Two people kayaking on the Onaping River, north of Levack on Tuesday had to be rescued after taking a wrong turn and getting trapped by a waterfall. Greater Sudbury Police were alerted when a resident contacted them at 11:30 p.m. “reporting two overdue kayakers who had departed around 1:30 p.m. and had not been heard from since.” “After several unsuccessful attempts to contact them, the caller reached out to police for assistance,” police said in a news release Wednesday. The emergency communications centre was able to contact one of the kayakers by cellphone. “He reported that they had taken a wrong turn on the river and were forced to go ashore due to an impassable waterfall,” police said. Police responded to the area after the communications centre was able to pinpoint their location using the What3Words geolocation app. “Upon assessment, it was determined that the kayakers were surrounded by fast-moving water to the north and south, with a waterfall immediately to their south,” police said. “The surrounding terrain consisted of dense forest and swamp, with no accessible trails. Due to the challenging conditions of the area, a decision was made to request aerial extraction.” A 6:43 a.m. Wednesday morning, a helicopter from the Royal Canadian Air Force’s 424 Transport and Rescue Squadron from Canadian Forces Base Trenton successfully airlifted the two men to safety. “Both individuals were located in good health and did not require medical attention,” police said. “The Greater Sudbury Police Service extends sincere thanks to the individual who reported the kayakers missing. Your vigilance played a critical role in ensuring their safe return.” In light of the incident, police remind people heading outdoors to take precautions. “Inform someone of your destination, route and expected return time,” police said. “Ensure your equipment is in good working order and that you know how to use it. Pack essentials: water, snacks, first aid supplies and activity-specific gear.” It’s also important to bring extra batteries for flashlights and GPS devices and keep your phone charged and powered on. Should you get lost or disoriented in a safe location, stay put – this greatly increases your chances of being found quickly.
