Marion County Deputies and Posse Locates Stranded Kayaker

The Marion County Sheriff's Office reminds people to carry cell phones in a waterproof container in case they are separated from their water craft.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore.) - Rescue teams from the Marion County Sheriff's Office responded around 7:00 PM on New Year's day, to the report of a missing 65-year old man, Chris Watson of Portland, who was kayaking with friends on the North Santiam River when he was caught in the current and separated from his kayak.

Lt. Sheila Lorance with the Sheriff's Office says Mr. Watson made it to the bank of the river and said he would walk out and meet his friends at the road where they left him.

"However, when they arrived he wasn't there and they called the Sheriff's Office. Deputies were unable to locate Watson and had to suspend the search until daylight."

This morning at approximately 8:45 AM, a Linn County resident called dispatch indicating there was a man standing on the bank of the Santiam River, on the Marion County side.

Lorance says Sheriff's deputies and Marion County Posse members were able to rescue Watson from the river bank where he was checked by Paramedics and cleared.

Mr. Watson was hungry but was able to stay warm throughout the night because he was wearing a dry suit, gloves, boots and a hood, Lorance said.

When on rivers and waterways, the Sheriff's Office would like to remind people to carry cell phones in a waterproof container (on their person) in case they are separated from their water craft.