Capsized kayaker rescued late at night from Piscataqua River in Dover
Ian LenahanDOVER — Rescue crews saved a kayaker from the Piscataqua River late Tuesday night after the kayak capsized into approximately 50-degree waters.
Dover Fire & Rescue was notified by New Hampshire State Police at 11:47 p.m. Tuesday that a late-night fisherman had plunged into the waters, according to Deputy Fire Chief Craig Chabot. The location was reported to be in the river near Hilton Park, which is on Dover Point Road.
The Newington Fire Department joined Dover responders, arriving with a rescue boat and pulled the man safely from the water. The kayaker was brought to Great Bay Marina, where the Dover Fire Department assessed him and transported him to Portsmouth Regional Hospital as a precaution due to the cold water.
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The kayaker did not sustain any injuries in the incident, according to Chabot. Fifteen minutes passed between Dover fire and rescue being notified and the man being pulled into the boat.
Because the man’s location in the river was initially unknown, state police, along with the Portsmouth Fire Department and the Coast Guard were called. The other companies were called off before they arrived, Chabot noted.
Safety tips for kayakers
Kayakers or boaters traveling alone, according to the deputy fire chief, should always have the proper boating equipment. Routes should be mapped out, he continued, and kayakers and boaters should know the weather forecast in advance, wear a proper-fitting life jacket or personal flotation device, tell someone their route ahead of traveling and their estimated time of return, carry a whistle in case of emergency, and bring water, food and sunscreen.
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“Make sure you have the appropriate training and experience prior to boating or kayaking on your own,” Chabot advised.
The deputy fire chief said the fire department is not aware of who reported the overturned kayaker to state police.
State law requires all vessels in New Hampshire, including kayaks and canoes, have life jackets or personal flotation devices on board.