Kayakers stranded due to Monday’s high winds

TWRA

MARION COUNTY, Tenn. (WDEF) — On Monday, 33 kayakers became stranded near Nickajack Cave in Marion County due to powerful winds.

The Haletown Fire Department and TWRA officers responded to help these kayakers around 8:30 p.m. CT. Officers found even children were stranded.

However, all the kayakers were safe and wearing life jackets.

The group was out touring the Nickjack Cave. They entered the water from the Macedonia Road boat ramp earlier that evening.

The TWRA said harsh conditions and high winds challenged the kayakers. Three of those kayakers swam to the boat dock, while the other 30 remained stranded.

This group made it to shore near the cave and called for help.

The New Hope Fire Department then brought a small boat for assistance, but it was knocked off the trailer by winds before disconnecting from the trailer.

However, the boat was recovered and was not damaged.

First responders on scene then used the boat to ferry the remaining kayakers to shore. From there, first responders provided medical assistance. However, no one was injured in the incident.

“This is a great example of the importance of life jackets. With water temperatures in the mid to high 40’s and high windspeeds, life jackets were a key safety factor,” said TWRA Boating Officer David Holt.

Edit: The original story noted there were 27 total kayakers stranded instead of 33. It stated the Haletown Fire Department brought a boat, but it was actually the New Hope Fire Department. Haletown FD’s boat was too large for the shallow water in this area.