Incident Summary:
On the afternoon of May 17th, eight people launched a canoe and three kayaks on the Cloquet River. They put in the river near the intersection of Highway 33 and Highway 53 and planned to float down to the bridge over the Cloquet River at County Highway 8.
There were six adults and two children in the party. Approximately halfway along their journey, the canoe got hung up on some rocks and capsized. The canoe was also severely damaged by the rocks. All the individuals were able to make it to shore without injury. They contacted 911 for assistance as there was not enough room on the three remaining kayaks to continue on with everyone. The group stayed together until they were contacted by volunteers from the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Rescue Squad. Zodiac boats were put in the river north of the stranded parties and a Marsh Master tracked vehicle was used to access the parties from the south. All were wearing Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs).
Five members of the group were transported out successfully. The remaining three kayaks continued down the river as originally planned.
This is another example of the dedicated volunteers of the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Rescue Squad using their knowledge and equipment to assist people who run into trouble while out on our waterways and woodlands.
Authority: Sgt. Wade Rasch 218-969-2855
Date: 5/17/2020 Time: 1845
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