MONTGOMERY COUNTY, N.C.—
At least nine members of a church youth group from Raleigh had to be rescued from the Uwharrie River when their boats got caught on trees and rocks Thursday afternoon.Montgomery County spokeswoman Laura Morton said authorities received an emergency call around noon Thursday saying some of the kayakers were missing from Low Water Bridge at the Uwharrie River near the Uwharrie National Forest.
Morton said the Montgomery County Rescue Squad used a boat to rescue the children.
The group, which consisted of six adults and 24 children from Living Word Family Church in Raleigh, had started kayaking on the river at Low Water Bridge around 9 a.m. Thursday morning, officials said.
Low Water Bridge, near N.C. 109 and about 8 miles northwest of Troy, is a narrow wooden bridge over the Uwharrie River and a popular spot for kayakers and canoeists.
The initial call to 911 was made at 12:16 p.m. by a man who identified himself as Matt Beeman. He said there were nine children whose kayaks had gotten stuck on trees.
"We put in at Low Water Bridge Rd. and the rocks and stuff caught up to quite a few of our kayaks," Beeman told the operator. "There's kids stranded on trees and stuff, and we can't maneuver in with our kayaks to get them."
AUDIO: Listen to the 911 Call
Beeman said the children were ages 10 to 12 and all nine were boys, although there were girls in the group. He told the operator all were wearing life jackets.
After the group became separated, some of the members made it to a house on Ophir Rd. and called 911.
Morton said emergency responders and a Highway Patrol helicopter from Salisbury were dispatched to help search for the people. Morton said at 3:15 p.m. that everyone had been safely located.
Officials said they didn't know what happened to trigger the emergency phone call. Limited cell phone reception in the area was hampering communication.
Randolph County EMS, and Montgomery County and Moore County emergency workers also assisted in the rescue.
According to the church's Web site, the youth group of fifth- through seventh-graders was on a four-day trip to God's County Outfitters in the Uwharrie National Forest that combined outdoor adventures with Bible studies.
By the time the families and church leaders found out about the close call on the river, the rescue was over.
"I'm sure (it was a) great adventure for these kids to see God's hand to protect them, keep them safe," said associate pastor Micah Coronna. "A great lesson."
View Nearly 2 Dozen Rescued from Uwharrie River in a larger map
