Idaho, WA, UT Boat Owners Beware Of Deadly Water Bacteria

One Mississippi man's freakish, unlucky story could prevent someone else from contracting a fatal bacteria while enjoying an afternoon out on the boat.

I recently read the story of a 77-year-old father and husband whose decision to take his boat out one afternoon cost him his life less than four days later.

This case didn't involve alcohol, a collision, or a drowning, which are some of the more common ways people die while taking their boats out. Let this be a lesson to Idaho boat owners.

Mississippi Man Dies From Flesh-Eating Bacteria After Getting Cut By Boat Trailer

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Launching a boat is pretty basic for most seasoned owners. All it takes is backing down a ramp into the water and releasing it from the trailer. This simple action that this man probably did a hundred times cost him his life.

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Those who own boats in Idaho, Washington State, and Utah are probably accustomed to taking the occasional trip to the coast. An elderly man from Mississippi recently did just that and contracted the deadly, flesh-eating bacteria known as Vibrio vulnificus.

According to People, Basil Kennedy cut his leg on his boat's trailer while launching it and contracted the bacteria through the open wound. The bacteria thrive in a combination of fresh water and salt water. Those with fresh tattoos also need to take notice.

For boaters who live in Idaho and surrounding states, they are relatively safe from this form of bacteria. However, harmful algae blooms are common in lake waters throughout the northwestern United States and, although rare, can kill someone by also entering the bloodstream through open cuts, punctures, and scratches.

Remember, if you own a boat and suffer an injury that leaves an open wound, clean it out thoroughly and get to a hospital immediately if you start feeling nauseous, get a fever, or have spells of vomiting within 48 to 72 hours after boating.