Stranded canoers rescued at Big South Fork

Late last week, a visitor called 911 and reported a canoe pinned on rocks above Angel Falls Rapid (Class IV) on the Big South Fork of the Cumberland River in the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Two boaters were clinging to the rock at the head of the rapid.

Multiple drownings and boating accidents have occurred at this rapid (which has severely undercut rocks) in recent history.

Rangers, Scott County Rescue Squad members, and river guides from Sheltowee Trace Outfitters all responded and participated in the rescue. Once safety measures were put into place, a modified Telfer lowering system was employed and a raft with a rescuer was lowered to the victims. After being on the rock for nearly three hours, the two men were able to jump into the raft, which was pulled to safety.




Jeff
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