Three teenage kayakers rescued from Patoka flood waters

Three young kayakers were rescued after being stranded on the Patoka River northeast of Jasper Sunday afternoon.

According to authorities, three 18-year-olds, Brandon Jochim, Nicholas C. Day, and Seth L. Hill, all of Jasper, were kayaking in a flooded area of the Patoka River downstream from County Road 300 N when one of the kayaks overturned after running into a low-lying limb in the water.

The kayak drifted downstream in the strong current and the three kayakers became stranded as the individual in the water clung to one of the remaining boats. The kayakers were in the water for about an hour and a half until they were rescued by conservation officers.

Officers said the three were not wearing life jackets and the individual who overturned his kayak had advised them it was his first time kayaking.

Conservation Officers Kyle Hembree, Jonathan Watkins, Logan Hodges, and Tony Mann were able to rescue the boys from the water with a jon boat. They were met with an ambulance and transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital. There were no major injuries sustained from the incident.

Responding agencies included Indiana Conservation Officers, Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Jasper Police Department, Jasper Fire Department, and Life Flight of Evansville.

Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage the use of life jackets while enjoying any activity out on the water.