RedactedNarrative: Vessel 1 Operator and Vessel 2 Operator began a float trip down the Elk River.  Both operators were encountering problems on the trip with high water, strong currents and trees down across the river due to recent storms.  Vessel 1 Operator was attempting to navigate around a fallen tree when he felt Vessel 2 hit the stern of this vessel.  This pushed Vessel 1 Operator past the fallen tree and Vessel 2 turned over and became pinned against the tree by the fast-moving water.  Vessel 1 Operator floated several hundred feet downstream before the Operator was able to exit the river and assist Vessel 2 Operator.  When Vessel 1 Operator arrived at Vessel 2 Operator’s location, Vessel 2 Operator’s face was under water.  Vessel 1 Operator freed Vessel 2 Operator who then floated downriver to an island.  Vessel 1 Operator went to a nearby residence to call for help.
  Vessel 2 Operator was a swimmer, an experienced kayaker, and had kayaked the Elk River many times in the past.  Prior to the incident, Vessel 2 Operator had capsized on two occasions.  Vessel 2 Operator had limited lung capacity due to a past surgery, and had complained the during the kayaking trip of being short of breath.