The Mississippi River is one of the world’s most iconic rivers. It runs more than 2,000 miles across the United States, bordering multiple states and playing a vital role in the American economy. Sadly, this impressive river has been the site of countless tragedies over the years, including numerous deaths. But just how many people have lost their lives in the Mississippi?
Tragically, the correct answer is that no one knows for sure. That’s because the Mississippi is vast and its shores are often unmonitored by authorities or law enforcement. In addition, many of the deaths there go unreported or are not properly recorded.
That said, various estimates suggest the death toll in the Mississippi is quite high. For example, the United States Coast Guard has reported that at least 4,000 people died in the Mississippi between 2010 and 2019 alone. This number includes drownings and other types of mishaps.
Experts believe the figure could be even higher. In 2018, a professor from Louisiana State University teamed up with researchers from the University of New Orleans to determine the overall number. After combing through a variety of records spanning 200 years, they determined that more than 11,000 people likely died in the Mississippi River between 1856 and 2018.
In order to put that number into perspective, that’s more people than died in the entire Vietnam War. Put another way, about three people per day were killed in the Mississippi between 1856 and 2018. Still, these figures could be low, as this study does not include deaths from the early 1600s to 1856.
Unsurprisingly, the most common cause of death in the Mississippi River is drowning. As of 2020, the Mississippi is 40 feet deep in some areas and stretches over 900 miles in length – more than enough to drown in. In addition, much of the area near the Mississippi is rural and hard to access. That makes retrieving a body difficult and makes drowning deaths even more likely.
Other potential causes of death in the Mississippi River include hypothermia, accidents involving vehicles and even acts of violence. In some cases, boaters or swimmers are the victims of these incidents; in others, they are the perpetrators. Although not as prevalent as drownings, these events still contribute to the overall death toll in the Mississippi.
Contributing Factors
Several factors make dying in the Mississippi River more likely. First, the river is often surrounded by quicksand, deep holes and other hazards that can easily trap or drown a swimmer or boater who is unaware of them. Second, the river is often extremely cold at certain times of the year, leading to hypothermia if swimmers or boaters are not adequately prepared for the conditions. Third, many people, particularly those on the riverbanks, do not know how to swim or have inadequate swimming skills.
Finally, a lack of adequate safety precautions can also increase the risk of death in the Mississippi River. In particular, boaters and swimmers who are not wearing life jackets, who lack navigation equipment or who take excessive risks can be in serious danger. Additionally, the presence of numerous large boats, debris, hazardous materials and other dangers can also cause accidents.
The Mississippi River Safety Act
In an effort to reduce the number of deaths in the Mississippi River, the US Congress passed the Mississippi River Safety Act in 2019. The act requires all vessels over 25 feet in length to use speed limits and certain routes when travelling near large vessels or wildlife and also requires bridge operators to report any obstructions or times of darkness to the Coast Guard. The act also requires all larger vessels to possess emergency guidance and communication systems and to display Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) in the event that the vessel runs aground or is involved in an accident.
In addition, the act requires vessels in congested areas to maintain a minimum speed of 14 knots and requires operators of certain tow vessels to have their vessels bridge-friendly equipped and carry minimum levels of survival gear such as life boats and life preservers. Finally, the act mandates that smaller vessels have current registration number prominently displayed and that vessels operated by operators over the age of 18 must have a current operator’s license.
Education and Awareness
Another way to reduce the risk of death in the Mississippi River is through education and awareness. People living near the Mississippi and those who use it for recreation should be made aware of the potential dangers associated with the river and the importance of taking necessary safety precautions. This includes wearing life jackets, avoiding areas of dangerous currents or debris, and always swimming with a partner.
In addition, schools and local authorities should provide classes on water safety to help people better understand the dangers of the Mississippi River and what to do in an emergency. Finally, local authorities should work to ensure the areas near the Mississippi are adequately monitored and that swimmers or boaters who become lost or in danger are quickly rescued.
Government Regulation
Government regulations can also help reduce the risk of death in the Mississippi River. In particular, governments should ensure that all vessels are properly inspected before they are put in the river and that they are operated according to the law. In addition, governments should conduct regular inspections of the riverbanks to ensure they are safe and not obstructed by debris or other hazards. Finally, governments should work to improve navigation and communication systems along the river to better monitor potential dangers.
Conclusion
In short, the answer to the question of how many people have died in the Mississippi River is tragically unknown. However, what is known is that the death toll is likely high and that there are several steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of future deaths. These steps include passing laws such as the Mississippi River Safety Act, educating the public about the dangers of the Mississippi and implementing additional regulations on vessels operating in the river.
