Off. responded to a boating accident involving a turned over canoe in the Blackstone River in Central Falls.  Upon Off. Officer’s arrival, were emergency personnel who had recovered and were treating both victims for hypothermia.  According to the victims, they stated that they were participating in a St. Judes Hospital charity event in the Blackstone River to recover misdirected rubber duckies from going over the falls. Upon launching their canoe the men were swept away towards the falls.  The 40-lbs thrust electric trolling motor was not powerful enough for the unusually strong river current.  Paddling also failed.  The two men grabbed onto the float rope just prior to going over the falls.  The force of the current swept the canoe out from under them spilling both men into the cold water.  Canoe and gear went over the falls, continued down river and was never recovered. Both men had PFDs at the time of the incident. Cumberland Fire responded and launched a boat and recovered the two victims.  Both men were transported to RI Hospital, were treated for hypothermia, and observed.  USGS reported he Blackstone River at Woonsocket "Stage was recorded at 7.56', (flood stage is 9') with 'flow' at 5.0 kcgs.
CENTRAL FALLS