RedactedNarrative: On April, 28th, 2018 at approximately 1800 hrs I responded to a report of an overturned canoe on Watauga River in Carter County, TN. Upon arriving on scene and interviewing witnesses, I determined that two individuals were paddling downstream in a canoe in the vicinity of Riverside Park in Elizabethton when their canoe capsized causing both occupants to involuntarily enter the water. 
  Both individuals floated downstream with the canoe until one of the individuals was unable to keep ahold of the canoe and was able to climb onto an island in the vicinity of the Quality Plus Gas station in Elizabethton. The other occupant was able to stay with the canoe until it completely sank just prior to reaching the Blevins Road access area where he was able to get out of the water. 
  After my arrival on scene, the Carter County Rescue Squad arrived and launched a river boat to rescue Occupant.  The rescue squad was able to quickly get Occupant aboard their boat and transport him back to awaiting EMS personnel at Blevins Road access area. Upon arriving at the boat ramp, Occupant was transported by EMS personnel to Sycamore Shoals Hospital. Occupant had visible lacerations and contusions to his lower right leg and ankle and was complaining of pain in his ankle. In addition, he was shivering uncontrollably, and appeared to be suffering from hypothermia. Occupant was evaluated and treated for his injuries at Sycamore Shoals Hospital. 
  Upon interviewing the vessel occupants, I determined that they were floating downstream and had just passed the city park when they approached a turn in the river. The river level was up and there were white water conditions due to the level of water being discharged from the upstream dams. Upon entering an area of rapids, the boaters encountered a low lying tree branch in the path of the vessel. In an attempt to avoid hitting the branch, Occupant leaned to the side which caused the canoe to lean as well. The canoe then leaned to the point that it lost stability and completely rolled and capsized throwing both individuals in the water. Occupant stated that while floating downstream in the water, his right leg struck a submerged rock causing the injuries to his right leg.
  