Group effort results in dramatic lake rescue
Staff reporter
It started as an ordinary day of fishing at Marion Reservoir but ended as anything but ordinary.
During the day of April 15, the wind continued to increase in speed. By early evening, there were gusts up to 40 mph.
Ron Davis, 52, 1096 150th, Hillsboro, was fishing at 6:30 p.m., approximately one-half mile northwest of the dam at the reservoir, in an older boat that did not contain internal flotation devices.
According to park ranger Terry Holt, Davis was attempting to return to Hillsboro Cove, the location of his boat trailer and vehicle.
"He knew he could make it to Marion Cove but decided to try to make it back to his trailer and vehicle," said Holt. "He realizes now that was the wrong thing to do."
What happened after that is anything short of a miracle.
As Davis valiantly tried to battle the swelling water, it was obvious to Maurice Wedel of Galva, who was fishing on the dam, that Davis was in trouble.
Wedel telephoned county dispatch and alerted them of someone on the lake who might have been in trouble.
Dispatch personnel alerted officials to the situation.
Holt said Wedel continued to monitor the situation and saw the boat capsize, dumping Davis in the water.
Wedel again called 911 from his cell phone to alert officials.
Davis was wearing a life jacket which saved his life because when the 14-foot fishing boat filled with water, it sank immediately.
"The water temperature was approximately 55 degrees," said Holt. "The winds were 30 mph with gusts to 40 mph. It made for potential lethal conditions for the victim."
Those who responded were Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Conservation Officer Marvin Peterson, U.S. Corps of Engineer Park Ranger Neal Whitaker, Marion County Sheriff Deputy Josh Whitwell, Sheriff Lee Becker, Sergeant Jeff Soyez, and Holt.
The victim was difficult to locate due to extreme lake conditions, said Holt.
"The swells were coming over the boat," said Peterson. Peterson, a seasoned veteran of 23 years with KDWP, was concerned.
"We could see Mr. Davis waving his oar in the air," said Whitaker.
"We also had good people directing us from the dam," Peterson added.
At that point, Davis was in the water for approximately 30 minutes. With the cold water temperature and turbulent weather, the stranded fisherman could not have survived much longer. Hypothermia would have become an issue.
The worst problem for the rescuers was the wind.
Peterson was driving the state's Boston Whaler boat with Whitaker and Whitwell as his passengers. The Corps Boston Whaler also was launched with Holt, Becker, and Soyez, and was a backup boat. It came in handy when Peterson's boat experienced mechanical difficulty and intermittently stalled.
It was a difficult rescue, said Peterson, because of the swells.
"I tried to move my boat along side him but I was so afraid it was going to hit him," he said.
Finally, Peterson was able to maneuver the boat and the rescuers plucked Davis, who was clinging to a floating seat, from the freezing waters.
"He was froze by that time," said Peterson, and couldn't had a difficult time raising his arms to his rescuers.
Everyone in both boats was soaked to the skin but pleased with the outcome.
"It takes a lot of training to do rescues," said Holt. "And even with training, it's a difficult task."
"This is a prime example of working together," said Peterson, referring to the Corps, KDWP, and sheriff's department.
Davis was treated at the scene by Marion EMS and released.
On June 14, the rescuers, which included Wedel, were recognized by the Corps for their heroism.
"Maurice was the key to the rescue because of his 'heads up'," said Peterson. "The only thing that saved Mr. Davis was his life jacket."
Holt emphasized the importance of wearing life jackets.
"Everyone should wear life jackets on boats," he said. "Kids by the water's edge need jackets, especially at lakes, rivers, and ponds" because the cloudy water makes it difficult for adults to monitor.
Holt recalled an incident within the Corps' Tulsa District where a five-year-old child drowned and had the entire family "looking out" for her.
Becker also suggested fishermen and boaters take cell phones.
"Newer phones have GPS tracking devices which is a tremendous aid," he said.
Holt also suggested people check the weather before going on the water. The National Weather Service provides information that include wind advisories that should discourage people from being on the water.
"We need to take care of ourselves on the water," said Holt. "There won't always be someone around to call for help."
Attempts were made to contact Davis and Wedel but neither responded to requests for interviews.
Clinic will no longer participate in program
St. Luke Integrated Health Care Clinic of Marion will no longer participate in the American WholeHealth Network Insurance program after June 30.
The pilot program offered a discount of services for alternative health care to card holders.
