Date: 8/26/2023
Time: 11:30 PM
Contact: Todd Harmeson, PIO
Four Kayakers Rescued from White River After Dark
Madison County, IN – Saturday night, East Madison Fire Territory personnel were dispatched to the White River in the area of County Road 75 N and County Road 300 E, near the Emerald Glenn subdivision, for a water rescue. Madison County Central Dispatch received a 911 call stating four individuals were stranded in the river. Dispatch was able to ping the cellular phone to help locate the individuals using GPS coordinates. Water rescue personnel quickly located the individuals who were stranded in the middle of the river. One of the individuals was found in the water, clinging to a log after he lost his kayak. EMFT personnel were assisted by Anderson Fire Department and South Madison Fire Territory water rescue personnel. Lt. Powers from East Madison Fire Territory was able to put on his water rescue gear, wade out to the individuals, and begin the rescue operation. All four individuals were rescued and transported to St. Vincent Hospital in Anderson for evaluation.
The East Madison Fire Territory reminds everyone that kayaking can be a safe daytime water recreation activity. These individuals were not wearing life preservers; however, they did have life preservers in their kayaks. After dark, water can be very dangerous without proper lighting and training.
Incident Times:
- 911 Call Received: 9:05 PM
- Dispatched Apparatus: 9:07 PM
- First Fire Unit Arrived: 9:10 PM
- Individuals Located: 9:20 PM
- All 4 Victims Out of Water: 9:59 PM
Agencies and Apparatus On-Scene:
- East Madison Fire Territory
- Anderson Fire Department
- South Madison Fire Territory
- Chesterfield Police Department
- Madison County Sheriff’s Department
East Madison Fire Territory, check out our website at http://www.eastmadisonfire.com.
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The East Madison Fire Territory was established on January 1, 2022, through the merger of the Chesterfield Union Township and Richland Township fire departments. This consolidation covers a first-due area of 47 square miles. The East Madison Fire Territory responds to a diverse range of locations, including residential, commercial, and agricultural areas. Our coverage encompasses the entirety of Richland Township and Union Township, which includes the Town of Chesterfield.
