On Thursday 03/11/2010 rear operator M/W 63, and front occupant, M/W 57, were occupying a 2007 Wenonah canoe in the Mississippi River near mile 738 and were paddling E/B toward the Loosahatchie Bar south of the #5 Robinson Crusoe Dike.  At approximately 1300 hours their canoe was overturned by swift water flowing over the dike.  Both men were thrown overboard into the river current and swam alongside the canoe for approximately 5 minutes until they were separated by the current.  occupant swam east approximately 100 yards until he reached the west bank of the Loosahatchie Bar.  The canoe followed the eddy current toward the Loosahatchie Bar were occupant was able to retrieve his life jacket and a dry gear bag which contained his cell phone.  occupant called out for operator but did not see him or hear him respond.  operator then called 911 and was later rescued around 1500 hours by the Memphis Police Harbor Patrol who immediately searched the area for operator with negative results.  Two life jackets were in the canoe at the time of the accident but were not being used by the occupants.  occupant was transported to the Coast Guard Ramp where the canoe was originally launched and local agencies were contacted regarding the investigation, search and rescue.
MEMPHIS                       