Northwest Fishing Reports

Boat capsizes in Skykomish River, one sent to hospital

Herald StaffSat Nov 19th, 2016 6:50pmNews

GOLD BAR — Fire units from multiple agencies were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday afternoon after a boat with two men in it capsized in the Skykomish River near downtown Gold Bar.

One man was able to swim to shore and call 911, reporting he’d lost sight of his companion in the river, said Gold Bar Fire Lt. Brandon Vargas.

Rescue boats from the Monroe and Gold Bar fire departments were sent out to search for the missing boater.

A rescuer in Gold Bar’s boat spotted what looked like a log with blue cloth in the river. It turned out to be the missing boater, who was partially submerged and not breathing, Vargas said.

The rescuers performed CPR while bringing him back to shore. He was transported to EvergreenHealth Monroe, with the medics continuing CPR in the ambulance. The victim’s status was not available late Saturday.

The victim had been in the water for about half an hour before he was pulled out, Vargas said.

A great example of why you should always wear a life jacket when on the water..

Yep, my thought is even the greatest swimmer can get knocked out during a capsize. You don't need the life jacket to swim, you need it for when you are incapacitated. It's like a seat belt in a car, nobody plans on needing to rely on that either. But they save lives all the same. Best wishes to the person who went to the hospital. 30 minutes at least gives some room for optimism.