Life Preservers

This will make you think guys.

Frankfort, Ky. – Two conservation officers with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources escaped serious injury after their boat struck a submerged rock and overturned on the Licking River Monday, May 14. Officials say the inflatable life preservers worn by the officers kept the accident from becoming a tragedy.

Conservation Officers Corey Ellis of Maysville and William Earlywine of Carlisle were searching for illegal nets along the Nicholas and Harrison county sections of the river when their 14-foot johnboat struck a submerged rock and flipped in swift water.

While Earlywine was not seriously injured, Ellis lost consciousness after suffering a blow to the head. Earlywine immediately called for his partner, but there was no answer. He then noticed Ellis’ bright yellow life preserver and rushed to catch him.

“My heart skipped a beat when I saw that Cory was floating face down in the water,” said Earlywine. “I was very relieved when he began to regain consciousness, but he was bleeding profusely. I could see that he had a serious head laceration.”

Ellis was transported to Harrison Memorial Hospital in Cynthiana, and then transferred to the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center. He received treatment for multiple injuries including a concussion, a cracked vertebra in his neck and a large cut to his scalp before being released from the hospital. Ellis will be off work for several weeks while he recovers.

“This could have had a tragic ending,” said Colonel Robert Milligan, director of law enforcement for Kentucky Fish and Wildlife. “We are thankful that both officers were wearing their life jackets when the boat overturned.

“Both of these officers have trained extensively in boat operation and water survival,” Milligan continued. “This demonstrates how quickly a dangerous accident on the water can happen even to those who are most prepared. Ellis’ life preserver kept him on the surface, allowing Earlywine to retrieve him quickly. Another minute or two under the surface means everything in a situation like this.

“Conservation officers, as well as other department employees, are required to wear life preservers whenever they are on the water,” he added.