July 8, 2025
CALEDONIA, Minn. – GENOA, Wis. – Houston County Sheriff Brian Swedberg and Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson jointly report a boating incident that occurred on the Mississippi River at the United States Army Corps of Engineers Lock and Dam #8.
A Sheriff’s Report on the incident states that on Monday, July 7, at approximately 1:30 p.m., the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office 911 Communications Center received a report that several individuals went through one of the several gates at the dam. At the time of the 911 call, some of the people were still in the water downstream or on the lower side of the dam, all of whom miraculously survived.
Brandon S. Kumm, 39, of La Crosse, Wis. was operating a 2000 Crownline pleasure craft with six passengers when the inboard engine reportedly stalled, one to two miles upriver and failed to restart. As the boat was approaching the dam occupants attempted to paddle, but to no avail. It did not appear that there was any attempt to drop anchor while they were upstream of the dam. There was no initial indication of distress, but once the craft penetrated the 600-foot safety area upstream of the dam, United States Army Corps of Engineers staff stationed at the facility took immediate action to seal the gates in the affected area.
The Sheriff’s Report states that all seven boaters disembarked, went underwater beneath the Tainter Gate, and resurfaced below the dam. Alert Corps of Engineers staff threw life preserver rings to the distressed mariners. All seven, including one child, some assisting each other, were able to climb to safety atop the dam. No injuries were reported and all were evaluated at the scene. No one was transported to the hospital.
Assisting both Sheriff’s Offices were Genoa-Harmony Fire & Rescue, Gundersen Tri-State ambulance, United States Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Higher than normal river levels attributed to less swell or turbulence below the dam and provided a greater distance between the riverbed and the bottom of the gate in which all seven people passed through.
Both Sheriffs Swedberg and Torgerson commended the Army Corp staff for their quick actions, combined with extensive training, that most certainly saved lives. We always appreciate our teams, support staff, and all first responders, most of which volunteer to serve their communities. This collaboration fostered a remarkable outcome.
The report goes on to say there were more than the required number of personal flotation devices onboard; however, one were worn when the operator and occupants jumped out of the boat.
The boat remained upright, resting against the gate as designed in a rescue situation. Although no two incidents share the exact same circumstances, remaining inside the boat with life preservers, having phone numbers to locks and dams in areas where you plan to operate, and installation of a marine band radio, though not a requirement for smaller pleasure craft, are other useful and
recommended safety tips that would have been advantageous in this situation.
As always, call 911 in the event of an emergency. For more information, visit:
https://www.nws.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/Locks-andDams/Water-Safety/
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/index.html
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Boat
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Boat/safety
https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/4188767/six-ways-to-stay-safe-onthe-water-this-summer/
The middle of the main navigation channel of the Mississippi river at this location separates Wisconsin and Minnesota. Land access to the facility is more readily accessible from the Wisconsin side of the river.
The incident remains under investigation by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Sheriff Brian Swedberg Houston County Sheriff’s Office Caledonia, Minn., Sheriff Roy Torgerson
Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Viroqua, Wis.
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