Mississippi river has people associate it with partying, music and fun. But, it has also seen a lot of deaths since its journey started. People getting thrown off boats, drowning, collapsing due to the heat, and dying of disease. There have been reports of tens of boat cruise disasters that have caused many deaths in the Mississippi river.
The numbers of deaths on the Mississippi river varies from source to source. According to an analysis of 62 boat disasters in the river from 1880 to 1957, there have been about 835 deaths reported in total. Rebecca L. Spray, who wrote the book “The Wreck of the Nita Sue: Mystery of the Mississippi River” estimates the grim number to be more than 950. This includes deaths not only on boats like ferries, but also steamships and other pleasure vehicles. Moreover, majority of the reported numbers come from the river’s eastern section, according to the National Weather Service.
Experts point out that the dangerous conditions on the Mississippi can be attributed to the weather and the specific geology of the river. Dr. Mark Le Claire, an Expert in Risk Perception and Risk Management, said, “The Mississippi is known for its strong currents, which have flipped boats throughout the years. It also has an unpredictable environment due to natural processes such as flooding with its strong current creating a hazardous environment for novice boaters.” Therefore, it is important to change one’s behavior in response to these risk factors.
Effective actions can help to prevent deaths due to the Mississippi river. Dr. Le Claire said, ”Prevention can be best achieved by changing behaviors of the people involved. For example, people can wear life jackets when on the river, participate in boater safety courses and other efforts that educate the public.” Moreover, a safety plan should be developed by the boaters to prevent future accidents and to maximize the chances of survival and rescue in case of an emergency.
Boaters should also pay attention to the weather when they are planning trips on the Mississippi. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the river is prone to storms as weather conditions can be unstable and can cause drastic changes in the river current. Thus, it is important to check the history of weather events in the region before going out on the river. Knowing the warning signs is also essential before going on the river. Not only severe weather warnings but also lesser warnings, such as small craft advisories and heavy fog advisories, can be life-saving information.
Safety Tips
When boating in the Mississippi river, safety is of utmost importance. Moreover, it is important to adhere to all boating laws, check the weather conditions and practice boating safety basics. Here are some safety tips that should be followed:
- Always wear a life jacket;
- Properly and securely store all the supplies in your boat;
- Check the boat for any loose or broken parts;
- Bring enough water for everyone on board; and
- Have a valid boat registration and insurance.
Rescue Services
Rescue services are incredibly important when someone has gotten into trouble in the Mississippi river. United States Coast Guard is the main authority responsible for rescuing people and boaters in distress. Moreover, The Mississippi River Relief, founded in 2004, is working to making the Mississippi River a safe and healthy place. Their goal is to build a grassroots community that can understand and care for the river.
Moreover, there are many organizations such as the BoatU.S. Foundation who are dedicated to providing boaters with assistance and important safety information regarding navigation and regulations on the Mississippi River. The foundation provides materials such as videos, brochures and workshops to help educate boaters and increase awareness.
However, it is equally important for people to practice self-rescue and emergency techniques in order to be prepared when somebody is in danger or an emergency situation arises. It is important to stay calm and assess the situation before taking any action. Moreover, rescue services should be contacted as quickly as possible after an emergency situation has been identified.
Weather Conditions
It is important to be aware of the weather conditions when boating in the Mississippi as it can be unpredictable. Knowing the warning signs is essential to a safe and enjoyable boating experience. Weather conditions can change rapidly and strong storms can cause serious danger. Main warnings include high winds and tropical storms which can generate huge waves that can cause a boat to capsize. Moreover, fog can reduce visibility drastically, making it impossible to avoid floating logs and other debris.
Additionally, extreme temperatures like above 90F (32C) can be deadly on the waterways. Heat exhaustion can cause tiredness, dizziness and in extreme cases even death. Furthermore, strong currents pose an additional danger as they can overwhelm small boats and cause them to tip over. It is also important to be aware of the deformation of the Mississippi river. The river has changed its course drastically over time and many of the old shortcuts can no longer be taken safely.
Wildlife in the Mississippi River
The abundant of wildlife makes the Mississippi river enjoyable and exciting however it is important to be aware of the potential dangers they pose. The number and variety of wildlife in the river varies from region to region, but one of the most common animals are otters which are known to disrupt fishing activities. Additionally, the presence of alligators and other large predators should be taken into consideration when boating on the river.
Alligators might seem docile and slow but they can be dangerous when provoked. In extreme cases, alligators can cause serious injuries and even deaths. They chase and attack small boats and can even sink them in severe cases. Moreover, as the population of alligators are increasing it is important to be alert and aware of their presence on the river.
The Mississippi river is also home to a variety of species of fish such as catfish, carp, sturgeons and bass. Some species such as muskies and other big fish can be dangerous to small boats. If a big fish comes too close to the boat they can cause it to tip over or capsize. Moreover, these predators can also attack swimmers and cause serious injuries.
Water Pollution
Water pollution is a major problem in the Mississippi river which can cause serious harm to the environment as well as people swimming in it. Pollution can include medical waste, fertilizers, pesticides, industrial and household waste, oil spills and more. Moreover, pollution can also lead to the presence of disease-causing microorganisms in the water. Not only does this cause harm to the environment, but these microorganisms can also cause illness in humans, such as skin and respiration infections. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these issues and to take the necessary measures to contain and clean up any pollutants which might end up in the Mississippi.
Another form of pollution which is becoming more and more common on the Mississippi river is trash and debris from boats. Many people neglect to dispose of their trash in the proper fashion and it ends up floating in the river. This causes environmental damage, while also posing a danger to boats and other vessels navigating the river.
Conclusion
Mississippi river has taken the lives of hundreds of people since its inception. It is important to be aware of the possible risks associated with this river, such as strong river currents, dangerous weather conditions, wild animals, and water pollution. Following safety tips, developing an effective safety plan, adhering to boating regulations and staying alert are key to enjoying a safe and enjoyable boating experience on the Mississippi river.
