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Search goes on for boater who didn't reach shore

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Lifejackets | 1:38 p.m. June 23, 2009
Lifejackets are much more effective if worn on one's person, rather than used as a flotation device. These guys should have had their vests on the whole time, or at least started strapping them on when the wind kicked up. Also, a note for the reporter, the 911 call coming in at 9:11 is "coincidental" perhaps but does not meet the definition of "ironic".
snowcat | 2:53 p.m. June 23, 2009
Boating safety: (1) put your life jacket on BEFORE you leave dry land. (2) do not go out on a big lake in a small boat when there is any chance of a storm.
snowcat | 2:53 p.m. June 23, 200 | 4:13 p.m. June 23, 2009
(3) too many guys were in the boat that was probably not stable enough for 6 guys (especially when they started to move around).
Comments continue below
very sad | 4:40 p.m. June 23, 2009
very very hard to lose a loved one. Yes he should have been wearing a life vest but Lynn is still without her husband which is so tragic.
HEY snowcat...why judge? | 6:41 p.m. June 23, 2009
they are called ACCIDENTS for a reason. Please do not judge in the face of tragedy....sure there are things to be learned from this (reassertion that life-jackets are not optional)but I dont think that now is a good time to get self-righteous.
Please spare us.
Why judge? | 9:02 p.m. June 23, 2009
I will side on Snowcat on this one, I never got the feeling he/she made any kind of judgment, just stating some serious FACTS that many avoid while boating.
Charter Captain | 9:27 p.m. June 23, 2009
An 18 foot I/o can easily carry 6 passengers safely unless they are all the size of offensive tackles. This was not a case of overloading. But the other two admonitions are sound. Life jackets do no good in a box. I always wear one when fishing open waters and my passengers do as well. Watching the weather before launching certainly makes sense though it can be unpredictable. I don't recall any wind warnings yesterday, though. Seemed like a nice day to fish.

While we're at it, I highly recommend the coast guard auxiliary or Power Squadron basic boater course. The ignorance of most boaters is appalling.
Another Boater | 1:02 a.m. June 24, 2009
I couldn't agree more with "Charter Captain's" last comment. This tragedy is an example of why requiring training/licensing before turning people loose on open waterways is more than a good idea -- it's essential -- and should be manditory.
Boater | 7:34 a.m. June 24, 2009
I hope they find the missing man and I'm glad the rest are ok but I have to agree with Charter Captain. I go out on Utah Lake at least once a week. When the wind starts to blow, it's time to come in. Yet, I have watched boaters leave the marina as I'm coming in when there are 3' to 4' rollers on the lake. Two weeks ago the waves started to pick up quickly. As other smart boaters and I were coming in, other smaller boats were heading out. I watched a boat going out that was easily at or over capacity and one of the passengers was even holding an infant. Although the child had a vest on, all I could do was shake my head and hope they would be ok.
I'm a new boater | 8:48 a.m. June 24, 2009
Hey Charter Captain, where can I register for either of those two courses that you recommend? I'd appreciate some information....thanks!
Friend | 9:28 a.m. June 24, 2009
This was not a case of them heading out in a storm. The wind kicked up while they were out on the lake. They were attempting to return to shore when the accident happened. Yes Life jackets on your person is a must.
Jasmine Thongthipvoravong | 11:37 a.m. June 24, 2009
please find uncle lon he is out there somewhere i dream about him he is waiting for some to find him he is lonely but i know he is surving


LOVE ALWAYS,
JASMINE
YOUR NIECE
Empathy | 12:15 p.m. June 24, 2009
I hope they are able to find him, Jasmine. I am praying they will...
VIloth | 4:30 p.m. June 24, 2009
I am so sorry to hear that. I hope they can find him.
Gumby | 9:23 p.m. June 24, 2009
I'm lost in words of what to say. I've known Lon for 15+ years. I feel helpless living 1500 miles away. The minute I heard about the tradegy my eyes have been glued to the internet. Lon you're in my deepest thoughts and in our prayers. Stay strong my brother, we pray for your return. Souk, Dai, Joe, Chans and Thanh I'm happy your safe and sound, though I may be far but you guys will always be a part of my life. To the wifes and kids of this tradegy ALL of you have very strong relationships and build strong bonds to eachother, KEEP IT THAT WAY. I've never seen such a strong bond in families and friends and you guys. Believe together and stay strong together. your Long Lost Friend, Gum

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Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Lynn Thongthipvoravong, wife of capsized victim Lon Thongthipvoravong, hugs a family friend at Utah Lake State Park in Provo Tuesday.

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