Woman Rescued from South Fork of the Eel River After Kayak Incident Near Dyerville Overlook
Kayaker saved by Battalion Chief Thomas Norris of Rio Dell Fire District. [All photos by Chief Shane Wilson]
Just before 7 p.m. Saturday evening, emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded to the South Fork of the Eel River near the Dyerville Overlook north of Weott after a woman became stranded with two kayaks in the water.
According to Thomas Norris, Battalion Chief of the Rio Dell Fire Protection District, the woman was found perched on top of an overturned kayak on the south bank of the South Fork, just before it merges with the main stem of the Eel River. The location was near the Founders Tree side, east of U.S. Highway 101.
“She was on an overturned kayak… I’d say it was extremely dangerous because of all the strainers that was around her,” Norris explained, referring to downed trees and other debris that can trap swimmers or boaters in river currents.
Kayaker on her overturned vessel. [All photos by Chief Shane Wilson]
Norris said he arrived on scene approximately 10 minutes after the initial call was dispatched.
“We found the patient unharmed, uninjured—just cold and hypothermic,” he explained.
To reach the woman, Norris and SoHum Tech Rescue member Kai Ostrow coordinated a swiftwater rescue. Norris swam across the river to reach the woman, placed a personal flotation device (PFD) on her, and guided her upstream to a safer crossing point.
Norris assisting the stranded kayaker. [Photo by Chief Shane Wilson]
“Then I swam her back across the river with assistance of SoHum Tech’s Kai Ostrow,” Norris said. “[It] could’ve been extremely dangerous… if she’d have went any farther, it could have been a totally different story.”
Norris assisted the kayaker as Ostrow controlled the rope in the swift cold water.
The woman was then evaluated by City Ambulance personnel at the top of Dyerville Overlook. Rio Dell Fire then left the scene and Norris didn’t know whether the woman was transported to a hospital or not.
Two kayaks were found at the scene, but the circumstances of how she became stranded remain unclear. “She said it was a long story,” Norris noted. “I don’t even know if they were kayaking or swimming or what the story was.”
The men assisted the woman who was suffering from hypothermia from the cold water of the South Fork of the Eel River. [Photo by Chief Shane Wilson]
Crew members assisted with the situation. Warm dry blankets were provided to the kayaker (Center of the image behind the other woman)
Despite the cold and dangerous conditions, the rescue concluded safely. Norris wore a dry suit, while the woman was exposed to the cold water but managed to get out with his and Ostrow’s help. Norris noted that she had motivation to deal with the cold in spite of her hypothermia. “She wanted to live,” Norris said simply.
Thanks to Redcrest Fire, CAL FIRE Weott, Rio Dell Fire District, Eel River Technical Rescue, and Southern Humboldt Technical Rescue which all responded to the call.
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Hmm… one person, two kayaks, long story… and ??? Lots of nice pictures but kind of short on important details. They were cold and hypothermic but who knows if they went to a hospital. Is anyone looking for a second boater?
“Is anyone looking for a second boater?”
And that is the rest of the story… Paul Harvey
kayaking in sweats? I don’t think so.. something funky here.
The kayaker wasn’t in sweats. The woman in sweats is in front of the Kayaker as the caption explains.
the picture of the lady being pulled from the water clearly shows her wearing regular street clothes.
It shows her wearing shorts with a bit of her bare thigh below. As do multiple other shots.
So….what happened to the boyfriend?
🎯
It’s possible that the other boater is the one who called for help, and was standing there on dry land all boring and tangential to the story. Hopefully the lady publishes her memoir soon so that we can all learn the details.
These city folks are a constant burden on services with their negligent ventures.
Atleast the got a little adventure. That’s actually a very flat section of the eel. A thin 3mm wet suit wouldn’t be a bad idea. You can find them used. Good job as usual for our volunteers.
Thank you first responders!!!!! Before dropping everything to respond to emergencies so many hours are spent training and preparing to help us all when we are needing it the most. The dedication and service to our community give me the hope I need for the future. Endless gratitude to all of you.
sure Seems like a lot of waisted resources and time when somewhere in the trinity river there’s an 9 month old infant yet to be found! Just my opinion
So… stupidity? That’s what they were rescuing? The long story must be full of twists and turns of idiocracy….
Indeed. No life jacket?? Good way to get dead.
I am very happy that the young lady made it out of the river safely with the first responders. I could not tell from the pictures, but I hope she was wearing a life jacket and a watercraft helmet. If you roll over in shallow water, you can strike your head on the bottom possibly causing an injury.
Yes on the head hitting rock part. I used to go kayaking solo until I had a bad dream one night. I was overlooking that one very important detail!! You can wear a life vest but…If you hit your head and get knocked out you want your buddy to get your head out of the water so you don’t drown! Yup! Use the buddy system. Look out for each other. Research your trip ahead of time. Look out for those strainers! And enjoy the natural beauty we have been blessed with…
Rescued from what???
Way to go Thomas and Kai! Heroes!!!
Way to go, Thomas and Kai! Heroes! …. And not the first time.👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Way to go, Thomas and Kai! Heroes!!!….. and not the first time, may I add❤️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Way to go, Thomas and Kai! Real local Heroes!!!!…. And not the first time, may I add.💛👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Are you kidding me!!!!!! LMFAO people are so clueless these days!!!
Thank you to Thomas and Kai, as well as all of the other responders who help in incidents all year round. Money is always in short supply, but this is an organization that deserves support, if you’re able to do so.
What I don’t understand is why they didn’t just turn around and walk 30 yard to the paved parking lot that’s literally no more than 50 yards behind them on the side of the river that she was on
What’s the rule? Don’t go swimming till at least 3 people have drowned. Yeah. I remember the old days. Solo kayaking, no helmet, didn’t tell anyone where I was going. Wonder if I can fit my armchair in a kayak?
Good job responders. Another day of positive outcomes!