While there was some hope and optimism for the kayaker who was pulled from the water yesterday morning near Cherrystone Inlet, his family has released a statement that he has died.
The Coast Guard responded at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday with a 45-foot response boat from Station Cape Charles and a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Elizabeth City at 9:42 a.m. The helicopter crew located the kayaker close to 11 a.m., and then sent the response boat crew to his position. The kayaker, later identified as Devon Grube, was taken to Northampton County EMS at 11:20 a.m.
Grube was then taken to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in Nassawadox.
Devon Grube’s family has released the following statement:
“The Grube family would like to extend their gratitude to the community for their interest in our beloved Devon. Thank you to those who showed up to look for him. He was a devoted father and a true professional and a wonderful husband.”
Both Coast Guard crews searched for the kayaker along with assets from the Norfolk Police Department, Chambers Field, Virginia Marine Police and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
About the Author
I spend many days each year on sea kayak outings, so the loss of a paddler hits close to home. I am grieved at this tragic death and my sympathies go out to his family and friends. Not knowing the circumstances, I can only recommend to all sea kayak and canoe paddlers some very basic safety precautions that can save a life. As fun as these craft appear to be, paddlers die each year from capsizes of these craft.
Sea kayaks and canoes are extremely tender boats and require special skills for righting and re-entering the crafts. Also, proper clothing in consideration of the weather and water temperatures is very important for safety. A capsize in these types of boats happens very quickly, often without warning. There is no time to put on a PFD, and once you are in the water it is very difficult and strenuous. All too often I notice other paddlers without a PFD, as if such a “toy” boat does not require such precaution. I will not paddle without wearing a PFD, no matter how warm the weather and the water.
Once capsized, righting and emptying the water from a sea kayak can be a very difficult challenge. Even in waist deep water, it is almost impossible for a lone paddler to re-enter the boat without a paddle float and the training and practice in using it. All paddlers should take a course in “self rescue” in case they are capsized while paddling alone and when a paddle partner needs assistance. Also, all paddlers should be trained in how to properly equip for a paddle, such as proper clothing, a whistle and paddle float, flares and/or rescue mirror, a bilge pump, a spare paddle, a cell phone, and the all important PFD.