Passing anglers rescue two from sinking boat

Jeff Wakley and Mary Bankson, both of Pocatello, were rescued from their sinking boat by two passing fishermen about 5 a.m. Saturday on the North Fork of the Clearwater River near Ahsahka, according to Clearwater County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Rick Miller.

Before marine deputies could get on the water, two unidentified passing fisherman in another boat were able to get Wakley and Bankson onto their craft and transport them to shore where they were checked by Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) with Clearwater County Ambulance Service. Both subjects were okay, but scared, Miller said.

The heat exchanger in the boat had cracked a hole in the side and when Wakley started the boat, not seeing what had happened, the heat exchanger made the hole larger and water came into the boat causing it to sink. Riverview Marina personnel responded to recover the boat, Miller said.

In addition to CCAS and CCSO, Orofino Fire Rescue 3 was called to the scene.

Photos: This boat sank in the North Fork of the Clearwater River early Saturday morning. Fortunately, both occupants were rescued safely. (Photo courtesy of Clearwater County Sheriff's Department.)