MONTOURSVILLE, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Crews were searching for a man in Lycoming County after he reportedly was swept away in Loyalsock Creek.
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.
On Saturday evening, the Montoursville Fire Department announced the search will resume on Sunday morning with further State and Regional resources due to the fast-moving currents.
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission officials explained that the search will continue at 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning, and the incident is currently under investigation.
This is a developing story, and 28/22 News will provide updates as new information is made available.
