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• Anonymous

  Terrible thing for this couple.  My deepest and sincerest sympathies to this gentleman’s widow.

• Anonymous

  This is so tragic.

• Anonymous

  this is terrible. My husband is a sea kayak guide, and he felt the winds here on Sunday morning were far too strong to go paddling- and he wears a wet suit and has a sea kayak…I can’t express how sad I feel about this death. I don’t think people realize how cold and dangerous it is out on the water.

• Anonymous

  this is terrible. My husband is a sea kayak guide, and he felt the winds here on Sunday morning were far too strong to go paddling- and he wears a wet suit and has a sea kayak…I can’t express how sad I feel about this death. I don’t think people realize how cold and dangerous it is out on the water.

• Anonymous

  this is terrible. My husband is a sea kayak guide, and he felt the winds here on Sunday morning were far too strong to go paddling- and he wears a wet suit and has a sea kayak…I can’t express how sad I feel about this death. I don’t think people realize how cold and dangerous it is out on the water.

• Anonymous

  this is terrible. My husband is a sea kayak guide, and he felt the winds here on Sunday morning were far too strong to go paddling- and he wears a wet suit and has a sea kayak…I can’t express how sad I feel about this death

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Jack-Long/1499408399 Jack Long

  Sea kayaking  is  not for out of staters. If you don’t know the waters then you should not go out in them. As someone who has spent 30 years on the ocean fishing  you are taking your life in your hands in those tiny 16 inch wide boats. You should never venture more than a hundred yards off shore, even in July the ocean temp can kill you in an hour. Stick to lakes and ponds with those little bath tubs.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_BUY67LOCK4324INLWGYFFRNJOM Robert

  Why the hell would you say something like this on here?  Get a clue!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_JKVOROE7AKAFLHH5OK6XZCS7G4 RU4real

  This was tragic, but public awareness can come from it.  From this information, it might make someone think twice and save themselves.  It’s not like he hit the widow over the head with this info.. he posted it to the public. I can’t imagine losing my spouse on our honeymoon, but I’ve heard so many recounts of people who have lost love ones state.. we need to get the word out!

• Anonymous

  Maybe because as someone who has spent their life in these waters he wants to offer some guidance and wisdom on the danger of the ocean.  The temp of the Atlantic in Maine specifically Bar Harbor is 10*-20* colder than most places in MA and visitors may not often be aware of these dangers.  The most important bit of advice he offers is to never go more than 100 yards off shore.  This poor man had to be freezing just from the winds on the ocean with no shirt on.  I’ve come into port on a 95* day and froze the entire time I was on the ship just from the ocean air.

• Anonymous

  Maybe because as someone who has spent their life in these waters he wants to offer some guidance and wisdom on the danger of the ocean.  The temp of the Atlantic in Maine specifically Bar Harbor is 10*-20* colder than most places in MA and visitors may not often be aware of these dangers.  The most important bit of advice he offers is to never go more than 100 yards off shore.  This poor man had to be freezing just from the winds on the ocean with no shirt on.  I’ve come into port on a 95* day and froze the entire time I was on the ship just from the ocean air.

• Anonymous

  Maybe because as someone who has spent their life in these waters he wants to offer some guidance and wisdom on the danger of the ocean.  The temp of the Atlantic in Maine specifically Bar Harbor is 10*-20* colder than most places in MA and visitors may not often be aware of these dangers.  The most important bit of advice he offers is to never go more than 100 yards off shore.  This poor man had to be freezing just from the winds on the ocean with no shirt on.  I’ve come into port on a 95* day and froze the entire time I was on the ship just from the ocean air.

• Anonymous

  Maybe because as someone who has spent their life in these waters he wants to offer some guidance and wisdom on the danger of the ocean.  The temp of the Atlantic in Maine specifically Bar Harbor is 10*-20* colder than most places in MA and visitors may not often be aware of these dangers.  The most important bit of advice he offers is to never go more than 100 yards off shore.  This poor man had to be freezing just from the winds on the ocean with no shirt on.  I’ve come into port on a 95* day and froze the entire time I was on the ship just from the ocean air.

• Anonymous

  What a terrible thing for this young woman to go through.  My deepest sympathies to the widow… I simply cannot imagine.

• Anonymous

  Condolences to Mrs. Hogan. What should be a joyous time, now has been spurred by grief. May she find comfort in the days ahead.   sigh.. to many early deaths in this state lately.  

• Anonymous

  The winds were much stronger than predicted.  The forecast I saw was for winds 10-15 Kts.  It was blowing 20+ at Tremont.  Weathermen and politicians are the only ones who can be constantly wrong, and still keep their jobs.

• Anonymous

  This is truly a sad story. My prays go up for the poor young widow and this young man’s family.

• Anonymous

  Tragic news of my neighbor’s grand daughter’s new husband.  My Mother was from Bar Harbor and we have vacationed there for over 70 years and while going out in a sail boat in sunny, calm waters, got caught up in black water and winds in this same spot.  Luckily, we had an esperienced sailer with us who got us safely back to the shore.  Sue (Gallagher Kief) Skibinski, Chicopee, Ma

• Anonymous

  This young man was my neighbor here in Chicopee, Ma grand daughter’s husband.  They married only 3 weeks ago.  My Mother Flora Kief Gallagher was born and raised in Bar Harbor and my brother’s and sister’s have vacationed there for over 70 years.  Many years ago my husband and myself went sailing right in the same area.  We left in beautiful clear weather.  After only a few minutes we ran in to black water and high winds.  Thank God that we had an experienced sailer with us who got us back to shore safe and sound.  Such a tragic incident on such a beautiful island for this young man who had his entire life taken from him in one second.  My heat goes out to Sarah and her entire family.  Sue (Gallagher) Skibinski

• Anonymous

  This is a terrible tragedy, but this man clearly was not prepared to be out in very challenging conditions.  Kayaking can be a safe and pleasurable activity but going out without a wetsuit or drysuit any time of year is foolish.  The vast majority of kayaking deaths result from kayakers being inappropriately dressed for the water temperature or from not wearing a PFD.  The winds were very strong on sunday.  I aborted a planned paddle because of the wind.  He probably got out in some big water before he knew what was happening and once submerged got very cold very fast.  Very sad.

• Anonymous

  Stayed on Hancock Point many times….terrible thing to hear about; but it occurs all too routinely now. 

  I wonder if warnings could be handed out at I95 entrances to drivers of cars with kayaks on the roof on the dangers posed by cold ocean water >60%,  and wind storms which were easily predictable….I was in Belfast at a launch and we could see the boiling clouds coming in and wind up to 35 knots + white caps as far as you can see……..how could this guy miss these warning signs let along emergency alerts on MPR?  How could he not duck in the lee of one of the Islands?  Did he not know there’s a difference between sea kayaks and those for rivers and ponds…open cockpit vs. snap in  splash guard. 

  I wish all those people eager to promote Maine tourism would somehow stress the dangers involved…..even Yellowstone has a scary bear exhibit!  Maybe Maine should post the deaths and rescues and injuries for all those outdoor adventurers who flock here. 

• Anonymous

  Stayed on Hancock Point many times….terrible thing to hear about; but it occurs all too routinely now. 

  I wonder if warnings could be handed out at I95 entrances to drivers of cars with kayaks on the roof on the dangers posed by cold ocean water >60%,  and wind storms which were easily predictable….I was in Belfast at a launch and we could see the boiling clouds coming in and wind up to 35 knots + white caps as far as you can see……..how could this guy miss these warning signs let along emergency alerts on MPR?  How could he not duck in the lee of one of the Islands?  Did he not know there’s a difference between sea kayaks and those for rivers and ponds…open cockpit vs. snap in  splash guard. 

  I wish all those people eager to promote Maine tourism would somehow stress the dangers involved…..even Yellowstone has a scary bear exhibit!  Maybe Maine should post the deaths and rescues and injuries for all those outdoor adventurers who flock here. 

• http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1196926029 Dale Richardson

  You have no idea what this man’s skill level was, or whether or not he ventured beyond 100 yards before the wind picked up.  Surely as a Mainer you know how fast the wind can pick up with no warning.  Blaming the victim here is a little callous.  But you do have some valid points about the dangers of Maine waters, but the waters around Massachusetts aren’t exactly safe either.

• Anonymous

  I think great idea to hand out warnings on I-95, and stress dangers…people call us all the time asking if we rent kayaks (which we don’t), and I always stress how dangerous it is if one isn’t experienced in these waters and properly outfitted…

• Anonymous

  the wind was already blowing hard here at 7am- we live on the point road, and I was up before 7am, and noticed how the wildly the trees around my house were blowing around- unfortunately, those of us who live here and know the water were well aware it was not a morning to be out on it…but we weren’t there to warn him…

• Anonymous

  the wind was already blowing hard here at 7am- we live on the point road, and I was up before 7am, and noticed how the wildly the trees around my house were blowing around- unfortunately, those of us who live here and know the water were well aware it was not a morning to be out on it…but we weren’t there to warn him…

• Anonymous

  the wind was already blowing hard here at 7am- we live on the point road, and I was up before 7am, and noticed how the wildly the trees around my house were blowing around- unfortunately, those of us who live here and know the water were well aware it was not a morning to be out on it…but we weren’t there to warn him…

• Anonymous

  what a sad thing to happen. 
  condolences to the widow and family in this tragic time.

• Anonymous

  Too bad , so sad.
  Kayaking at 7am on his honeymoon ??
  I can think of a few other things to do rather than go kayaking.
  real world sux at times.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_MMAVVRLYVW7PZJPX3WUPKZJYLE a little peace

  You reek of ignorance. 

• Anonymous

  Very Sad….   Sympathies out to the family….

• Anonymous

  This is a tragic story, but please do not spread information.  1. Many out-0f-staters are well-trained and well-equipped and paddle safely in Maine waters, including the Maine coastline.  2. Sea kayaking is a relatively safe sport.  Like any outdoor  sport (hiking, skiing, rock-climbing, bicycling, etc.), there are risks, but proper training and equipment can help manage these risks.  3. Sea kayaks are not 16 inches in width.  Most are at least 6 inches wider.  A study of paddle sport fatalities in the years 2000 – 2007 show:  more involved canoes rather than kayaks, more involved inland waters than ocean, more involved Maine people rather than out of staters, and MOST WERE NOT WEARING LIFE JACKETS.

  So buckle up, everyone.  Paddle safe, and have fun.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DNONF5JLBBMMPKAMIJOCDPEGVY Raquel

  Please be kind.  This was a husband, a son, a brother, and a friend.  RIP Eric.  And to the Hogan’s, Mike especially, I’m so sorry.  It’s easy now to look and give insight on what Maine weather is like and kayaking 101 but unless you yourself have gone through life without doing one regrettably foolish thing than please, stop.  This is not the time or place to make a statement.  This is a time for mourning. 

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_DNONF5JLBBMMPKAMIJOCDPEGVY Raquel

  Please be kind.  This was a husband, a son, a brother, and a friend.  RIP Eric.  And to the Hogan’s, Mike especially, I’m so sorry.  It’s easy now to look and give insight on what Maine weather is like and kayaking 101 but unless you yourself have gone through life without doing one regrettably foolish thing than please, stop.  This is not the time or place to make a statement.  This is a time for mourning. 

• http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1130634576 John Rogers

  This is very sad. I have kayaked out that way but try to stay inland somewhat. This just shows that you often cannot account for nature and should be extra cautious when sea kayaking. My condolences to his wife and family.

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Celia-Murray/1032213962 Celia Murray

  Sea kayaking in that area is fine for anyone who is prepared in terms of skills, clothing and equipment, and good judgement. We have paddled extensively well off the mainland in the midcoast region, as well as time Downeast, for a decade now. But we have extensive time learning to paddle in difficult conditions, can do a variety of rescues, wear apt clothing for a possible capsize, paddle well-equipped kayaks designed for the conditions and live on our weather radios. Unfortunately it appears that this person had little of that – and the ocean in Maine an be cruel to those who are not prepared.
  We enjoy reading the local news when we are there each summer, and one thing that has been interesting to see is the evolution of preparedness among the younger generation of fishermen. When we first were going, a capsize of a lobster or ground fishing boat  was certain death because the fishermen usually did not have survival suits or any other preparation for such an event. Happily that is changing in the younger fishermen. When we stop for fishing boats we more often see signs that they do have equipment near the deck for such an emergency, and stories in local papers indicate that as well.

• Anonymous

  I think I hear of more deaths of lobstermen on the ocean than sea kayakers.  The sea in non discriminate. 

• Anonymous

  Such a tragic ending for something that is supposed to have such a beautiful ending.  I hope all goes well for these families and my deepest sympathies are with you.

• 525_44

  Sad. The weather conditions that day were not good.

• 525_44

  Sad. The weather conditions that day were not good.

• 525_44

  Sad. The weather conditions that day were not good.

• 525_44

  Sad. The weather conditions that day were not good.

• 525_44

  Sad. The weather conditions that day were not good.

• 525_44

  Sad. The weather conditions that day were not good.

• 525_44

  Sad. The weather conditions that day were not good.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AVQVVYREB2WK37V2L7ENJDLTLY Rich

  As a life-long paddler, as wel as sea kayak guide and instructor,  I am saddened each and every time I learn of canoeing or kayaking death. All-too-often the death was preventable. Alas, hindsight is 20/20. My sincere condolensces o out to the Eric Hogan’s family, especially his newlywed wife. I cannot begin to imagine her grief.

  Every time a tragedy occurs, genuine concern is expressed on how to avert them in the future. Handing out notices to cars with kayaks is an idea, but do we stop there? According to U.S. Coast Guard statistics, there are more motorboat deaths in Maine each year than kayakers. For that matter, there are far more deaths in automobile accidents. There is a fine line between personal responsibility and public intervention.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AVQVVYREB2WK37V2L7ENJDLTLY Rich

  It is with deep regret that I read the article about the kayaker’s death. My sincere condolensces go out to Eric Hogan’s family, especially his newlywed wife. I cannot begin to imagine her grief.Mr. Long’s sweeping comments were unfortunate. Tourism is now Maine’s largest industry, and kayaking fits into that category. To state “Sea kayaking is not for out of staters” is nonsensical and ethnocentrist. And describing kayaks as “16 inch wide . . . little bath tubs” demontrates a complete lack of understanding of sea kayaks. In the future, I hope he will show more compassion, as well as becoming more informed in his opinions.

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Jack-Long/1499408399 Jack Long

  Thats because Lobstermen are on the water 100000 X’s the amount of time a recreational kayaker is.

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Davida-Willette/100000655412147 Davida Willette

  people from out of state think the waters are warm like florida . the water is a tad warmer below portland but still cool

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Davida-Willette/100000655412147 Davida Willette

  people from out of state think the waters are warm like florida . the water is a tad warmer below portland but still cool

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Davida-Willette/100000655412147 Davida Willette

  people from out of state think the waters are warm like florida . the water is a tad warmer below portland but still cool

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Davida-Willette/100000655412147 Davida Willette

  people from out of state think the waters are warm like florida . the water is a tad warmer below portland but still cool

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Davida-Willette/100000655412147 Davida Willette

  people from out of state think the waters are warm like florida . the water is a tad warmer below portland but still cool

• http://www.facebook.com/people/Davida-Willette/100000655412147 Davida Willette

  people from out of state think the waters are warm like florida . the water is a tad warmer below portland but still cool

• Anonymous

  All you trolls, keep the judgements to yourselves. This is a tragedy.

• Anonymous

  All you trolls, keep the judgements to yourselves. This is a tragedy.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_BUY67LOCK4324INLWGYFFRNJOM Robert

  Massachusetts has an ocean as well last I knew!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_BUY67LOCK4324INLWGYFFRNJOM Robert

  Massachusetts has an ocean as well last I knew!

• Anonymous

  You sure are right, but much warmer water than up here!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_BUY67LOCK4324INLWGYFFRNJOM Robert

  Not much warmer and I highly doubt he died from hypothermia.

• Anonymous

  It is usually 15 degrees warmer or more in MA than it is up in Frenchman Bay at this time of year.  15 degrees can be a huge difference.   It may not have been the only reason, but it definitely did not help.  It is very sad that this happened, I just hope it doesn’t happen again. 

  http://www.weather.com/maps/activity/boatbeach/northeastuscoastalwatertemps_large.html

  http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/show/?file=../../regions/bigbight/sst/modis/2011/img/110621.172.1814.mst.jpg

• Anonymous

  It is usually 15 degrees warmer or more in MA than it is up in Frenchman Bay at this time of year.  15 degrees can be a huge difference.   It may not have been the only reason, but it definitely did not help.  It is very sad that this happened, I just hope it doesn’t happen again. 

  http://www.weather.com/maps/activity/boatbeach/northeastuscoastalwatertemps_large.html

  http://marine.rutgers.edu/mrs/sat_data/show/?file=../../regions/bigbight/sst/modis/2011/img/110621.172.1814.mst.jpg

• Anonymous

  Hate to break it to you old timer, but there are other States that have access to the ocean.  Sea Kayaking is not exclusive, in any way, to Maine.

• Anonymous

  Hate to break it to you old timer, but there are other States that have access to the ocean.  Sea Kayaking is not exclusive, in any way, to Maine.

• Anonymous

  Hate to break it to you old timer, but there are other States that have access to the ocean.  Sea Kayaking is not exclusive, in any way, to Maine.

• Anonymous

  Hate to break it to you old timer, but there are other States that have access to the ocean.  Sea Kayaking is not exclusive, in any way, to Maine.

• Anonymous

  Hate to break it to you old timer, but there are other States that have access to the ocean.  Sea Kayaking is not exclusive, in any way, to Maine.

• Anonymous

  Hate to break it to you old timer, but there are other States that have access to the ocean.  Sea Kayaking is not exclusive, in any way, to Maine.

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_BUY67LOCK4324INLWGYFFRNJOM Robert

  My thoughts exactly!  Good call!

• http://pulse.yahoo.com/_TRAULAY2IB63ZJEZJCVW526MUE Patricia

  “Tourism is now Maine’s largest industry….” This has been true for a long time.  Maybe kayaking alone is as inadvisable as swimming alone.  Even an experienced swimmer can drown in the right or wrong conditions.  No doubt this is a tragedy; my condolences to his widow.  Kayaks flip easily.  Before a person takes a kayak out on the ocean or  down a river especially with whitewater, common sense should dictate that some level of training and/or experience is required….accidents can still occur.  Everyone makes mistakes; it is sad that this one cost a man his life.