On June 8, DEM officers were dispatched to the Pawcatuck River for a report of a capsized kayak and one person in the water clinging to a tree. While enroute officers were advised that there were a total of 4 subjects in the kayaking party and 3 had made it safely to land. Charleston Fire and Rescue launched a small inflatable into the river and located the victim still clinging to a tree. The victim, was rescued and transported to EMS personnel but refused medical treatment. Operator advised that he was wearing a life jacket and a floatation cushion at the time of the incident. His kayak was valued under $500 and was never recovered. EPO reported that it had recently rained heavily and the river was running faster and higher than usual which may have added to one of the causes of the accident.
HOPKINTON