The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reported that on June 22 at 4:02 pm, DEC’s Ray Brook Dispatch received a call saying that nine kayakers were stranded on the Battenkill River in Washington County, just outside the Adirondack Park.

Forest Rangers reported that all nine kayakers, ranging in age from late teens to early 30s, were paddling the river when the high-water levels and rapids became too much to handle and capsized their kayaks. Several kayakers were stranded on a nearby island, with some clinging to submerged trees and one subject floating downriver.

Forest Rangers Logan Quinn, Charles Kabrehl, and Anthony Goetke responded with rafts and swiftwater rescue equipment. Shushan Fire Department’s Swiftwater Team also arrived and helped ferry the final kayakers to shore. All paddlers were treated at the scene and released and the rescue mission was concluded at 5:52 pm, the Rangers reported.

Photo: DEC Environmental Conservation Officers engaging in swiftwater rescue training in 2017.