Father-Daughter Rescued After Becoming Stranded While Kayaking

Murfreesboro Fire Rescue Department (MFRD) Swift Water Rescue team along with Rutherford County Special Operations Dive Rescue safely rescues a father and daughter who became stranded after dark while kayaking on the Stones River Sunday, Oct. 20.

A relative of the father and daughter called 9-1-1, just after 7:00 p.m., informing dispatchers that the two were lost and couldn’t navigate any further because of the darkness. The two launched their kayaks into the Stones River at the Thompson Lane Trailhead earlier in the day and were planning on ending their trip at the Nice Mill Dam Recreation Area on Sulphur Springs Road.

Rescuers were able get their location by using the GPS locator on the daughter’s cell phone.

MFRD Swift Water Rescue team found the father and daughter just before 8:30 p.m. on the West Fork Stones River and transported them to safety. They were not injured.

They were reunited with family around 9:00 p.m. at the Nice Mill Recreation Area.

“Always take a rescue light when kayaking at night,” said MFRD Battalion Chief Daryl Alexander. Also, know your distances; it’s always a lot farther went you’re traveling on the water.”

“We are glad that our county and city teams were able to work together to gain a favorable outcome in this situation,” said Rutherford County Fire Rescue Captain John Ingle.

Personnel with the Murfreesboro Police Department, Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office and Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services assisted with the rescue efforts.