My Billings Gazette

Posted by: Robert R on July 4, 2009 6:30AM MT Mark this all to much the harsh reality of inexperience and not paying attention and reading the water or alcohol was involved. Yes things happen much faster when high water conditions are prevalent. I cannot swim a lick but yet I have floated the Big Hole River since I was 6 years old and I still believe it is some what safer to float with high water conditions. If you don't respect the river and learn how to read the water conditions even in low water tipping over boat can happen. When I was a kid I scavenged the river after boat wrecks and I'll tell you that most of the time it was first time floaters or people drinking that wrecked. I have rescued a few and for the most part they had been drinking.

Posted by: 2500CFS on July 4, 2009 5:21PM MT Mark, some details have emerged since I sent you the pic... Guide David Palmer took the great photo. He didn't witness the incident, but found out some info. Apparently the occupants attempted to drop anchor in the Suck Hole (just below the Afterbay). The anchor lodged in some rocks in fast water, which swamped the boat and sent the occupants swimming for their lives. Thanks to the quick thinking and actions of guide Eric Wilcox, everyone was pulled to safety before the worst happened. The boat eventually broke loose, and made its way several miles downstream, coming to rest near the Snag Hole below Three Mile access. We're so fortunate to have a great group of talented and quick-thinking guides on the Bighorn! -Doug

Posted by: Robert R on July 4, 2009 7:33PM MT Doug. thanks for the info on what happened because it may help someone else from making the same mistake. Kudos to Eric Wilcox for the fast action he took to help these people out. Had Eric not been in the vicinity the out come may have been much worse. The time year this happened with the water cold temperatures they might not have survived long unless they made it to shore.

Posted by: Brett on July 9, 2009 10:30AM MT I floated the Stillwater on Sunday and saw a raft pinned to the bridge just below Beartooth Rapid, or Mad Maxx, whatever you want to call it. A woman and two children were sitting on the island just below and apparently the man had gone for help. It will be a few weeks before they can get that boat loose, I'll bet.