Hogs and Rats SAR Chopfest...

[River-8]

Our SAR team was tasked with assisting a Dive Team in the recovery of a kayaker.

This is a sad thing indeed, and I do not wish to detract from that.
However it was a pretty good example of teamwork, and the proper tools making a diffence.

Here a SAR type heads into the ravine with his Mistress:

The Red Kayak is visible just right of center, the victim was trapped in a log-jam to the left.

The thick brush will need a path cleared; this fellers Mistress, and another
Ratweiler made short work of that.

Members of the Dive Team head down with the litter.

A Ratweiler and Mistress head down with a couple 600' ropes.
Clearing for the anchors involved my Heavy Heart, a Sarsquatch and another Ratweiler.

A 3-to-1 mechanical advantage raising system is engaged: "Haul Team Haul!"

Members of the Dive Team are hauled from the gathering darkness...
Later they did comment that it was nice having a "road" cleared for them!

At the top, SAR and the Dive Team complete the recovery.

Our hearts go out to his friends and family.

 

[banana-clip]

Awesome pics and beautiful country.

Great job saving the Kayaker!!

 

[GregS]

Awesome pics and beautiful country.

Great job saving the Kayaker!!

I got the impression that the kayaker was dead. And they were recovering the remains. I bet you guys have been a sight for sore eyes for many...

 

[Snakedoc]

Thanks for sharing the pics 8.

A sad day for his friends and family for sure, at least a recovery helps with closure.

 

[Guyon]

Sad indeed. You cannot let your guard down or your skills slip around strainers, even in Class I water. That river looks like Class IV or higher water from the glimpses I see. I wonder if the kayaker hit a rock first or just got trapped in the strainer.

Thanks go out to this SAR team and the many others here in the States. Ya'll do important work and truly serve the community.

 

[barrabas74]

Sad to hear but I am glad you all were able to recover the body for the family. Great pics showing what you do and the teamwork required to do so. I kayak and nearly drowned on flat water last year (did a roll, couldnt complete and my sprayskirt tab was tucked in and I couldnt properly wet eject). I have Kayak'd class IV and rafted V....getting pinned or stuck gets in the back of your mind when waters that big.

 

[Maqua]

Cool post and nice pics....bummer about the kayaker dying. What a way to go.

 

[boxerman5569]

River-8 Looks like you and your team really helped that swift water team kudos to you guys for being prepared, recoveries are the hard part of the job. Gregs Recoveries are for bodies and rescues are of live victims.

 

[boxerman5569]

River-8 it looks like your team is well trained also.

 

[RussMo]

Yep nothing can replace training and dedication. Congrats on a job well done R-8. The solace in this is the recovery team did there job without anyone else being hurt or injured, and that is going back to training and dedication!!!