The Kenai Public Dispatch Center received a 911 call for a boater in distress on the Kenai River near the City of Kenai Dock. The call came in on Wednesday just before 9:00 p.m.
The Kenai Fire Department responded to the call for service to find an approximately 20-foot fiberglass boat aground on a sandbar in the river. The boat operator of the vessel had reliable cell phone service and contact was made to further assess the situation.
The unidentified boat operator had no immediate life safety, medical or trauma concerns, but possibly damaged the outboard engine. The operator states that there wasn’t adequate marine safety equipment on board, and he was not appropriately dressed for conditions. To make matters worse, due to low water conditions, the Kenai Fire Department Boat 1 was unable to launch to render aid at the time of request and no other commercial or personal skiffs were available in the area to assist.
Tidal conditions were reviewed, and a response was scheduled when the water level was deemed adequate. The operator was instructed to stay out of the wind, remain in the vessel, conserve his cell phone battery, and set an anchor.
Rescue units and an engine responded to the City Dock at about 12:30 a.m. with the KFD Fire Boat 1 arriving to the distressed boater at 12:49 a.m. The KFD Boat provided a personal flotation device for the boat operator, a tow line was secured to the vessel, and an operator pulled anchor and assisted steering his boat with the disabled outboard. Both vessels were secured about ten minutes later.
The Kenai Fire Department assisted the boat operator loading his boat for removal from the water. The boat operator denied any medical issues/traumatic injuries and refused any further interventions.
The Kenai Fire Department wants to remind residents to follow safe boating guidelines, always wear a personal flotation device when near and on the water during boating activities. Additionally, make sure that your boat meets USCG requirements for adequate onboard safety equipment, familiarize yourself with marine radio/navigational device operation, wear appropriate outerwear and file a float plan.
