At approximately 7:00 p.m. on 7/9/2011, i received a call from harrison county dispatch advising of a woman who had been involved in a near drowning incident on blue river near milltown.  Dispatch advised that the woman was out of the water, conscious, and being treated by emergency responders.

Details of investigation/incident: 
witnesses advised that they were paddling down the river when they approached a downed tree which extended across the channel of the river.  As they approached, Operator tried to lean back and pass under the trunk of the tree.  Operator's neck and chin got caught on the tree and drug her to the middle of the canoe, and at the same time pushed the canoe down into the water and sideways with the channel and current.  Operator became trapped underwater with the canoe.  

Both witnesses got into the water in an attempt to free Operator.   one also attempted to give “rescue breathes” to the victim while she was underwater.  All of the witnesses advised that Operator was underwater between two and four minutes.  After freeing the victim, another person stated she was brought to the shore and “revived” on her own, at which point the subjects put her back into the canoe and traveled downstream for approximately 30 minutes before making contact with subject.

The canoe involved in the incident was a “livery” canoe from cave country canoes in milltown.  It was an “alumacraft” 17 ft. Aluminum hull canoe with the vin plate missing and an affixed id tag #qt17wwr.  The canoe was left at the scene and later taken back to the business in milltown
 
Witness advised that the victim was doing well andhad been treated for a broken left collar bone, and a small skull fracture.  He stated that 	he anticipated she would be released by 7/13/2011.

Milltown                      