Dickinson County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol rescues capsized kayaker

DICKINSON COUNTY — The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol rescued a kayaker swept into the Menominee River.

At approximately 2:48 p.m. on July 18, the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office 911 dispatch center received a call about a capsized kayaker below the Norway Power Dam. The call reported that they kayaker fell out of his kayak and was swept downriver.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol was in the Vulcan Area at the time and responded to the scene. Although no boat launch was available, deputies were able to launch the patrol boat by using the engines to power off the trailer into the rapidly flowing river. Menominee River levels are currently high and fast due to recent rainfall.

Deputies conducted a quick search of the river and located the kayaker approximately 1/4 mile downriver clinging to the riverbank foliage on the Wisconsin side. They maneuvered the patrol boat downriver and powered up the current. Deputies pulled the kayaker safely into the boat.

The kayaker was identified as a 31-year-old male from Malone, Wisconsin, who was vacationing in the area. He was not wearing a lifejacket at the time of the incident. He stated that the river current was so strong it took him out of his kayak. He said he did his best to tread water, but was swept to the Wisconsin side. He reported that he had grown fatigued and wasn’t sure he was capable of holding on much longer.

The kayaker said he was uninjured and refused medical treatment. No citations were issued. The kayak was recovered downriver partially submerged and entangled in brush.

The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by Norway Fire and North Alert Ambulance.