Police Save 2 Kayakers Stranded On Island In Stearns Co.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Authorities in Stearns County rescued two kayakers Monday after the kayakers found themselves stranded on an island, unable to handle the fast-moving waters of the Mississippi River.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office said it first received a call at 2:16 p.m. from a bicyclist who had seen two people – identified as 21-year-old Kenneth Larkey and 16-year-old Steven Larkey – stranded on an island. The bicyclist told police he had been biking on the Sauk Rapids Lions Park trail when he heard the kayakers' calls for help.

Deputies and a DNR officer responded to the scene. Authorities launched a boat from the bank of Lions Park and found the kayakers.

The kayakers and their kayakers were brought to the east bank of the river, police said.

The kayakers told police that one of them lost control of his kayak in the fast-moving waters. The other kayaker tried to assist his companion, but both found themselves stranded on the island, calling for help.

Both of the kayakers are from Sauk Rapids.

Police said the Mississippi River and the Sauk River are both currently fast-moving waters. They should only be negotiated by those with the proper equipment, skill and training.