Watercraft operator rescued from rapids

(Editor’s Note: As a regular walker of the paths above, I have seen personal watercraft in the lower Whirlpool Rapids on a few occasions. The area is not considered navigable and an incident like this one was likely inevitable.)

By Rob Bennett

Robshots

A Canadian man was rescued from the Lower Niagara River following a mishap yesterday while jetsking.

Around 3pm, American and Canadian authorities responded for reports of a man in the water near Whirlpool Wednesday afternoon after became separated from the jetski he was operating. According to witnesses, the male was seen bobbing in the rapids and heard yelling for help as he continued to float downstream. Those who saw this called 911.

In addition to emergency services, a helicopter from Niagara Helicopters and a Whirlpool Jet Boat assisted with the search and rescue. It was reported that the male was rescued by a Whirlpool Jet Boat crew not too far from the power plant on the Canadian side.

The jetski was located in the "Whirlpool Bowl" and was towed back.

There is no further information