Near drowning at Rathbun Lake

May 14, 2008 05:56 pm

— CENTERVILLE – On Saturday, May 10 at approximately 4:25 p.m. the Appanoose County Law Center received a report of a possible drowning near Ranger’s Point at Rathbun Lake. The initial report was that a boat had capsized after striking rip-raff and a man had been in the water for approximately one to two hours.
The sheriff’s office, water rescue, Mercy ambulance, Moravia Fire and Rescue, Iowa DNR, federal corp of engineers, and the Iowa State Patrol were immediately dispatched to Rathbun Lake.
During the emergency response the victim, Martin N. Johnson, age 57, of Waterloo was located approximately 150 yards from the capsized vessel close to the shoreline. Two fishermen were attempting to pull Mr. Johnson into their vessell without success. An Iowa DNR Ranger was able to pull Mr. Johnson close to shore where additional emergency responders were able to get Mr. Johnson to safety.
Mr. Johnson was transported to Mercy Hospital in Centerville where he was treated.
Investigation of the incident revealed that Mr. Johnson was an occupant in an 18-foot Polar Craft, which was owned and operated by Norbert J. Fliss of Waterloo. The two gentlemen were fishing in the Honey Creek area when the vessel was overtaken by choppy two-foot waves. Mr. Johnson attempted to get a life jacket on and abandon the vessel. Mr. Fliss remained with the vessel and was able to get the vessel to shore and summon help for Mr. Johnson.