This is a tragic loss for sure. I understand it was a 59-year-old Cameron man. I live about a mile and a half from the Cape Fear River and maybe two from the Buckhorn Dam and I noticed a whole lot of rescue vehicles passing by my house over the last couple of days... when I learned late yesterday evening that there had been a boating mishap and that there was a search and rescue mission for a missing person. I saw responders from as far away as Apex in Wake County and several from Lee, Harnett, Chatham Counties. Sadly, in my 50 years of living here, there have been countless boating mishaps, drownings, and even tubing mishaps on the Cape Fear River... at least a half dozen or so search and rescue missions that I actually volunteered to help with over those years.
Having fished the Cape Fear River for most of my life I know what an awesome fishing resource it can be when the conditions are right... and have made some awesome fishing memories over those years. I would warn anyone however that there's probably not any better way to lose your life than to underestimate the power of the Cape Fear River during high water conditions. It's a strange thing to me that some folks think just because they have a new kayak or canoe... they suddenly have a license to challenge high water and dangerous currents for the thrill of it. I would truly love to know just how many lives have been lost during high water conditions on the Cape Fear River.
Prayers and condolences for the family and friends of this man who was lost.
"Just Like Iron Sharpens Iron... So it is that One Man Sharpens Another Man." Proverbs 27:17