Man and his two dogs survive after capsizing over dam in Buffalo Co.
ALMA, Wis. (WEAU) -- A local man and his two dogs survive, miraculously, while fighting harsh currents and capsizing after going over a dam in Buffalo County.
49-year-old John Amundson of Winona and his two dogs went boating just north of the Lock and Dam in Alma.
The Buffalo Co. Sheriff's Department says it happened just before 4:30 p.m. Saturday on the Mississippi River.
Amundson told deputies he tried to paddle his boat but the oar broke. The current was too strong and it pulled him into the dam.
That's when Amundson put on a life jacket and held onto a seat cushion from the boat as he went over the dam and into the water.
Amundson's boat capsized and eventually he floated to the surface near the roller gate of the dam where he climbed up the wall to safety.
He was even able to rescue his two dogs with the help of the Lock and Dam staff and a DNR warden.
Amundson says he was not hurt and is glad he and his two dogs are alive.
The Sheriff's Department says this is the second missing boater case they have handled in one week.
Deputies say boaters should be careful with the fast current and high waters on the Mississippi River.
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