Accidents & incidents

A missing tuber found his way back home on Sunday thanks to a passing boater and much to the relief of those who had been towing him.

Al Busch, deputy chief of the SML Marine Volunteer Fire/Rescue Co., said two people were riding a personal watercraft in the Craddock Creek area while towing a third person on an inflatable. When the PWC arrived at its destination around 5 p.m., the riders realized the tuber was missing and began retracing their route.

"They didn't know where they lost him," said Busch.

Marine Fire/Rescue responded with four fireboats, as well as conservation police officers from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Members of the Bedford County Sheriff's Department searched the roads in case the tuber got to land and started walking, said Busch.

About 45 minutes after the call came through, conservation police officers and the two PWC riders went to the family's house in Craddock Creek to gather more information. The wayward tuber was waiting for them.

"A boater went by and picked him up," said Busch.

Over the weekend, Marine Fire/Rescue also towed several boats, said Busch. Given the intense heat, getting stranded can become a critical situation, he said.

There was one reportable boating accident on Saturday, bringing the 2010 tally up to six, said Lt. Tony Fisher of VDGIF.

A 47-year-old female was cut in the leg by a boat prop when she tried to board the boat after tubing, said Fisher. The incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near B49. The woman was transported to Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital.

Off-water, a 39-year-old Moneta man was killed Saturday evening in a crash involving two all-terrain vehicles.

Virginia State Police Sgt. Rob Carpentieri said James Dale Allen died at the scene on Virginia 608, about three-quarters of a mile off Virginia 122.

Carpentieri said Allen was driving on the wrong side of the road when he ran head-on into another ATV just before 8 p.m. Allen was not wearing a helmet, Carpentieri said, noting that it is illegal to ride ATVs on public roads.

Carpentieri said he had no details on the other driver's injuries. The wreck is under investigation.