Tragic Accident on LOTW
rpieske
Posted 8/9/2004 2:50 PM (#114697)
Subject: Tragic Accident on LOTW





Posts: 484


Location: St. Louis, MO., Marco Is., FL, Nestor Falls, ON
I am sad to inform many of you who fish out of Nestor Falls that on Saturday afternoon, Devin Allison, the son of Pete Allison, owner of Green's B-B-Q in Nestor Falls, fell out of a boat near Split Rock Lodge and drowned. He must have let go of the tiller handle and fell out when it swerved. Some fishermen nearby heard him yelling for help and saw the empty boat circling. He attempted to grab the boat and get in according to the police. When the fishermen got over to the boat, Devin was gone. They have not yet recovered Devin. Needless to say, the whole community is saddened by the death of this very bright 17 year old from a really nice family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Devin's parents, Pete and Donna and his sister Nadia. Devin worked at Hanson's King Island Lodge and was Randy Hanson's nephew.

The OPP told me that this is the 4th drowning this year in the district and all were in tiller boats, none in boats with steering wheels. There are inherent dangers in tiller operated boats. Please, everyone, be careful out there. Use the kill switch and wear life jackets, especially if you are a poor swimmer. I will pass on additional information as I learn of it.

JohnMD
Posted 8/9/2004 3:54 PM (#114706 - in reply to #114697)
Subject: RE: Tragic Accident on LOTW





Posts: 1769


Location: Algonquin, ILL
Guys / Gals, Please be carefull out there

RiverMan
Posted 8/9/2004 4:14 PM (#114708 - in reply to #114697)
Subject: RE: Tragic Accident on LOTW


Wow, that's horrible. I ran a tiller on a 150 HP for years and will say that they are dangerous for sure. I was never thrown out but had a co-worker tossed once when we hit a shallow spot in the river, the motor kicked sideways tossing him over the edge! Luckily noone was hurt.

RM
ManitouDan
Posted 8/9/2004 8:52 PM (#114731 - in reply to #114697)
Subject: RE: Tragic Accident on LOTW


Man can I relate to this tragedy, july 3rd 1993 , (wife pregnant with kid #2 at the time) I was tossed out of a tiller handle boat while out fishing by myself (bro was sick in the cabin with food poising) I made the mistake of letting go of the handle of a 20 hp merc,. boat did superquick swerve to the side of tossed me in the lake , lucky for me I was in good shape and swam the long swim to shore, but boy was God looking out for me. I had on light shoes and light clothes that day, and if it would have happened another 100 yards from shore I would have been a goner. You sure don't consider death when you leave the states for a fishing vacation up north. PLEASE all fisherman If traveling or fishing by yourself WEAR your vest . My thoughts are with the family of this accident . ManitouDan
onelastcast
Posted 8/10/2004 10:26 AM (#114775 - in reply to #114697)
Subject: RE: Tragic Accident on LOTW




Posts: 91


Location: Oshawa, Ontario
Very sad story indeed. Unfortunately like many tragedies, it could have been easily avoided if some basics were followed, mainly the lifejacket and kill switch. Tiller or steering wheel, when on the water you cannot be too careful - everyone can learn from this tragedy by using their life jackets and kill switches and by SHARING this info on the water with those that don't take the precautions.
Steve Jonesi
Posted 8/10/2004 10:59 AM (#114781 - in reply to #114697)
Subject: RE: Tragic Accident on LOTW




Posts: 2089


Dad and Uncle were thrown into 38 degree water in the early spring.No life jackets, no killswitch.Dad survived, Uncle Tony did not.Faaaar reaching effects.Lawsuits.Family was never the same.Or should I say what family.Ever see what a body looks like hanging by a 4' pole with 6"hooks?Not a pretty picture.Pretty morbid, just like the outline of the covered body on the coroners slab at the boat landing.I should write a book.Please be safe.Think of your loved ones. Steve
Guest
Posted 8/11/2004 9:58 AM (#114892 - in reply to #114697)
Subject: RE: Tragic Accident on LOTW


I have been told that they have recovered Devin and service arrangements are being made.