Kelso, Wash - The Cowlitz County Sheriff's Marine Patrol received a call of a man who was clinging to his capsized boat in the Cowlitz River in Kelso. Deputies responded and they were able to pull the man on board. The man, Wayne Snaza, 57 years, said that he had been in the water for about an hour.
Snaza said the outboard motor on his 12 foot aluminum boat became loose and that contributed to the boat sinking in the river. Snaza who did not have a PFD (Life vest) was very cold and had a hard time moving when the deputies arrived.
The deputies, Nate Hockett and Sgt Troy Brightbill were able to tow the sunken boat to the shore for Snaza.
Firefighters from Longview Fire and District 2 Fire responded and manned the bank ready to help if needed. Snaza was checked by medical aid, but he declined to be transported to the hospital.
CCD. Charlie Rosenzweig states "The water is still dangerous cold this time of year and people need to be very cautious. Boaters should wear life vests so if an accident happens they are prepared."
The photo attached was taken by the Longview Fire.