MONTOURSVILLE, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Crews have called off the search Sunday for a man in Lycoming County after he reportedly was swept away in Loyalsock Creek.
Montoursville Fire Department stated that they resumed the search for the missing kayaker just after 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning, after his kayak capsized due to running into downed trees.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Media Relations Official Mike Parker says they were looking for a man in his mid-20s whose kayak capsized Saturday morning.
Montoursville Fire Chief Jeff Hutchins told 28/22 News at about 10:00 a.m. Saturday, a man and a child in a kayak, along with another man in a separate kayak, tried to enter Loyalsock Creek.
Both kayaks immediately struggled to enter the waters due to the heavy currents going downriver, Chief Hutchins explained.
The man and child were able to make it to safety, but the lone kayaker went under and never resurfaced, according to Chief Hutchins.
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Chief Hutchins told 28/22 News that after the other kayakers drew attention to alert authorities, crews were called just after 11:00 a.m. for a water rescue.
Several water rescue crews were patrolling the creek, which is often visited by anglers and kayakers, Chief Hutchins added.
Chief Hutchins says authorities also deployed drones and helicopters for help in the air while ground crews used chainsaws to clear the bank of debris, such as logs, downed trees, and thick brush.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is heading the investigation for the missing kayaker.
An official with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission told 28/22 News on Sunday just before 4:00 p.m. that the search has been called off.
Authorities explained that multiple drones and boats with sonar capabilities were deployed Sunday during their search.
Officials added that crews cleared debris near the area where they thought they would find the man, but were unsuccessful in their efforts.
This is a developing story, and 28/22 News will provide updates as new information is made available.
