Hudson River Kayakers Rescued

On Sunday June 27, 2021 at 9:51am the city of Hudson Fire Department, Greenport Rescue Squad, and the Columbia County Sheriff's Office were dispatched by Columbia County 911 to the Hudson River in the area of the Hudson Athens Lighthouse for a capsized kayak with two people in the water.

Members responded to the Hudson boat launch with our Marine Unit as well as the Dive Rescue Unit. The Incident Commander, Assistant Chief Shawn Hoffman, while still enroute, requested the Athens Fire Department Marine Unit to assist.

Under the direction of Assistant Chief Hoffman, members rapidly launched the HFD Marine Unit and proceeded south on the river.

In rough water, the crew of the HFD Marine Unit located a 2 person kayak with one person who had managed to climb back on board and a second victim in the water clinging to the side of the kayak with a partially unsecured life vest.

The Marine Unit operator carefully manuvered into position and members were able to grab the kayak and pull it to the vessel. The victim was removed from the water and the kayak and its occupant were brought aboard as well.

Both parties reported no injuries however the subject who was pulled from the water appeared exhausted.

The Marine Unit transported both subjects as well as the kayak to the Hudson boat launch and onto dry land.

Photo credit to Tina Florio and Ricky Hoyt