MENIFEE COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18)– Three female campers who were reported missing in Red River Gorge have been found safe, authorities report.
The girls had been missing for 24 hours and were last seen at Callies Lake Campground in Powell County before leaving to go kayaking. Rescue crews searching for them found them stranded in Swift Creek in Menifee County.
The kayakers were expected out Monday evening. When the kayakers did not return, one of the girls’ boyfriend received a text that the group was stranded.
Officials requested assistance from Redriveradventure Ky for a canoe to be used to paddle up the river. Unfortunately, water levels were not conducive to use a vessel in addition, would not be allowed in the wilderness area. Based on the low water levels, the decision was made to hike up the trail instead of using the canoe.
A rescuer was able to locate the kayakers approx 3/4 of a mile from the one lane bridge paddling/portaging their boats down the water and all three were uninjured.
