(image: Big Lake Fire Department Facebook)
There were some tense moments, but no serious injuries as three kayakers were rescued from the Mississippi River early Saturday afternoon.
The Big Lake Fire Department reports that shortly before 1 PM, rescue teams were dispatched because of an overturned kayak. The person who called 911 stated that one kayak had flipped, and the kayaker looked to be tangled in an anchor line.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that two kayakers were in the water, with a third kayak still upright, and one of the two persons who were in the water clinging to the upright kayak.
More agencies were called for assistance, including the Wright County Water Patrol.
Big Lake crews made several attempts at rescue, but due to the distance, deep water and strong river current, they were unsuccessful in reaching the trapped kayaker. Wright County responders then launched a boat from the south shore of the river to make access to the kayaker by water.
Meanwhile, the second person in the water, who was then standing upright in shallower water, lost his footing when his kayak shifted, and he began going downstream, he eventually was able to make it to the shore where Albertville Fire and CentraCare Ambulance personnel provided assistance.
Wright County Water Patrol eventually reached the second kayaker who was stuck while holding onto the third kayak. That man was also brought safely to the north shore where additional fire units and a second CentraCare Ambulance team were waiting. The kayaker was evaluated for potential hypothermia.
The Big Lake Fire Department was assisted by the Wright and Sherburne County Sheriff’s Departments, the Big Lake Police, Albertville Fire Department, and CentraCare Ambulance, as well as coordinated efforts between the Sherburne and Wright County Dispatch Centers.
