Three stranded after boat capsizes

The Elmore County Sheriff's office responded to a boating accident where three fishermen were left stranded after their boat capsized on the South Fork of the Boise River last Thursday.

Larry Jeffries and Thomas Haley, both of Eagle, and Haley's father, Thomas Haley, Sr., of Saginaw, Mich., had been fishing near the Cow Creek Bridge that morning when their drift boat became stuck on a rock in some of the rapids. The boat became swamped by the strong water current, sweeping Thomas Haley, Sr. out of the back of the boat and down stream.

Haley clung to an overhanging tree for more than 30 minutes in the cold water before some other fishermen on the river were able to recover all three and float them to the Danskin Bridge.

The Prairie QRU (Quick Response Unit) were on scene to evaluate the men and treat Haley, Sr. for possible hypothermia.

Captain Mike Barclay, who was on scene, stressed the importance of having a life jacket when participating in water activities like fishing and boating.

"These three individuals had there life jackets with them in the boat but did not have them on," he noted, "Mr. Haley, Sr., did not have his life jacket and when he was swept down river he was very fortunate that he was able to grab an overhanging tree to cling to."

While speaking to an investigator, Haley, Sr., remarked, "Your life jacket does you no good if you don't have the thing on." The other two boaters had reportedly put on their life jackets prior to getting out of the boat.

Barclay commented that marine deputies continually find people in the water with their life jackets under seats and still in plastic.

Idaho Law requires that the life jackets be readily accessible to occupants in a boat and children under the age of 14 are required to wear life jackets when a vessel is underway.

Copies of Idaho Boating Laws are available at the Elmore County Sheriff's office and at any Idaho Parks & Recreation office.