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Pratt Dam - Tragedy Today on the Blackstone

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By cumbri - Posted on 09 November 2008



Pratt Dam on September 28, 2008.

UPDATE 11/10/08: The 17 year old victim has been identified as William King IV, of Cumberland.

Turnto10.com:
Rescue crews recovered the body of a 17-year-old boy Sunday who drowned while canoeing with his father.

Rescue officials said the boy and his father were traveling down the Blackstone River near the Pratt Dam when their canoe capsized at the dam.

The two became trapped in a tube that carries water underneath the pedestrian bridge at the dam, Valley Falls Fire Chief Brian Jackvony told NBC 10.

The father was able to get out of the tube and was transported to Memorial Hospital, but his son remained trapped for several hours.

Rescue crews had trouble getting to the location due to the strong current of the river.

This is such a sad story, I have walked the bike path around the Pratt Dam many times. As you can see from the photo above, the water runs strong through the Pratt Dam. I believe I took this photo just after a big rain storm, it's not usually that stong, but I still can't imagine attempting it with a Canoe. I wonder if this was the planned route for the Father/Son team?

    From the National Park Service Blackstone Guide:

Portaging at the Pratt Dam:
Paddlers can portage around the Pratt Dam by taking out on River Right and walking up to the bikeway that runs along the top of the dam. To continue downriver, turn to your left and carry your boat along the side of the bikeway downriver to the put-in at the steps that will be on your right. To take out, turn right and follow the bikeway across the Pratt Dam to the
Front Street Parking area for the Blackstone River Bikeway.

    CAUTION: Do not attempt to paddle through the stone arches of Pratt Dam. Paddling through the arches is not recommended for anyone.

    Return by the Blackstone Canal:
    Take out on river right just above the Pratt Dam and portage over the dam on the bikeway to the Blackstone Canal. Cross the bikeway bridge and put in the Canal at the steps to head back up the Canal for a return trip to the Canal Museum.


    Wide shot of the Pratt Dam and Bike Path Bridge. You can see the strong current in the distance, near the Pratt Dam tubes.

    I wonder if there are any signs or warnings on the Blackstone River alerting canoes or other boats of the Pratt Dam danger? I also don't recall seeing any life rings or rope nearby or on the bridge above?

    Cumberland Books