Kids caught on river during storm
By Aaron Follett — Daily Freeman-Journal WriterArticle Photos
A search and rescue on the Boone River went by the book on Tuesday. Sixteen individuals were reported on the river when a thunderstorm hit and all 16 were found.
The Webster City Fire Department sent out rescue crews with their water rescue boat when the storm hit early afternoon. The crews swept the Boone River looking for individuals including teenagers in canoes and inner tubes. Captain Brandon Hayes from the fire department with several volunteers was stationed at the Briggs Woods Boone River canoe access to coordinate the search.
A few individuals who reported friends and family missing were waiting with the rescue crews at the canoe access during the search. Liz Evans of Webster City and her nephew Danny Weber from Eagle Grove were waiting word about her son.
"He's with a couple of friends," Evans said.
She said that their ages were from 16 to 17.
Hayes said that the rescue boat was out in the water and five additional volunteers were driving along the trail in case some of the individuals got out of the water during the storm.
"We're basically standing by," said Hayes.
Captain Don Zehner reported that additional crews were sent out during the storm.
"We had a crew out doing tornado spotting." Zehner said.
By 4:30 p.m. all individuals were accounted for. There were no reported injuries.
"Everybody's in good shape," said Hayes. "Just a few scared kids."
