just thinking about all of this has been making me literally sick to my stomach. I cannot imagine what it is like to be there when one of your friends goes under..trying to help free him..desperately doing all you can think of..and..nothing. The feeling of helplessness you must feel while trying to throw ropes, wade out to him, etc.
I hope I never have to feel the terrible loss of losing a close friend like that..I have lost some to car accidents, etc. it is terrible..but, I can imagine that the hurt is tenfold when you actually are there when it happens..and do everything you can to prevent it..and everything you can to save him..to no avail.
Love and compassion to all involved..

Carlos