Boaters Looking For Fish Find Hazards
Four people have died in boating accidents in Oregon this February, the highest February total since 1998. Marine law enforcement officers also report growing problems between fishermen and commercial river traffic, with at least two incidents sending boaters into the water when they failed to move away from barge traffic.
"Last year at this time we were seeing groundings and broken props from the low water," says Randy Henry, information representative with the Oregon State Marine Board. "This year we have higher water. We're concerned that accidents will be more serious, especially with strong fish runs drawing more anglers to the water."
Three anglers have died in Douglas County – two on the South Umpqua, one on the North Umpqua - while fishing from drift boats. Another person died in Netarts Bay when he and a companion ventured too close to the small bay's treacherous mouth and were swamped by a breaker. None of the victims wore life jackets. "This time of year especially, I can't think of any waterway where you shouldn't be wearing your life jacket," says Henry. "It doesn't matter how experienced you are. It doesn't work if you don't wear it."
On the Columbia River, marine patrol officers have received numerous reports of anglers not moving out of the channel as commercial ships and barges approach. "We're seeing too many salmon and sturgeon anglers blocking the channel. That's a federal violation and carries a $5,000 fine," says Multnomah County Marine Patrol Deputy Scott McDowell. "We're reporting those directly to the U.S. Coast Guard. Staying anchored as a ship approaches is like parking on the railroad tracks and expecting the train to go around you. It's not worth the risk. People die that way."
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