A Virginia fisherman is lucky to be alive after he fell overboard on the Clinch River Sunday afternoon.
According to TWRA, Cecil Branscom, 70, of Dublin, Virginia, and his nephew Scott Branscom, of Knoxville, were heading towards Norris Dam around 2 p.m. when the boat's engine hit a rock.
The impact threw Cecil into the 48-degree water.
Scott was able to pull his uncle back into the boat, but he was wearing several layers of clothing that was soaked with freezing water.]
Scott realized that the ride back to the boat launch may be too long for Cecil's health, so he called 911 and Anderson County emergency officials met them at Miller's Island Access Area.
By that time, Cecil was already suffering from hypothermia and was taken to UT Medical Center where he is being treated and should recover.
“The quick actions of his nephew and the quick response of Anderson County EMS likely saved Mr. Branscom’s life. Falling into that frigid water alone would have made it nearly impossible for him to get back into the boat and get help quickly,” said TWRA Wildlife Officer Jason Lankford, who investigated the incident.
