This weekend marks the 40th anniversary of the state’s worst boating disaster.
Sixteen people died when the Whippoorwill, a paddle-wheel replica riverboat, was struck by a small tornado that hit Lake Pomona and capsized the boat on June 17, 1978. Around 60 people were on board when the funnel touched down shortly after the cruise began.
Three Emporia State University employees were among those who died: School of Library and Information Management Dean Dr. Sarah Reed and faculty members Zubaidah Isa and Muriel Fuller.
The National Weather Service says the tornado cut a roughly 8-mile path east from the lake to the Michigan Valley community before it dissipated. Witnesses also reported three smaller funnels around the main funnel, which had a maximum path width of only around 150 yards. The disaster ranks among the deadliest tornadoes in Kansas history.
The SLIM department is holding a special memorial service and picnic at noon Sunday at the Lake Pomona Management Group Shelter. To RSVP, call 341-5203 or email sliminfo@emporia.edu.
Photo courtesy Emporia State University
