PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland's dragon boat community is asking Multnomah County officials to help keep them safe on the Willamette River. About 20 people presented their concerns during the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday. Their frustration peaked last month after illegal motorboat wakes caused three boats to capsize in less than a week.
“Every day they’re assaulted by waves coming from wake boats in that ‘no tow zone,’” said Jim Hensvark, a coach with the Wasabi Paddle Club.
On July 20 and 25, Hensvark said wake surfing boats sped through restricted areas on the Willamette, causing a total of three dragon boats to capsize and a fourth boat to get swamped. Dozens of paddlers fell into the Willamette, many of them with special needs.
“I have some of their faces etched in my memory the moment they realized the boat was rolling over them,” testified Hensvark. “Fear and terror is all over their faces. This needs to stop, please help them.”
Catherine Suchowij is legally blind and was in one of the boats that capsized, July 20.
“We are not asking to abolish wake boarding,” said Suchowij. “But there are designated areas, and they need to be enforced and respected.”
Others called for more enforcement by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol to send a message to offenders.
“I don't think I've ever seen a patrol boat,” said dragon boat racer, Ann Powers. “There's not enough patrolling.”
After public testimony, Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards expressed interest in learning more about the issue.
"If the group would like, I'd like to get a — I don't want to say ‘deeper dive’ — but more information, so it's not just one-way,” said Brim-Edwards, who suggested the group set up a meeting through her chief of staff.
"It's absolutely amazing," said Hensvark. “To have any of the commissioners step up and say hey, come talk to us, this is important, let's get together and see what we can come up with, it felt really good to our whole community.”