Found Safe SC - 2 kayakers, got separated, Congaree National Park, Richland County, 8 Mar 2019

[cybervampira]

DEVELOPING: Rescue crews searching for missing kayakers at Congaree National Park

A search is underway at the Congaree National Park for two kayakers who got separated Friday (3/8) night.

According to officials, multiple local agencies are on scene at the park.

Two kayakers reportedly got separated on the water. Crews have made contact over cell phone with one of the kayakers.

 

[MimosaMornings]

Rainy conditions with a low of 49 tonight.

 

[whoizzit]

SCDNR crews searching for two kayakers at the Congaree National Park

Video shows an overhead map of the area.

Looks to be pretty much flat-water paddling.

Congaree River | American Rivers

This is my radar pinging a little. Did they not wear PFDs? One of them not know how to swim?

It doesn't look like there's any whitewater paddling, though I wonder if the rain has created flooding downstream resulting in strainers (underwater downed trees/debris) or fast water they didn't anticipate?

I hope they're both found quickly!

 

[SeesSeas]

No update since last night.
Search underway for lost kayakers at Congaree National Park
Friday, March 8th 2019
[...]
McCullough said it appears that two people were kayaking together but got separated from each other and off their intended path. He said the recent rainy weather may have been a factor.

McCullough said many kayakers follow specific waterway trails throughout the park, but higher water levels can make it difficult to distinguish one path from the next.

"What happens is the water gets so strong and -- all of the sudden -- you realize you're not in the creek you thought you were in," McCullough said.
[...]

 

[SeesSeas]

UPDATE: Second kayaker found safe after search at Congaree National Park
Updated March 9 at 9:33 AM
COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - The second kayaker who was separated from another at Congaree National Park late Friday has been located, park officials said on Saturday.

Officials say the second kayaker was able to walk himself into the park’s visitor’s center, ending the search.

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources spokesperson Captain Robert McCullough confirmed that the first kayaker was found around 2:30 a.m. Saturday and is OK. SCDNR crews resumed their search for the second kayaker at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.

 

[Alice253]

Yay! So glad both are safe.

 

[MimosaMornings]

With all the rainy weather, I’m surprised they decided to go kayaking!
I’m so glad they are both safe and sound!

 

[Falling Down]

I lived in Columbia for a few years, and used to enjoy the park.

Rain, and releases from the Saluda Shoals dam, can change the dynamics along the Congaree, and the park floods. Thankfully they're safe.