The video is a raw footage of the rescue. The man in need of rescue had decided it would be a good idea to ride a tree (no word on what type of tree) down the James. Yes, ride a tree down the James as an added bit of intelligence he didn’t see the need to wear a life jacket. Near Belle Isle the tree hit some rocks and pinned his foot.
From NBC12 “It’s not a good idea to ride a tree down the river. That speaks for itself,” said Richmond Fire Department Battalion Chief, John Harkness.
Stupid is as stupid does…hope he has to pay back whatever it cost to fish him out.
Sometimes I wish that rescue teams would not interfere with Darwinian theory-in-action.
Stuffa, I bet you would feel differently if that were you, a friend, or a loved one in the water.
Maybe…but then again I would I probably wouldn’t be in the river (over 5′) w/o a life jacket, nor would I be bone-headed enough to ‘ride’ a log downstream. I would expect my family and friends to be smart enough to do likewise.
This guy’s predicament was the result of recklessness, so don’t mind me if I joke about my lack of sympathy.
@SEW: the people who had to go in to retrieve the log-rider have friends and loved ones as well. There are signs posted all up and down the river indicating the river level and whether life jackets are required.
If people are going to be reckless, then they ought to get a bill, at the very least for endangering so many others.
Great comments. I’ll bet Jennifer C. would know about the risk the 25-40 rescuers took to get this one guy out. Lucky to be alive….
What a lucky young man. And what a wonderful fire department.
Stuffa and Jennifer,
I’m not condoning what the fellow did. It certainly wasn’t the smartest thing to do in the world. Just think it’s wrong to make comments like “Sometimes I wish that rescue teams would not interfere with Darwinian theory-in-action.” Basically wishing him dead. And Stuffa, I believe you when you tell me you’ve never done anything dumb before as I’m sure your friends and family members haven’t either!