Rescue of Stranded Kayak Individuals

To:	Media
From:	Green Lake Co Sheriff
Re/Event:	Stranded Kayak
Date/Time of Incident:	07/14/2018 at 3:21 pm
Address:	Grand River Wildlife Area; Town of Marquette
Date of Release	07/16/2018
Release #:	1-1

Information:
On Saturday, July 14, 2018, at approximately 3:21pm, the Green Lake County Sheriff’s E-911 Center received a call of two subjects kayaking in the Grand River Wildlife area who had become disoriented and stuck in the marsh.  As the Grand River Wildlife area is vast, with extensive water and thick cover, support and rescue assistance was sought from other local emergency responders.
Rescue staging was set on Grand River Road where Deputy staff were able to sound a siren which the victims could hear.  Additionally, due to cell phone technology, the victims could communicate with the Green Lake County Communications Center.
At approximately 4:03pm, the Green Lake County UAS (Drone) team spotted the victims via air.  A route in was then taken by a tracked UTV machine and the victims were successfully removed from the marsh.
The victims, both female, ages 55 from Markesan, and 26 from Fox Lake, were uninjured and did not require medical transport.  Both kayaks were later recovered from the marsh.
Participating agencies were the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office and Drone Team, Princeton Fire Rescue, Markesan and Marquette Fire Departments, Markesan EMS, and the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office.
 
Release Prepared by:
Mark P. Putzke, Chief Deputy Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office