NIGHTMARE for California Teenager! Kayak Overturns, Leaving Him Alone In The Woods!
A teen’s kayaking adventure turned into a harrowing ordeal as he spent a chilling night alone in the woods after his kayak capsized! 🌐 #News #TruckeeCA #California #Rescue
TRUCKEE, CA – A teenager in California was found safe on Sunday after his kayak overturned on Saturday, leaving him to spend the night alone in the woods, officials said.
The Sierra County Sheriff’s Office said the 17-year-old boy, who was not named, left the Iron Ox Campground at the Stampede Reservoir near Truckee on Saturday to kayak across the lake and take a short hike.
When he failed to return to camp, his parents reported him missing early Sunday morning.
A “full-scale search and rescue response” was launched after the sheriff’s office was notified at around 6:30 a.m. Sunday, with assistance from U.S. Forest Service law enforcement, Nevada County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, the Sheriff’s Marine Patrol boat, Truckee Police Department, and a California Highway Patrol Helicopter.
Just as search teams arrived at the reservoir, a motorcyclist found the teen on the north shore of the lake. The boy was “dehydrated and slightly hypothermic but otherwise unharmed,” the sheriff’s office said.
The teen told authorities that his kayak had overturned the night before, forcing him to swim to shore, where he spent the night.
“This incident underscores the importance of taking precautions while enjoying the natural beauty of our lakes,” the sheriff’s office said, advising people to always wear a life vest regardless of swimming ability, and to alert authorities immediately if someone goes missing, noting it’s “always better to err on the side of caution.”
“While this incident fortunately had a positive outcome, it serves as a reminder of how quickly conditions can change and how vital it is to be prepared. Had the overnight temperatures been just a little colder, the outcome could have been tragic,” the sheriff’s office said.
Written by TMX staff, with additional reporting by Jack and Kitty Norton. Editor’s note: Photos used for illustrative purposes only and do not depict the actual subject.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
