Man's body recovered from Nishnabotna near Hamburg

The drowning death of a 77-year-old Watson, Missouri man Aug. 26, in the Nishnabotna River near Hamburg is a sad reminder about river water safety.

A Department of Natural Resources press release said law enforcement officials were called to the Goldenrod Access on the Nishnabotna River on reports of a possible drowning. Officers believe Thomas Gibson was attempting to launch his boat into the water when it drifted away. While trying to retrieve the boat, Gibson drowned. His body was recovered Aug. 28 about 500 feet downstream, and sent to the Office of the State Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

Todd Robertson, River Programs Outreach Coordinator for the IDNR, said people should have an understanding about how dynamic a river is. There are numerous things occurring in and under the water one can’t see; things that can suck a person under or knock them off their feet.

“They need to understand flows, how a river works, be able to identify all hazards and they need to know their river like any "road" or "trail" they drive down daily,” said Robertson.

Regardless of how well the body of water is known, Robertson said it’s recommended people have a life-jacket on when within 10 to 15-feet of moving water, like the Nishnabotna or Nodaway rivers.

“This means wearing the life-jacket on the boat ramp is just smart,” said Robertson.  “Kids 12 and under must wear a life-jacket when on board boats underway. It's the law. Boats, including canoes and kayaks and even paddleboards, must have a life-jacket on board, if not worn for those 13 and over.”

Leaving the alcohol at home and keeping things in perspective are two other recommendations form Robertson.

“Things like boats and gear are secondary to your life. "Things" can be replaced. "We" cannot be replaced once we are gone,” said Robertson.

The Red Oak Express

2012 Commerce Drive
P.O. Box 377
Red Oak, IA 51566
Phone: 712-623-2566 Fax: 712-623-2568

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