Local law enforcement and rescue agencies were dispatched to Mulberry River near Hancock Bridge Road on Saturday after two juveniles discovered a submerged kayak.
The incident occurred just before 8 p.m. on April 10. Barrow County firefighters and sheriff’s deputies located the kayak in the middle of Mulberry River wedged under several large tree limbs.
Barrow Engine 6, Med 6 and Battalion 1 along with interim chief John Skinner, deputy chief Bryan Bullock and public information officer Lt. Scott Dakin responded to the scene.
Due to the location of the kayak, the angle of the river’s edge and the temperature of the water, Athens Clarke County Fire Department’s Swift Water Rescue Team was called to assist. The Jackson Trail Fire Department also responded to provide lighting for the recovery effort.
Upon reaching the kayak, rescuers with the Athens Clarke Fire Department discovered the kayak had broken in two. Rescuers searched the surrounding area but no other pieces of the kayak were found.
“It appeared that the kayak had been there for a long time and had only been seen due to the lower water levels recently,” Dakin said. “However, as a professional department, we have to completely investigate calls like this.”
Dakin thanked the Athens Clarke Fire Department and Jackson Trail Fire Department for their assistance with this call. “This is one more call that shows the dedication and cooperation between all departments locally and across county lines that Barrow citizens can and do expect from their public safety professionals,” Dakin said.
