Updated

Updated · abcnews.com · Jul 21

Honduras Confirms 4 Citizens Among 5 Ohio River Dead, Starts Monthlong Repatriation

Updated

Updated · abcnews.com · Jul 21

Honduras Confirms 4 Citizens Among 5 Ohio River Dead, Starts Monthlong Repatriation

Q: Why does the instinct to save a drowning person often become a fatal mistake in calm-looking water?

The fatal mistake is that calm-looking water often is not calm at all, and an untrained rescuer is exposed to the same forces that are overwhelming the victim. In rivers and reservoirs, the surface can look flat while the water underneath is moving fast. That is what authorities said happened in Ohio’s Scioto River: the water appeared calm, but gauge data showed it was running high and fast. Strong currents, sudden drop-offs, cold water, slippery banks, hidden debris and uneven bottoms can quickly knock a person off balance or pull them under before they understand the danger. A drowning person also creates extreme risk for anyone who jumps in to help. Drowning is usually fast and quiet, not like in films. A panicked person may grab, climb on or push down a rescuer in a desperate attempt to breathe. Without training, flotation equipment or a tether, even a strong swimmer can be dragged under. Cold water shock is another reason rescue attempts turn deadly. Even on warm days, reservoir and river water can be cold enough to trigger an involuntary gasp, hyperventilation and rapid loss of muscle control. That can disable both the victim and the rescuer within moments. That is why water-safety experts stress “Reach or Throw, Don’t Go.” Call emergency services, throw something that floats, extend a pole, rope or branch, and try to help from shore. Entering the water without rescue training often turns one drowning into several.

3 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · Jul 21

Four of the five adults who drowned in Ohio’s Scioto River over the weekend were Honduran citizens, Honduran authorities said Tuesday, and officials are now preparing to return the bodies home.
Sheriff Jeffrey Balzer said one adult began struggling in the high, fast-running river and several others went in to help, but all five were swept under despite the water appearing calm.
Two women’s bodies were recovered Sunday and three men’s bodies Monday; the second Honduran couple and the fifth victim have not yet been publicly identified.
Two children, ages 8 and 10, survived and are in Ohio state care pending reunification with relatives in Honduras after witnessing the adults disappear in the water.
The drownings happened near O’Shaughnessy Reservoir, where swimming is prohibited, underscoring officials’ warning that seemingly placid rivers can hide dangerous currents, sudden depth changes and underwater hazards.