2 paddlers missing on swollen Buffalo River; 1 person located

Rescuers were trying to reach two canoe paddlers who went missing on the rain-swollen Buffalo National River Wednesday afternoon.

Park spokesman Caven Clark said Buffalo National River authorities received a call at 11 a.m. that two paddlers were in trouble on the upper Buffalo, near Kyles Landing between Ponca and Pruitt.

Shortly after 3 p.m., one paddler was reported safe on an upstream island, but without means of reaching either shore. The other paddler was in the river downstream from Kyles Landing.

National Park Service rangers responded to the area and conducted a “hasty” search by land on both sides of the river to quickly attempt to locate the paddlers. Observers reported debris, including a cooler, and a personal flotation device floating downstream from what was likely the site of a canoe capsize.

At 2:30 p.m., two rescue boats had been launched from the Steel Creek access to conduct a systematic search. In addition to the Buffalo National River Search and Rescue Team, others involved include a team of AmeriCorps workers, Harrison Swift Water Rescue, and the Newton County Sherriff’s Department.

An incident command system is in place and visitors are requested to avoid the Kyles Landing area while the search is active. The search will be continued until dark, and will resume Thursday morning if necessary.