Jan 7, 2021
PERSIA Over the weekend, the state Department of Environmental Conservation Forest Rangers were notified of a pair of stranded kayakers on Cattaraugus Creek.
The two men had been paddling in high water conditions when one paddler flipped and lost his kayak around 11 a.m. Saturday. The second subject lost his kayak attempting to grab the first. One kayaker landed on the Erie County side of the creek and was able to hike out on his own. The other kayaker landed on the Cattaraugus County side of the creek in an area without safe trail access.
A ranger responded to the scene and rappelled down to kayaker. The ranger harnessed the man to be raised out on a system set up by Forest Ranger Rogers and Gowanda Fire Department and Ambulance. Members of the District 1 Rescue Team also responded to assist. The kayaker did not require medical assistance and was released.