Ambler, Pa., was rescued early Friday morning near Kiptopeke through a coordinated effort by the Virginia Marine Police and the Coast Guard.The man, who had been kayaking along the Eastern Shore, called 911 around midnight reporting that his kayak had capsized east of Kiptopeke.

The 911 call was transferred to the Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center watchstanders, who dispatched a 25-foot Response Boat – Small crew from [COLOR=#009900 !important]Coast Guard Station Cape Charles along with an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C.

Two Virginia Marine Police boatcrews also launched to search for the missing man.While fishing, a good Samaritan heard shouts from a man in the marsh and notified the Virginia Marine Police boatcrew, who then retrieved the man from the marsh and took him to a boat ramp where he was picked up by the Jayhawk crew.

The Jayhawk aircrew transported the man to Norfolk Sentara [COLOR=#009900 !important]Hospital[/COLOR], where he was treated for hypothermia.

“The man was wearing a [COLOR=#009900 !important]life jacket[/COLOR] in this case, which bought precious time in the cold [COLOR=#009900 !important]water[/COLOR] for responders to get to him,” said Lt. Jack Smith, a public affairs officer at Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads. “This probably saved his life.”[/COLOR]

lost at sea that was last year, he was lucky just the same.

rip


http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/autopsy-to-determine-cause-of-ocean-city-kayaker-s-death/article_885ac502-f26a-11e2-82e7-001a4bcf887a.html

Autopsy to determine cause of Ocean City kayaker's death

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Posted: Sunday, July 21, 2013 9:05 pm
Autopsy to determine cause of Ocean City kayaker's death By TRUDI GILFILLIAN, Staff Writer The Press of Atlantic City Media Group

OCEAN CITY — An autopsy is expected to be conducted Monday to determine what killed an Ocean City kayaker.
Gary Pasternak, 59, was pronounced dead at Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point minutes after he was found unconscious in the water off 15th Street.

Police said that about 10:25am Saturday a member of the Ocean City Beach Patrol found a kayak floating in the ocean about 300 yards off the coast near 22nd Street. A search by multiple agencies including the Ocean City Beach Patrol, Ocean City Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard and State Police followed, and that’s when he was found.
Members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol discovered Pasternak floating unconscious in the ocean in the area of 15th Street. The lifeguards immediately began cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the man, police Capt. Steven Ang said.
He was transported to the beach, where he was treated by the Ocean City Fire Department and then taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Ang said it appeared Pasternak entered the ocean near 21st Street around 9:30 a.m.
The State Police Marine Services Division, Atlantic City Station, was investigating.
Family members did not wish to speak Sunday.
Contact Trudi Gilfillian:
609-463-6716