May 25th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

Fire and rescue personnel rescued eight adults, three children and two dogs from the Potomac River Saturday afternoon after the occupants became disconnected from the kayaks they were in, according to officials. 

 

“Units were dispatched at 1:04 p.m. to the area of the Maryland Avenue ball field for reports of kayaks floating with no occupants,” Todd Bowman, public information officer for Allegany County Department of Emergency Services said. “The occupants were familiar with the area and able to give our Joint Communications Center good landmarks to be located by fire and rescue personnel.” 

 

As part of a multi-agency response, technicians trained in water and rope rescue responded from Westernport, Piedmont, Bowling Green, Cresaptown, LaVale, Barton, Allegany County Swift Water Team, Allegany County Department of Emergency Services EMS Division and Tri-Towns EMS. 

 

“No occupants were transported from the scene. One person was evaluated on scene for a minor injury,” Bowman said. 

 

The 11 occupants became stuck on an island in the middle of the river and because of turbulence were not able to self-rescue. These people were ferried over by emergency service boats from Bowling Green and LaVale fire departments, according to Bowman. 

 

“Two adults were able to self-rescue prior to the arrival of emergency services,” Bowman added. “One to the Maryland side of the river and the second to the West Virginia side.” 

 

Units remained on scene for approximately two hours. 

 

2:00 PM UPDATE:  The subjects have been located, according to 911.

INITIAL REPORT:

Allegany County 911 has dispatched water rescue teams to the Potomac River near Westernport, reportedly searching for subjects from kayaks.

WCBC News will continue to monitor the situation.

The call was reported during the 1:00 PM hour.