Stranded Kayakers Rescued From Upper Iowa River

Winneshiek County authorities rescued nearly a dozen kayakers from the Upper Iowa River Tuesday afternoon.

Just before 2 PM, sheriff's officials received a report that one of 11 kayakers was hanging onto tree branches in the water after overturning and losing the boat. The others were stranded on an island near Chimney Rock Park.

According to sheriff's officials, Decorah Fire and Rescue crews used a drone to locate the party and rescued them to safety. Authorities said the rescued kayakers were family members, ranging in age from 6- to 71-year-old years old.

Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa Department of Transportation officers assisted at the scene.