Story Archive

Obliviots of the Week

Three friends who had never been tubing on a river before decided it would be fun to try. So, the 20-something women bought some tubes and headed for the Muskegon River in Michigan. “They were informed by somebody at the bridge that the river goes in a circle and if they put in there they would come back to their car,” said Muskegon Township Deputy Fire Chief Bob Grabinski. “Not knowing anything, they set off on their little adventure.” Six hours and three miles later, the women realized the river hadn’t yet circled back to their car, and since it was getting dark they decided to get out on the riverbank and spend the night — with no supplies and no phones. “They said they hugged a tree all night yelling for help,” Grabinski said. At about noon the next day, a fisherman heard their cries and called 911. Firefighters rescued the women, who escaped with only a few bug bites and scratches. “In their words, they’re never going tubing again,” Grabinski said. “My words are, know the river or take someone with you who knows it and have a plan.” (MS/Muskegon Chronicle) ...They had a plan, it just involved a smaller circle.