Close Call For Kayakers After Capsizing In Swift-Flowing Delaware River

NEW HOPE, PA — Two kayakers were able to reach the shore after they capsized in the fast-moving waters of the Delaware River on Tuesday afternoon.

Rescue crews from New Hope and Lambertville were dispatched just after 3:30 p.m. for two kayakers in distress in the area of the wing dam.

The Eagle Fire Company's Marine 46 responded moments later, followed shortly by the company's unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) UAV 46.

Other responding agencies included Lambertville-New Hope Ambulance & Rescue Squad and West Amwell Fire Company.,

On their way to the river, firefighters learned that one of the boaters had made it to shore, but that the second had drifted downstream and out of sight in the fast-moving current.

Based on this information, Marine 46 headed for the ramp at Fireman's Eddy off of Route 29 in Hunterdon County, N.J., while UAV 46 (drone) went to the park near Bowman's Tower on River Road.

Shortly after launching, the drone spotted the boater and two kayaks on the New Jersey shoreline. The information was relayed to Marine 46, which headed downstream from the boat launch at Fireman's Eddy.

Marine 46 arrived on scene moments later and spoke with the kayaker, who did not require any assistance. The other boater was located by City of Lambertville Fire District No. 1 Airboat 17 near the boat ramp after he swam to shore.

"With this quick burst of spring-like weather, never underestimate the power of moving water," firefighters say. "With the recent rain and snowmelt, the river is running high and fast. And the water is still cold. Being in the water draws heat from your body about 25 times faster than air of the same temperature. Hypothermia only adds to the dangers this time of year."