Emergency Responders Searched The Night For Missing Kayaker
Mahaska County Sheriff’s Department
A Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
At 1:10 am on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office received an emergency call of two capsized kayaks on the South Skunk River North of Oskaloosa. The two kayakers were part of a 4-person group that had entered the river on Highway 63 near the Oskaloosa waterworks plant around midnight. One of these kayakers had swum to shore and walked to a neighboring farmhouse to call for help. Two of the kayakers arrived safely to the Glendale river access on Oxford Avenue and one kayaker was still unaccounted for.
The Oskaloosa Fire Department and the New Sharon Fire Department were contacted to assist with this call. Both Departments launched search and rescue boats on the river, in search of the missing kayaker.
At approximately 3:15 am the missing kayaker was found safely on land. In addition to the two Fire Department, the Sheriff’s Office was assisted by members of the Oskaloosa Police Department, the Mahaska County Dispatch Center and the Mahaska Health Partnership ambulance service.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all boaters, canoers, and kayakers to be extra safe with the high waters this year. They are encouraged to only boat during daylight hours, always use life jackets and avoid the use of alcohol while on the water.
